12.08.24 Romans 9.30-33

### Message 3: Righteousness by Faith, Not by Works (Romans 9:30-33)

#### Introduction

The conclusion of Romans 9 shifts the focus from God’s sovereignty to human responsibility, particularly in how people respond to the gospel. Paul contrasts the Jews, who pursued righteousness through the law, with the Gentiles, who attained righteousness by faith. This message will explore the nature of faith, the stumbling block of works-based righteousness, and how we can apply this truth both personally and corporately.

#### Faith vs. Works

In Romans 9:30-32, Paul writes, “What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; but that Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it.” This stark contrast highlights a central theme in Paul’s theology: righteousness comes through faith, not by works of the law (Romans 3:28).

Israel’s mistake was not in pursuing righteousness itself but in seeking it through their own efforts. In Romans 10:3, Paul explains that the Jews sought to establish their own righteousness rather than submitting to God’s righteousness through faith in Christ. This mirrors the warning in Isaiah 64:6, where human righteousness is described as "filthy rags" when disconnected from God’s grace.

#### Christ, the Stumbling Stone

Paul refers to Christ as the “stumbling stone” (Romans 9:33), quoting Isaiah 28:16 and 8:14. For the Jews, Jesus was a stumbling block because He offered a way of salvation that undermined their reliance on the law. Instead of embracing Christ as the fulfillment of the law, many rejected Him because they were committed to a system of works-righteousness.

In a free-will framework, this rejection of Christ is a clear example of human choice. Though God had offered salvation through Jesus, many chose to reject Him, just as they had rejected God’s prophets in the past (Matthew 23:37).

#### Personal Application

This passage

invites us to examine our own hearts. Are we relying on our own efforts to earn God’s favor, or are we resting in the finished work of Christ? Faith is not about striving but about trusting in what Christ has already accomplished. We are called to abandon any attempt to justify ourselves and instead receive the gift of righteousness by faith.

#### Corporate Application

As a church, we must be careful not to promote a works-based mentality, even subtly. The gospel we proclaim is one of grace, and our ministries should reflect that by emphasizing faith in Christ over religious performance. We must also be sensitive to those who, like the Jews in Paul’s day, may find the gospel of grace difficult to accept. In our preaching and teaching, we should emphasize that salvation is a gift that cannot be earned.

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### Conclusion

Romans 9 offers a profound exploration of God’s sovereignty, human free will, and the mystery of salvation. From a free-will perspective, we see that God’s election and mercy operate in harmony with human responsibility. We are called to respond to His grace, trusting not in our own works but in the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. As individuals and as a church, may we humbly receive and extend God’s grace to the world around us.