The Assurance of Salvation: Calling on the Savior

Calling on Jesus: The Simple Path to Salvation

Bible Passage: Romans 10:1–11

Summary: Romans 10:1–11 emphasizes the contrast between pursuing righteousness through the law and receiving salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul passionately desires that all may understand that salvation is not achieved by human efforts but by calling on the name of the Lord with genuine faith, highlighting that salvation is offered freely to all who believe, which includes children.

Application: This sermon can aid children in grasping the truth that they don’t need to be 'perfect' or follow a set of rules to be loved and accepted by God. They can come to Christ as they are, which can empower them to speak to others about the simplicity of faith and the need to accept Jesus into their hearts.

Teaching: The teaching aims to show that faith in Jesus is the cornerstone of salvation. It teaches that righteousness is not earned but received through confessing Jesus as Lord, which invites children into a personal relationship with Him.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, we see how Christ is the culmination of God's plan for salvation, fulfilling the law's requirements and providing a direct path to God. When we confess Jesus as Lord, we embrace Him as the ultimate solution for our separation from God due to sin.

Big Idea: Salvation comes simply and joyfully through faith in Christ, reminding us that all children can confidently invite Jesus into their lives without any barrier or prerequisite.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon with Logos, look into the cultural understanding of righteousness in Paul's time and how it contrasts with faith in Christ. Consider exploring the implications of verse 10 in terms of confession and belief, as well as related passages that reinforce the simplicity of the Gospel. This could provide rich context and application for the children's understanding of accepting Jesus.

1. Pleading for Our Friends

Romans 10:1-3

Maybe you could start by illustrating how Paul's deep longing for the salvation of his fellow Israelites mirrors our own desires to see our friends follow Jesus. Emphasize that just as Paul clarified that zeal without the right understanding of faith in Christ isn't enough to save, children can rest assured that coming to God doesn't require perfect knowledge or deeds. It's about embracing Jesus. Highlight that Jesus fulfilled all necessary requirements for salvation on our behalf.

Think about a treasure map that leads to a hidden treasure. Paul’s longing for the salvation of his fellow Israelites was like him wanting to share that treasure map with his friends! He knew the treasure—Jesus—was the answer. Some might have thought they needed to study every detail of the treasure map, but in truth, all they needed was to follow the path Jesus laid out for them. Just like kids don’t need to know everything to find hidden treasure, they just need to take that first step with Jesus!

2. Promise Fulfilled in Jesus

Romans 10:4-7

Perhaps you could explain that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness, meaning He completed what we couldn't through rules and laws. For a child, this means they can relax in Jesus' love because He invites them into His family not by what they do, but by who they trust. It's a joyful invitation for each child, breaking down any intimidating hurdles. This section assures children that any effort to 'earn' God's love is unnecessary because Jesus already completed that work.

Think of how a dad hugs his child after a long day. That hug brings comfort and love without any conditions. Jesus offers us that kind of love every day! He says we don’t have to try to earn His love by following every rule perfectly; rather, we just need to trust Him. When we do, we are embraced with joy into God’s family, just like that warm hug from a loving parent!

3. Proclaiming a Simple Faith

Romans 10:8-11

You could suggest walking through how these verses tell us what is near us—the Word of faith we proclaim. Teach how confessing with your mouth 'Jesus is Lord' and believing in your heart that God raised him from the dead means children can truly be saved. Explain that salvation is readily available, stressing the simplicity and openness of the invitation. Encourage children to recognize that just speaking to Jesus and expressing their faith brings them to Him joyfully and simply.

Once, a little girl sat on her porch, feeling sad because her friends couldn’t come out to play. Her father told her to simply ask them to join her. With a brave heart, she yelled, ‘Come play!’ And just like that, her friends rushed over, excited to join her. Similarly, we can call out to Jesus, and just by saying His name, we invite Him into our hearts. The invitation to be His friend is as simple as asking your buddies to play.

What does Romans 10:1-3 teach us about Paul's feelings for his friends?

What does it mean that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness?

How can you share your faith in Jesus with your friends?

What are some ways you can invite Jesus into your daily life?

What is the simple message of faith that Paul talks about in Romans 10:8-11?