Does Our Faith Count? | Scripture Interpretation & Spiritual Foundations | Romans 9:30–33

Is Your Faith Genuine?

0:03 Have you ever wondered whether your faith in Christ is genuine? In Romans 9, 30-33, Paul tells us that the Gentiles obtain righteousness simply because they believe. Conversely, Israel failed to attain righteousness because they pursued it as though it were by works rather than by faith. As a result, they stumbled over the very one God had sent to save them, Jesus Christ, the stumbling stone. To show that righteousness by faith was always God's plan, Paul then proceeds to quote the prophet Isaiah.

0:46 More than 700 years before Christ was born, Isaiah declared that everyone who believes in Jesus will never be put to shame. Stay with me as we explore this powerful passage and discover why everyone who truly believes in Christ can have confidence that their faith is real and that they will never be put to shame.

The Surprise Inheritance Picture

1:12 The New York Times once reported that someone unexpectedly received a bequest worth several hundred thousand dollars. A close relative died and left it to the individual in his will. Similarly, the Gentiles obtained access to righteousness without having looked for it. In Romans 9 30, Paul asks his familiar rhetorical question, What shall we say then? Prior to his summation of the situation.

What Righteousness By Faith Means

1:48 Paul then declares that the Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness nonetheless received the righteousness that is by faith. Gentiles refers to non-Jews or the heathen. In the Old Testament, Gentiles are referred to as the nations. All of mankind can be divided into Jew and Gentile. The Greek word that is used here for pursuit means to run after someone as one would a fleeing enemy. It was often used to denote the chasing down of criminals. It implies tracking something similar to the hounds and the hunt who would be intensely following after the fox.

2:34 Interestingly, the Gentiles were not running toward God but from God. These idle worshipping Gentiles characteristically did not seek after righteousness but rather wickedness. Certainly, some pursued a human form of righteousness, which is wrongness in the eyes of our holy God. Righteousness indicates rightness of character before God and rightness of actions before men. The righteousness that is of God can be explained as being all that God is, all that He commands, and all that He provides through faith in Christ.

3:16 This righteousness is imputed righteousness and is granted from the Savior's account to the sinner's account, thereby fully meeting God's demands. This aspect of salvation is often referred to by theologians as past and salvation, as it is a one-time historical event. It occurred the moment we truly believe in Christ. Let us reflect on the truth that it does not matter what we may have been and how we may have lived. Faith in Jesus Christ leads to righteousness. In Romans 4 9-10, Paul noted that Abraham was reckoned as righteous before he was circumcised, when in effect he was still a Gentile.

4:07 There were no Jews in existence at this time, so that he might be the father of all who believe. Paul is not saying that Gentiles are saved on a different basis than Jews, but that the human requirement for salvation is faith. Faith has always been the key to obtaining God's righteousness in both the Old and the New Testaments. We read that by faith Noah, who was in fact a Gentile, in that he lived before Israel was formed, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household.

4:49 Noah then became an ear of the righteousness which is according to faith. Faith is a convicted heart, reaching out to receive God's free and unmerited gift of salvation. Faith then shows itself as being genuine by a changed life. These Gentiles who are certainly not seeking after righteousness of their own making, found righteousness through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Charles Mulley Meets Jesus

5:19 Charles Mulley discovered this righteousness by faith at the age of 17 in 1966 while living in Kenya. At that point in time, a dispirited, depressed, and dejected Charles was working on a plan to take his own life. However, before he had a chance to act on his thoughts, a boy who worked alongside him in the coffee fields invited him to a meeting. Charles followed the boy to a large hall just off the main road. Charles followed his friend inside, and together they found a seat in the middle of the hall near an aisle.

6:01 All around him were young people, about 300 of them, clapping, laughing, and singing enthusiastically. Next, a middle-aged man clad in a boldy patterned black and white shirt stood at the front and began preaching to the crowd. Charles listened carefully to the preacher, and what he heard seemed too good to be true. Suddenly, Charles' whole world opened up. Someone loved him. Someone would always be with him. When the preacher asked those who wanted to accept Jesus to walk to the front, Charles was the first out of his seat.

6:42 Charles left the hall that night filled with joy. Before going to bed, Charles knelt to pray. Charles asked God to help him forgive his parents and bless them. As he prayed, he felt incredibly free inside. The hatred that had bound him so tightly was dissolving. Where in your life are you still acting as if God's acceptance depends on your performance rather than on Christ's finished word? The Gentiles receive righteousness without even chasing it. But what about those who are chasing it with all their strength?

Israel Chases Works And Stumbles

7:23 Paul now turns to Israel. In Romans 9, 31 to 32, Paul points out that Israel failed to attain righteousness because they pursued it as though it were by works rather than by faith. As a result, they stumbled over the very one God had sent to save them, Jesus Christ, the stumbling stone. Paul understood this pursuit of righteousness by doing good works. In Philippians 3:6, he details that as an unconverted Jew, when he came to zeal, he was a persecutor of the Christian church. Regarding the righteousness which is in the law, Paul was blameless.

8:09 The picture Paul paints here is that of a foot race. The Gentiles who are unconcerned about acquiring righteousness actually receive the price, even though they are not competing with the Jews. In Matthew 23, 23, Jesus made it very clear that the Pharisees who labored legalistically, even hypocritically tithing the smallest of seeds, still fell short of perfection. Paul points out that without exception, no Jew attained the perfect standard set by the law. The Gentiles, sunk in carelessness and sin, attained the favor of God through faith in Jesus, while the Jews failed to do so.

8:58 This is due to the fact that the Jews' effort was not grounded in faith, but in works designed to gain acceptance. The Jews missed righteousness because they did not see the end of the law, which results in righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, the righteous one. Righteousness has always been by grace through faith, and not the result of works, so that no man might boast. Israel failed to follow the prototype Abraham, who presented a pattern by which one attains God's righteousness. Genesis 15:6 tells us that Abraham believed in the Lord and he reckoned it to him as righteousness.

9:43 As the Jews pursued righteousness by works rather than by simple childlike faith, they stumbled over the stumbling stone, Jesus. The Greek word that is used here for stone was used to describe stones of every sort, including precious stones. The Old Testament equivalent word is Eben, which is part of the familiar Hebrew word Ebenezer, which means stone of hell. Stumble here paints a picture of a traveler who bumps against an obstacle and is caused to stumble. Jesus did not conform to the Jews' expectations, as he did not defeat the Roman army and set up an earthly kingdom.

10:30 The Israelites did not recognize that Christ the stone was a sure foundation for eternal life, and as a result, they fell headlong over him. Jesus' stone either becomes your sure foundation or the one over whom you stumble. Throughout history, many have stumbled over the same stone.

When Jesus Disrupts Our Expectations

10:52 In the early fourth century, a priest named Arius taught that Jesus was not fully God, that there was a time when the Son did not exist, and that he was a created being of lesser essence than the Father. This denial of Christ's full deity sparked a fierce controversy that shook the church. Emperor Constantine convened the council of Nisi in 325 AD to settle the matter. After intense debate, the council affirmed what Scripture declares. Jesus is God of God, light of light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, of one substance with the Father.

11:40 Is Jesus currently the rock you are standing on or the stone you keep tripping over because he doesn't fit your expectations? Jesus is either the stone that causes people to stumble or the rock on which they stand.

Isaiah’s Promise Of No Shame

11:57 Paul now turns to the prophet Isaiah to show us the outcome for everyone who trusts Jesus. More than 700 years before Christ was born, Isaiah declared that everyone who believes in Jesus will never be put to shame. In Romans 9.33, Paul states, as it is written, see I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble, and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame. Paul combines two statements which are found in Isaiah 8.14 and Isaiah 28.16. These outline the contrast in reactions by men to the stone that God placed in Zion.

12:49 To some people, Jesus Messiah would prove to be a stumbling stone and rock of offense. Others would believe on Jesus Christ and find no reason for shame, offense, or disappointment. Paul wants every reader to look to the stone that has been laid in Zion. The Greek imagery behind Paul's language is that of an obstacle lying across a road, much like a fallen tree blocking the path and causing travelers to stumble. The rock metaphor clearly symbolizes Christ. Originally, the Greek word that is used here for offense referred to the arm or stick on which Bait was fixed in a trap.

13:34 Later, this word came to mean any stumbling block placed in a man's way to trip him up. Paul is saying in these verses that the Messiah is either a stumbling stone to perdition or a stepping stone to salvation. That stone which caused Israel to stumble, the rock which offended their self-righteousness, was none other than their Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. Israel's rejection of their Messiah resulted in God setting Israel aside and turning to the Gentiles. As human beings, the thought of public confession of Christ might cause some trepidation as we envision that others might laugh at or scorn us.

14:22 However, the opposite is true. Our confession of Jesus on earth leads to his confession of us in heaven. Ours is a hope that will never be disappointed. As believers in Jesus, we shall not be ashamed in the evil time. Calamities will come, but deliverances will come also. As the righteous never reckon upon immunity from trouble, they will not be disappointed when they're called to take their share of it. In the midst of whatever life may bring, we will cast ourselves upon our God and prove again his faithfulness and love.

15:03 God is not a friend in the sunshine only. He's a friend indeed and a friend in need. What a privilege to be part of God's great family.

A Life Changed From The Inside

15:14 Florence Young was able to demonstrate the truth of God's love while serving as a missionary in China in the late 1800s. As new missionaries in Yanshan, the curious local Chinese villagers who come to visit their home. One such person who came to check out the house was a man named Lio. He was an opium addict and asked Florence if she had medicines to cure him of his addiction. Florence explained that she did not, but that Jesus Christ could change his life and help him overcome his addiction. After several visits, Liao decided to become a Christian and asked God to set him free from his addiction.

16:01 It was not easy for him, and when he craved opium, he would visit the mission house where the missionaries would pray for and with him. Slowly, over several weeks, Liao broke his addiction to opium. Florence was amazed at the change in Liao's appearance. Now he held his shoulders back and his head high and his face be with new life and vitality. Soon he began traveling to outlying villages where he would tell people, yes indeed, this savior is a great savior. He saved me from my opium. Then Liao would point at his face and add, look at me, am I not how can beautiful to behold.

16:47 What would change in the way you live this week if you truly believe that trust in Jesus means you'll never be disappointed or abandoned?

Recap Plus Prayer And Invitation

16:58 It started by asking if you have ever wondered whether our faith in Christ is genuine. As we analyze Romans 9, 30 to 33, we discovered that the Gentiles obtained righteousness simply because they believe. Conversely, Israel failed to attain righteousness because they pursued it as though it were by works rather than by faith. As a result, they stumbled over the very one God had sent to save them, Jesus Christ, the stumbling stone. We receive assurance from the prophet Isaiah, who declared more than 700 years before Christ was born that everyone who believes in Jesus will never be put to shame.

17:47 No matter what others may think of us, no matter how difficult our circumstances become, those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ will never discover that they believed in vain. The stone over which many stumble has become our sure foundation. Everyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame. Before you go, if this message spoke to you, like this podcast and subscribe so you don't miss what God is doing here at Catch on Fire Podcasts. If you're ready for real change, take a moment right now to pray with me.

18:33 Jesus, I give you my life, lead me, forgive me, and make me new. If you pray that, welcome to the family. Follow along, stay connected, and let's walk this walk together. Growing scripture, discipleship, and Christian leadership through the online course found at Biblical Discipleship Academy.uscreen dot io. Discover the covenant story and learn to see the Bible as one unified story. Go deeper with until Christ is formed in you and grow as a disciple of Jesus. Explore leadership is discipleship and learn why true Christian leadership begins with following Jesus.

19:27 Start studying, start learning, start growing. Join us at Biblical Discipleship Academy.uscreen dot io.

Speaking Declarations Over Our Lives

19:38 Please join me as we confess words of life over all of our lives. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that we are still holding on to God's unchanging hand. We are still in God's holy plan. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that we are living holy lives as God requires. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that we are feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, giving clothes to those in need, ministering to the sick and visiting those in prison, and we are doing so to the least of those among us, as when we do so we are ministering to Jesus.

20:25 We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that we have received healing, as by his stripes we are healed. From the crown of our head to the soles of our feet, all of our bodily organs are working correctly. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that God is ordering our steps, that all weapons that are formed against us have been utterly and completely destroyed, and every tongue that is rising against us in judgment is condemned. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that all generational curses are cancelled.

21:00 Anything that runs in our ancestral bloodline that is not of God has no power over us, our children and our grandchildren, and is eliminated forever right now. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that angels are watching over and keeping our family, our children, our grandchildren, our loved ones safe. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that every negative word that has been and is been over our lives and that of our family, children, grandchildren, and loved ones is cancelled and sent back to the pit from whence it came.

21:43 We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that we are the head and not the tail. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that we are not and will never be ashamed. Our enemies have not and never will triumph over us. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that anything that is not of God that has been dispatched to hinder our blessings, our progress, and our well-being is immediately destroyed. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that we are financially in line with God's word, and as such we are lenders and not borrowers.

22:18 As a result, all of our debts have been paid and are forgiven. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that the enemy of our souls has no authority over our finances and our funds, and that we are good stewards of the money that God has placed in our keeping. We declare and decree in the name of Jesus in the area of business and our carriers, that just as Isaac reaped a hundredfold, the blessings of Abraham are falling on us, and we are reaping a hundredfold from whatever we put our hands to.

22:55 We declare and decree in the name of Jesus that we are living under an open heaven in every area of our lives. Blessings are falling on us, our family and our loved ones. These blessings are being manifested in our lives, in the spiritual and in the physical.

Psalm 23 And Final Blessing

23:13 Let's repeat the 23rd Psalm together. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restored my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over.

23:54 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Amen.