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Romans 10:3
Verse
Context
The Word Brings Salvation
2For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge.3Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.4For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For - being ignorant of God's righteousness - Not knowing God's method of saving sinners, which is the only proper and efficient method: and going about to establish their own righteousness - seeking to procure their salvation by means of their own contriving; they have not submitted - they have not bowed to the determinations of the Most High, relative to his mode of saving mankind, viz. through faith in Jesus Christ, as the only available sacrifice for sin - the end to which the law pointed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For they being ignorant of God's righteousness--that is, for the justification of the guilty (see on Rom 1:17). and going about--"seeking" to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God--The apostle views the general rejection of Christ by the nation as one act.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For they being ignorant of God's righteousness,.... Either of the righteousness of God revealed in the Gospel, which is no other than the righteousness of Christ, and which they knew nothing of, the whole Gospel being a sealed book, and wholly hidden from them; or of the righteousness of God required in the law, they imagining that only an external conformity to the commands of the law, was all that was necessary to attain to a justifying righteousness by it, not knowing the spirituality of it, and that it required conformity of heart and nature, as well as life and conversation; or rather of the attribute of God's righteousness, the strictness of his justice, the purity and holiness of his nature: for though they knew that he was holy, just, and righteous, yet did not think he was so strict as to insist upon every punctilio, and to take notice of every little default and defect in obedience; and especially that he had any regard to the heart and the thoughts of it, and required perfect purity there or that he would accept of nothing less than an absolutely perfect and complete righteousness; nor justify any without full satisfaction to his justice: hence they were going about to establish their own righteousness; which they would never have done, had they known the righteousness of God, in either of the above senses; the Alexandrian copy, and some others, omit the word "righteousness", and only read, "their own", leaving it to be understood, and which is easily done; and so reads the Vulgate Latin version: by "their own righteousness", as opposed to God's, is meant the righteousness of works, their obedience to the law, an outward conformity to it, an observance of the rituals of it, and a little negative holiness. This they endeavoured to "establish" or "make to stand" in the sight of God, as their justifying righteousness, which is all one as setting chaff and stubble, briers and thorns, to a consuming fire; as the attempt expresses madness in them, the phrase suggests weakness in their righteousness, which they would fain make to stand, but could not, it being like a spider's web before the besom, or like a dead carcass, which men would set upon its feet to stand alone, but it cannot; than which nothing can be a greater instance of egregious folly: their "going about" or "seeking" to do this, shows their ignorant zeal, and the toil, the pains, the labour they used to effect it, but all in vain, and to no purpose; as appears by their hearing, reading, fasting, praying, giving alms to the poor, and tithes of all they possessed; all which they were very careful and studious of, and especially to have them done in the sight of men: and so it was that they have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God; that is, the righteousness of Christ, so called, because approved and accepted of by God, imputed by him to his people, and given them by him as a free gift, and which only justifies in his sight; and because it is wrought by Christ, who is truly and properly God, and revealed and applied by the Spirit of God. This the Jews submitted not to, because they had no true humble sense of themselves as sinners, nor did they care to acknowledge themselves as such; which submission to Christ's righteousness requires and necessarily involves in it; no man will ever be subject to it, till he is made sensible of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and brought to an humble acknowledgment of it; the Spirit of God first convinces of sin and then of righteousness; and because they had an overweening opinion of their own righteousness, which they trusted to, and depended upon, imagining it to be blameless, and to contain all that the law required, and therefore they stood in no need of any other; and as for the righteousness of Christ they had it in contempt, their carnal minds being enmity to him, were not subject to his righteousness, nor could they, nor can any be, without the powerful efficacious grace of God, making them willing in the day of his power. This phrase denotes the rebellion of their wills, against Christ and his righteousness, they acting as rebellious subjects against their sovereign prince.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:3 God’s way of making people right with himself: See 1:17; 3:21-26. Paul uses this phrase to explain Israel’s failure in terms basic to the gospel. God manifested his righteousness through the ministry of Christ, but most Jews did not understand it, partly because they were so focused on the law as a way of securing their own righteousness.
Romans 10:3
The Word Brings Salvation
2For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge.3Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.4For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Jehovah Tsidkenu - the Lord Our Righteousness
By David Wilkerson4.3K57:08Names Of GodISA 61:10MAT 6:33ROM 3:22ROM 10:32CO 5:21PHP 3:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the various Hebrew names of God and how they reveal his character and nature. Specifically, he focuses on the name Jehovah Sid Kenyu, which means "the Lord our righteousness." He emphasizes that true righteousness cannot be legislated or enforced by human laws, but rather comes from a changed heart. The prophet Jeremiah's hope for righteousness in Israel was shattered because the people and the priesthood were backslidden. The sermon encourages listeners to examine their own hearts and seek true righteousness from God.
Barriers Broken Down
By C.H. Spurgeon2.7K51:48ISA 45:22MAT 6:33JHN 3:36ACT 16:31ROM 10:1ROM 10:32CO 5:21The sermon transcript discusses the blessedness of Jesus Christ, who is described as God's only begotten Son, the Word made flesh. It emphasizes Jesus' sacrifice and salvation for humanity through his death on the cross. The sermon also highlights the ignorance and blindness of people towards the truth of Jesus' sacrifice and the need for faith in him. It concludes with a call to submit to God and make Christ the center of one's life for ultimate victory and safety.
Knowing
By Welcome Detweiler73109:52LUK 19:10JHN 3:16ACT 16:31ROM 3:23ROM 10:32CO 11:14GAL 6:7In this sermon, the speaker expresses concern about the widespread ignorance of the gospel message among the people, despite living in a country with an abundance of Bibles. He highlights the deceptive tactics of Satan, who disguises himself as an angel of light and his ministers as apostles of Christ. The speaker emphasizes the importance of reading the Bible regularly and not relying solely on preachers for spiritual guidance. He also criticizes the tendency of people to follow second-hand ideas and traditions instead of seeking the truth directly from the Bible. The sermon concludes with a reference to Paul's letter to the Romans, where he laments the ignorance of God's righteousness and the substitution of personal ideas and religion.
God Commands Men to Repent
By Rolfe Barnard59254:15RepentanceISA 40:3JER 23:29MAT 3:2MAT 7:21ROM 10:3GAL 3:7HEB 6:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the role of John the Baptist in biblical history. He highlights the similarities between the society in John's time and the present day, emphasizing the prevalence of perverted religion and willful defiance of God's commandments. The preacher warns against making issues with God over trivial sins, as winning such battles could lead to damnation. He shares a personal anecdote about a young girl who made a bad choice by prioritizing a trip to the movies over attending church, emphasizing the importance of focusing on eternal matters.
Men, Ignorant of God's Righteousness, Would Fain Establish Their Own
By Charles Finney0GraceRighteousnessISA 64:6ROM 10:3EPH 2:8PHP 3:9Charles Finney addresses the issue of self-righteousness in his sermon, emphasizing that many, like the Jews, are ignorant of God's righteousness and attempt to establish their own. He explains that true knowledge of God involves understanding His law and the conditions for salvation, which cannot be met through personal efforts or external observances. Finney warns against the pride that leads individuals to rely on their own righteousness, urging them to submit to God's plan of salvation through Christ. He illustrates the transformative power of recognizing one's own inadequacy and embracing God's grace, leading to true repentance and faith. The sermon calls for a radical change of heart and a complete reliance on Christ for righteousness.
Away With It!
By Thomas Brooks0Righteousness of ChristHumilityISA 64:6MAT 5:20LUK 18:14ROM 10:32CO 5:21GAL 2:16EPH 2:8PHP 3:9JAS 4:6REV 4:10Thomas Brooks emphasizes the necessity of humility in recognizing that our own righteousness is inadequate and worthless compared to the righteousness of Christ. He cites the Apostle Paul, who declares his desire to be found in Christ, devoid of personal righteousness. Brooks argues that true humility is demonstrated by discarding our own righteousness and fully relying on Christ's perfect righteousness. He warns against the pride that can accompany religious activities, urging believers to see their own efforts as insufficient. Ultimately, a humble soul acknowledges that all righteousness comes from Christ alone, symbolized by the twenty-four elders casting their crowns before Him.
Repentance From Dead Works
By Harry Ironside0Faith in ChristRepentanceISA 64:6JER 17:9JHN 14:6ACT 24:15ROM 3:19ROM 10:3GAL 3:11PHP 3:4HEB 6:1HEB 9:13Harry Ironside emphasizes the critical nature of 'repentance from dead works' in the Christian faith, contrasting it with the futile attempts of legalism to achieve righteousness. He explains that dead works refer to the efforts of individuals to earn salvation through their own actions, which are ultimately ineffective due to humanity's sinful nature. Ironside highlights that true repentance involves a complete change of mind, turning away from self-reliance and towards faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. He illustrates this with biblical examples and stresses that salvation has always been through faith, not works, as seen in the lives of figures like Abraham and David. The sermon concludes with the assurance that true life and good works flow from a relationship with Christ, not from human effort.
Romans X. 3, 4
By John Owen0Righteousness by FaithThe End of the LawROM 10:3John Owen expounds on Romans 10:3-4, emphasizing that the Jews, despite their zeal for God, failed to attain righteousness because they sought it through their own works rather than through faith in Christ. He contrasts the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness but received it through faith, highlighting the futility of self-righteousness. Owen argues that true righteousness comes from submitting to God's righteousness, which is fulfilled in Christ, the end of the law for all who believe. He warns against the dangers of relying on personal merit and stresses that justification is solely by faith, not by works. Ultimately, Owen calls for a complete reliance on Christ for righteousness and justification before God.
The Significance of the Death of Christ
By T. Austin-Sparks0The CrossIndependence from GodGEN 3:1ISA 53:5EZK 28:13JHN 8:44ROM 7:19ROM 10:32CO 5:21PHP 2:81PE 1:181JN 4:20T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of Christ's death, illustrating how it addresses the essence of sin, which is independence from God. He explains that this independence leads to enmity with God, creating distance and impotence in our spiritual lives. The sermon highlights the dual aspects of the Cross: the judgment of sin and the acceptance of Christ as the perfect sacrifice, which bridges the gap between humanity and God. Sparks urges believers to recognize the cost of salvation and the necessity of surrendering their independence to fully embrace the power of the Cross. Ultimately, he calls for a deep reverence and gratitude for the price paid for redemption.
Exposition on Psalm 74
By St. Augustine0ISA 66:2MAT 3:12MAT 5:3LUK 18:13JHN 1:17JHN 1:47ROM 9:6ROM 10:3ROM 11:1GAL 3:29St. Augustine preaches about the understanding of Asaph in the Psalms, delving into the significance of the congregation being referred to as Synagogue, symbolizing a certain understanding congregation. He explores the distinction between the people of Israel who truly follow God's ways and those who are unfaithful, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience. St. Augustine reflects on the transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament, highlighting the differences in sacraments, promises, and the need to fully surrender to God's grace and truth through Jesus Christ.
The Fruits of Union With Christ
By Catherine Booth0MAT 22:37ROM 8:4ROM 10:3JAS 1:22JAS 5:16Catherine Booth preaches about the importance of fulfilling the righteousness of the Law in us by walking after the Spirit, emphasizing the distinction between the Moral and Ceremonial Law. She challenges the misconception that we have nothing to do with the Law, highlighting the need to love and delight in God's Law. Catherine stresses the significance of loving God above all else, which manifests in our affections, family relations, church interactions, and dealings with the world, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of the Law in all aspects of our lives.
New Years' Address, January 1851
By J.C. Philpot0JHN 3:3JHN 4:24ACT 20:28ROM 10:3EPH 4:15J.C. Philpot preaches about the essence of true religion, emphasizing that it flows from the life of God in the soul. He discusses the importance of divine life within individuals, highlighting that all genuine religion is rooted in this divine work. Philpot delves into the separation between those born of the flesh and those born of the Spirit, pointing out that false religion often revolves around self. He warns against the dangers of Pharisaism and Antinomianism, stressing the need for a vital union with Christ and a pursuit of divine teaching.
Luke 2:33-35. the Words of Simeon to Mary.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 40:2LUK 2:32LUK 2:34ROM 10:31PE 2:8Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the profound encounter of Joseph, Mary, and Simeon, where Simeon prophesies about the destiny of Christ as a light to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. Simeon also forewarns Mary of the sorrows she will endure as the mother of the Savior, emphasizing the pivotal role Christ plays in the fall and rising again of many in Israel. Through Simeon's words, the rejection and acceptance of Christ are explored, illustrating how pride and self-righteousness can hinder individuals from receiving salvation.
A Messenger
By Thomas Bradbury0JOB 1:21JOB 33:23PSA 40:7PSA 51:4ISA 61:1JHN 1:14JHN 1:18ROM 5:21ROM 10:31CO 2:111TI 1:14Thomas Bradbury preaches on the remarkable book of Job, highlighting God's care for and interest in Job's education and discipline, despite the opinions of men. Job's unwavering faith and humility in the face of extreme trials showcase his righteousness in God's eyes. The sermon delves into the interactions between Job and his friends, emphasizing the need for grace-filled ministry over legalistic judgment. Elihu's role as an interpreter and daysman mirrors Jesus Christ's grace and truth, offering spiritual instruction and revealing God's righteousness to the convicted sinner.
God's Righteousness
By Zac Poonen0ISA 64:6LUK 18:9ROM 10:3ROM 10:20HEB 12:2Zac Poonen preaches about the danger of pursuing righteousness with human zeal, leading to self-righteousness and arrogance. He emphasizes that our own efforts to be righteous are like filthy rags in God's eyes and must be discarded. Poonen highlights the importance of humility as the true test of righteousness, contrasting self-righteousness with God's sanctification that comes from partaking in His nature. He stresses that salvation is entirely from God, from the declaration of righteousness through faith in Christ to the sanctification and empowerment by God's grace.
I Will Raise Up for David a Righteous Branch
By John Piper02SA 7:16ISA 66:8JER 23:5ZEC 12:10ROM 10:3ROM 11:26John Piper preaches about the promise made to David in 2 Samuel 7, where God declared that one of his offspring would sit on the throne forever. Despite the disobedience and idolatry of the kings of Israel, the prophets constantly reminded the people of God's ownership, control of history, and expectation of obedience. Jeremiah, a prophet to Judah, prophesied about a 'Righteous Branch' from the line of David who would gather and make God's people new forever, offering hope amidst judgment.
Our Apostasy From God
By John Owen0PSA 51:5ROM 3:23ROM 5:8ROM 6:23ROM 10:3GAL 2:16EPH 2:8JAS 4:61PE 5:51JN 1:8John Owen emphasizes the importance of understanding our apostasy from God, the depravation of our nature, the power and guilt of sin, and the holiness of the law in grasping the doctrine of justification. He highlights how denying or downplaying these truths leads to misbelief about God's grace, as seen in Pelagianism. Owen warns against boasting in personal perfection and emphasizes the need for a clear recognition of our sinfulness to truly appreciate the righteousness of Christ. He stresses that a deep sense of sin and a humble acknowledgment of our need for God's grace are essential for genuine faith and justification.
Do Not Frustrate the Grace of God
By Robert Traill0ACT 10:43ROM 7:10ROM 10:32CO 6:1GAL 2:21HEB 2:3HEB 3:12REV 22:17Robert Traill preaches on the sin of frustrating the grace of God by seeking righteousness through works of the law, which makes Christ's death in vain. He emphasizes the importance of receiving the grace of God through faith alone, highlighting the sacredness of God's grace and Christ's death. Traill warns against committing the great and horrible sin of frustrating God's grace by not receiving it when offered or seeking other ways for righteousness. He explains how this sin is committed through ignorance, pride, indifference, and unbelief, leading to fancies and devices to please God, reliance on works of the law, and struggles even among those being saved.
Heavenly Teaching
By J.C. Philpot0EXO 33:16DEU 32:2JOB 42:5ISA 54:13LUK 11:1JHN 17:3ROM 10:32CO 12:91TH 4:9HEB 12:111JN 2:20J.C. Philpot preaches about the divine teaching of God in the souls of His children, emphasizing the necessity of this heavenly instruction for spiritual growth and understanding. He highlights the four prominent blessings bestowed upon the church in Christ - eternal election, redemption, regeneration, and heavenly teaching, focusing on the promise that 'All your children shall be taught of the Lord.' Philpot delves into the nature and effects of this divine teaching, comparing it to dew, rain, and oil, and its role in helping believers know God and themselves. He stresses that this special teaching leads to a deep knowledge of God, a true understanding of sin, a humble recognition of self, and a genuine faith and love for God and His people.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For - being ignorant of God's righteousness - Not knowing God's method of saving sinners, which is the only proper and efficient method: and going about to establish their own righteousness - seeking to procure their salvation by means of their own contriving; they have not submitted - they have not bowed to the determinations of the Most High, relative to his mode of saving mankind, viz. through faith in Jesus Christ, as the only available sacrifice for sin - the end to which the law pointed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For they being ignorant of God's righteousness--that is, for the justification of the guilty (see on Rom 1:17). and going about--"seeking" to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God--The apostle views the general rejection of Christ by the nation as one act.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For they being ignorant of God's righteousness,.... Either of the righteousness of God revealed in the Gospel, which is no other than the righteousness of Christ, and which they knew nothing of, the whole Gospel being a sealed book, and wholly hidden from them; or of the righteousness of God required in the law, they imagining that only an external conformity to the commands of the law, was all that was necessary to attain to a justifying righteousness by it, not knowing the spirituality of it, and that it required conformity of heart and nature, as well as life and conversation; or rather of the attribute of God's righteousness, the strictness of his justice, the purity and holiness of his nature: for though they knew that he was holy, just, and righteous, yet did not think he was so strict as to insist upon every punctilio, and to take notice of every little default and defect in obedience; and especially that he had any regard to the heart and the thoughts of it, and required perfect purity there or that he would accept of nothing less than an absolutely perfect and complete righteousness; nor justify any without full satisfaction to his justice: hence they were going about to establish their own righteousness; which they would never have done, had they known the righteousness of God, in either of the above senses; the Alexandrian copy, and some others, omit the word "righteousness", and only read, "their own", leaving it to be understood, and which is easily done; and so reads the Vulgate Latin version: by "their own righteousness", as opposed to God's, is meant the righteousness of works, their obedience to the law, an outward conformity to it, an observance of the rituals of it, and a little negative holiness. This they endeavoured to "establish" or "make to stand" in the sight of God, as their justifying righteousness, which is all one as setting chaff and stubble, briers and thorns, to a consuming fire; as the attempt expresses madness in them, the phrase suggests weakness in their righteousness, which they would fain make to stand, but could not, it being like a spider's web before the besom, or like a dead carcass, which men would set upon its feet to stand alone, but it cannot; than which nothing can be a greater instance of egregious folly: their "going about" or "seeking" to do this, shows their ignorant zeal, and the toil, the pains, the labour they used to effect it, but all in vain, and to no purpose; as appears by their hearing, reading, fasting, praying, giving alms to the poor, and tithes of all they possessed; all which they were very careful and studious of, and especially to have them done in the sight of men: and so it was that they have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God; that is, the righteousness of Christ, so called, because approved and accepted of by God, imputed by him to his people, and given them by him as a free gift, and which only justifies in his sight; and because it is wrought by Christ, who is truly and properly God, and revealed and applied by the Spirit of God. This the Jews submitted not to, because they had no true humble sense of themselves as sinners, nor did they care to acknowledge themselves as such; which submission to Christ's righteousness requires and necessarily involves in it; no man will ever be subject to it, till he is made sensible of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and brought to an humble acknowledgment of it; the Spirit of God first convinces of sin and then of righteousness; and because they had an overweening opinion of their own righteousness, which they trusted to, and depended upon, imagining it to be blameless, and to contain all that the law required, and therefore they stood in no need of any other; and as for the righteousness of Christ they had it in contempt, their carnal minds being enmity to him, were not subject to his righteousness, nor could they, nor can any be, without the powerful efficacious grace of God, making them willing in the day of his power. This phrase denotes the rebellion of their wills, against Christ and his righteousness, they acting as rebellious subjects against their sovereign prince.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:3 God’s way of making people right with himself: See 1:17; 3:21-26. Paul uses this phrase to explain Israel’s failure in terms basic to the gospel. God manifested his righteousness through the ministry of Christ, but most Jews did not understand it, partly because they were so focused on the law as a way of securing their own righteousness.