Romans 10: Expository Preaching and Study Guide

Overview

Romans 10 continues Paul’s burdened reflection on Israel’s unbelief, which began in Romans 9. In this chapter, the Apostle Paul stresses the accessibility and simplicity of the gospel, emphasizing salvation by faith alone in Christ alone. The central theme revolves around righteousness that comes from God, not through the Law, but through faith in Jesus Christ.

Paul grieves over Israel’s zeal without knowledge and corrects their misunderstanding of how righteousness is attained. He contrasts righteousness based on the Law with righteousness based on faith, emphasizing that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (v.13). He outlines the necessity of gospel proclamation, the process of hearing, believing, and confessing, and closes with a sorrowful acknowledgment that Israel has largely rejected the message.

Key Themes:

The necessity of faith in Christ for salvation.
The failure of Israel to submit to God’s righteousness.
The universality of the gospel call—Jew and Gentile alike.
The centrality of preaching and proclamation in God’s redemptive plan.

Theological Significance:
Romans 10 reinforces the doctrine of justification by faith, exposes the insufficiency of legalism, and affirms the exclusivity and sufficiency of Christ as Savior. It highlights God’s gracious invitation and the importance of personal and public faith in Jesus.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Background:

Romans was written around A.D. 57 by the Apostle Paul during his third missionary journey, likely from Corinth. In Romans 9-11, Paul addresses the tension between Jewish unbelief and Gentile inclusion in the promises of God. Romans 10 particularly focuses on Israel’s rejection of the gospel due to their misdirected pursuit of righteousness through the Law.

Israel, though chosen, stumbled over the stumbling stone—Christ—because of pride and legalism. Paul appeals to Old Testament texts (Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Joel) to show that God’s plan has always centered on faith, not works.

Paul’s deep anguish for his fellow Israelites is rooted in love and theological urgency. He writes to both Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome, helping them understand God’s plan and the role of Israel within redemptive history.

Literary Features:

Romans 10 is part of Paul’s larger theological discourse (Romans 9-11) and follows a logical, persuasive style. Paul uses:

Contrasts: law vs. grace, works vs. faith, Jew vs. Gentile.
Old Testament citations: To authenticate his teaching.
Rhetorical questions: To provoke thought and clarify truth.
Confession and belief structure: To highlight the simplicity of the gospel.

The structure is both doctrinal and practical, making it ideal for both theological teaching and heartfelt preaching.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

A detailed, literal explanation of key verses in Romans 10 (NIV), with cross-references and application.

Romans 10:1

“Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.”
Paul begins with pastoral affection. His sincere desire is for Israel’s salvation. This reflects the heart of God, who “wants all people to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4). Despite their rejection, Paul intercedes—modeling how leaders should pray for the lost.

Application: We should pray persistently for the salvation of unbelievers, especially those who have access to the truth but are blind to it.

Romans 10:2-3

“For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.”
Israel’s zeal was misdirected. They pursued God through human effort (works) instead of through the righteousness that God provides. Paul is exposing the danger of religious sincerity without saving truth.

Cross-reference: Philippians 3:9 – Paul forsook his own righteousness to gain the righteousness that comes from God through faith.

Doctrinal Insight: Salvation is not earned; it is received through submission to God’s terms—faith in Christ.

Romans 10:4

“Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.”
Jesus is the goal (“telos”) of the Law. The Law pointed to Him, and He fulfilled it (Matthew 5:17). Righteousness is now found not through law-keeping, but through belief in Him.

Theological Insight: The Law was never meant to be a ladder to God but a mirror to reveal sin and lead us to Christ (Galatians 3:24).

Romans 10:5-8

“Moses writes this… the righteousness that is by faith says…”
Paul contrasts two ways of righteousness. He quotes Leviticus 18:5 for righteousness by the Law and Deuteronomy 30:11-14 for righteousness by faith. The gospel doesn’t require heroic action (ascending to heaven or descending to the abyss); it requires humble faith and confession.

Cross-reference: John 1:14 – Christ came down; we do not need to climb up. Romans 6:4 – He rose; we do not descend.

Romans 10:9-10

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Salvation requires two things: confession (public acknowledgment of Jesus’ lordship) and belief (faith in the resurrection). Confession is the fruit of genuine faith.

Cross-reference: Matthew 10:32 – Jesus affirms the importance of confessing Him before others.

Doctrinal Insight: Lordship of Christ and belief in His resurrection are not optional parts of the gospel—they are essential.

Romans 10:11-13

“Everyone who believes in him will never be put to shame… for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'”
Salvation is universally available. No ethnic or national privilege—both Jew and Gentile are saved the same way: through faith.

Cross-reference: Joel 2:32 and Acts 2:21 – The Old Testament and apostolic preaching affirm this truth.

Application: Encourage bold gospel proclamation. No one is beyond the reach of grace.

Romans 10:14-17

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?…”
These rhetorical questions highlight the chain of missions: preaching → hearing → believing → calling → salvation. Faith comes through hearing the Word of Christ.

Cross-reference: Matthew 28:19-20 – The Great Commission mandates preaching.

Application: The church must prioritize missions, evangelism, and biblical preaching.

Romans 10:18-21

“But I ask: Did they not hear? … All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”
Paul closes by emphasizing that Israel has heard the message, but rejected it. God’s grace is still extended (“all day long”), but their disobedience is willful.

Cross-reference: Isaiah 65:2 – God’s enduring posture of mercy despite Israel’s resistance.

Application: God’s patience does not negate human responsibility. Hardened hearts must still be warned and evangelized.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Law (v.4)

Christ did not abolish the Law; He fulfilled its righteous demands on our behalf. The moral and ceremonial elements find their completion in Him. Jesus is the mediator of the New Covenant (Hebrews 9:15).

Jesus as Lord and Savior (v.9)

The confession “Jesus is Lord” affirms His deity, authority, and exclusivity. He is not one of many saviors—He is the only one (Acts 4:12). His resurrection proves His victory over sin and death (Romans 1:4).

Jesus as the Sent Word (v.14-17)

The gospel centers on Christ: His incarnation, death, resurrection, and lordship. To reject the gospel is to reject Christ Himself. Faith in Jesus is both personal and public, involving trust and allegiance.

Connection to the Redemptive Story

Romans 10 reminds us that God’s plan has always been Christ-centered. From Genesis 3:15 to the promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:3), the Law and Prophets all pointed forward to the Messiah. Jesus is the goal of redemptive history.

Connection to the Father

Romans 10 emphasizes the Father’s heart of mercy and patience:

Verse 1 – Paul prays to God (the Father) for Israel’s salvation, reflecting God’s own longing.
Verse 3 – Israel refuses to submit to “God’s righteousness” – a righteousness God lovingly offers through His Son.
Verse 21 – “All day long I have held out my hands…” – a vivid picture of the Father’s persistent love and grace toward sinners.

This image reflects the Father’s initiative in salvation (John 3:16), His enduring mercy (Exodus 34:6), and His gracious invitation to all people through the gospel. He is not distant or reluctant—but the One who actively seeks and calls.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

While Romans 10 does not mention the Holy Spirit explicitly, His presence and work are deeply implied and integral to the message:

1. The Spirit Empowers Gospel Proclamation (vv.14-15)

Paul emphasizes the necessity of preachers being “sent.” In Romans 8 and throughout Acts, we know it is the Holy Spirit who calls, equips, and sends preachers of the Word (Acts 13:2-4). Evangelism and preaching are Spirit-enabled tasks.

Application: The Spirit empowers not only pastors but all believers to bear witness to Christ.

2. The Spirit Convicts and Illumines the Heart (vv.9-10, 17)

Believing in the heart and confessing with the mouth are Spirit-wrought responses (1 Corinthians 12:3). The Spirit gives the gift of faith and opens blind eyes (2 Corinthians 4:6). Faith comes by hearing—and understanding—God’s Word, which the Spirit illuminates (John 16:13-14).

Application: True saving faith is a work of the Holy Spirit from start to finish.

3. The Spirit Seals the Believer (Implied from v.13)

Those who “call on the name of the Lord” are saved—and elsewhere Paul teaches that those saved are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). Thus, the Spirit is the assurance and mark of the new birth.

Application: Assurance of salvation isn’t based on emotion or performance but on the Spirit’s indwelling witness (Romans 8:16).

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: “The Righteousness That Comes by Faith”

Text: Romans 10
Theme: Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ, universally offered to all who believe.
Purpose: To lead listeners to trust in Christ for salvation and be bold in sharing the gospel.

I. God Desires All to Be Saved (Romans 10:1)

Transition: Paul opens not with anger, but with love.
Illustration: Like a parent longing for a wayward child to return.
Application: Who are you praying for with that kind of passion?

II. Zeal Without Truth Cannot Save (Romans 10:2-4)

Transition: Sincerity isn’t enough; truth matters.
Illustration: A person running with passion in the wrong direction is still lost.
Application: Examine whether your faith is based on God’s Word or religious tradition.

III. Salvation Is Near and Accessible (Romans 10:5-10)

Key Point: No one needs to climb a ladder to heaven—Jesus came down.
Example: Many try to earn salvation by works—Jesus says, “It is finished.”
Application: Call on Jesus now—don’t delay.

IV. The Gospel Is for All (Romans 10:11-13)

Key Point: There’s no special class of people—salvation is for “everyone.”
Illustration: A rescue helicopter doesn’t ask if you’re worthy—it lowers the rope to anyone in danger.
Application: Don’t disqualify yourself or others—share freely.

V. People Can’t Believe Unless We Speak (Romans 10:14-17)

Key Point: Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word.
Illustration: Like Wi-Fi signals, the gospel must be broadcast to be received.
Call to Action: Who will you share with this week? Who will go?

VI. God Is Patient, But Rejection Has Consequences (Romans 10:18-21)

Key Point: God holds out His hands—but many still reject Him.
Illustration: A rescue offer ignored becomes judgment.
Application: Don’t wait. Respond while the invitation is open.

Conclusion: Call to Action

To the Seeker: Confess Jesus is Lord. Believe in your heart. Today is the day of salvation.
To the Believer: Proclaim the gospel boldly. Don’t let fear stop you. Be God’s messenger.

Illustrations and Examples

1. Zeal Without Truth – A Misdirected GPS

Imagine using an outdated GPS. It tells you to turn left, but the road has changed. You might drive confidently—but you’re headed the wrong way. Zeal must be aligned with truth.

2. Accessibility of the Gospel – A Ladder That Came Down

Some think salvation is like building a ladder to heaven—by good works, rituals, or effort. But the gospel says Jesus came down the ladder to us. We don’t climb up. We trust the One who came down and rose again.

3. Evangelism – The Unsent Fireman

Imagine a fire department that refuses to send firemen out because they’re afraid people might not want help. That’s what evangelism without preaching looks like. Faith cannot come without hearing.

4. Universal Offer – Lifeboats for All

During the sinking of the Titanic, some lifeboats went out half full. The gospel is the lifeboat with unlimited space—but it must be announced so people will get in.

Application for Today’s Christian

Romans 10 is highly practical and offers direct instruction for how Christians should live out their faith today in three key areas: discipleship, stewardship, and evangelistic mission.

1. Discipleship: Living by Faith and Word

Embrace the Simplicity of the Gospel. Many believers struggle with assurance. This chapter reminds us that salvation is rooted in faith, not performance (Romans 10:9-10). Encourage daily confession of Christ’s Lordship and renewal of faith.
Build a Faith That Confesses Boldly. True discipleship involves public allegiance to Christ. Romans 10:9 challenges believers to speak and live in such a way that Jesus is clearly Lord.
Grow in Biblical Knowledge. Israel had zeal but lacked knowledge (v.2). Discipleship requires informed, Scripture-saturated faith. Study God’s Word regularly to align zeal with truth.

2. Stewardship: Using Our Resources for the Gospel

Steward Your Words. Use conversations to proclaim the gospel clearly (v.14). Whether online or in person, every word can plant a seed.
Steward Your Time. Invest time in praying for the lost and discipling others. Paul‘s longing for Israel’s salvation (v.1) challenges us to care deeply about souls.
Steward Your Gifts. If you’re called to preach, preach. If you’re called to send, support missions. Stewardship includes using spiritual gifts and financial resources to advance gospel proclamation (v.15).

3. Evangelism and Gospel Witness

Be the One Who “Goes.” Romans 10:14-15 underscores the urgency of evangelism. Someone must go. That “someone” could be you.
Don’t Assume—Invite. Paul speaks of those who have heard and still rejected, but the call is to keep proclaiming. Don’t assume someone knows—share the good news anyway.
Live Missionally. Whether you’re a teacher, business owner, or student, you are sent into your context with the gospel. Faith comes by hearing—but only if we speak.

Connection to God’s Love

Romans 10 powerfully reflects God’s patient, pursuing, and redeeming love:

1. God Longs for His People to Be Saved (v.1, 21)

Paul’s heart mirrors God’s. “All day long I have held out my hands…” (v.21) is a direct quote from Isaiah, and it pictures God reaching out in persistent love to those who rebel.

God does not give up quickly—He is long-suffering and merciful.

2. God’s Love Makes Salvation Accessible (vv.6–8)

Salvation isn’t hidden or reserved for the elite. It’s brought near, accessible through faith. God removed every barrier in Christ so we might know Him (John 3:16).

No one has to climb the mountain—God came down in Christ.

3. God Offers Salvation to Everyone (vv.11–13)

There is no distinction—Jew or Gentile. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” God’s love is global, impartial, and personal.

This is the heartbeat of John 3:16 and 2 Peter 3:9—God wants none to perish but all to come to repentance.

4. God’s Love Works Through His People (vv.14–17)

God’s method of reaching the lost is through messengers—you and me. His love is so great that He enlists us in His redemptive mission.

Love compels us to go (2 Corinthians 5:14).

Broader Biblical Themes

Romans 10 fits seamlessly within the grand biblical narrative—from Genesis to Revelation—highlighting the consistent story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration:

1. Creation and the Fall: The Need for Righteousness

Romans 10 assumes the truth of Romans 1-3: all have sinned and need righteousness. Adam’s fall (Genesis 3) left humanity estranged from God. The law was given to reveal sin (Romans 3:20), not to save.

2. Covenant and Promise: Abraham and Israel

Paul’s dialogue with Israel’s rejection points us back to God’s covenant with Abraham—to bless all nations through his seed (Genesis 12:3). Romans 10 shows the fulfillment of that promise in the gospel going to all people.

3. Redemption Through Christ Alone

The righteousness of God comes not through law but through Christ alone (Romans 10:4). He is the fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17), the promised Redeemer (Isaiah 53), and the only way to the Father (John 14:6).

4. Restoration: God’s Persistent Grace

God’s hand is still outstretched to Israel (v.21), a picture that previews the hope of restoration in Romans 11 and ultimately the new creation in Revelation 21. God’s story ends not in judgment, but restored relationship for those who believe.

Reflection Questions

Use the following questions for personal meditation, small group discussion, or sermon application. These are designed to lead toward deeper engagement with the truth of Romans 10 and to encourage practical steps of faith and obedience.

1. What does Paul’s prayer in verse 1 reveal about his heart for the lost?

Do I have a similar burden for unbelievers in my life?
Who is God calling me to pray for more earnestly?

2. In what ways might I or others today still try to “establish our own righteousness” instead of submitting to God’s? (v.3)

Am I trusting in my performance or in the finished work of Christ?
How does my understanding of grace affect my daily walk with God?

3. Romans 10:9 says that salvation involves both belief and confession.

Have I truly confessed Jesus as Lord, not just in words but in lifestyle?
What areas of my life need to reflect the lordship of Christ more clearly?

4. How does knowing that the gospel is “near” (vv.6–8) change the way I think about sharing my faith?

Do I make the message of salvation more complicated than it needs to be?
How can I speak the gospel in a way that is simple, clear, and compelling?

5. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (v.13).

How does this verse shape my view of who can be saved?
Who have I given up on that I need to start reaching out to again?

6. Romans 10:14-15 shows the urgency of preaching and sending.

What role does God want me to play in missions and evangelism?
Am I actively supporting or participating in the spread of the gospel?

7. Verse 17 says faith comes from hearing the message of Christ.

Am I regularly exposing myself and others to the Word of God?
What can I do this week to make space for Scripture in my home or church?

8. Romans 10 ends with God still reaching out to a disobedient people (v.21).

How does this picture of God’s patience and grace encourage me?
In what ways have I experienced God’s outstretched hand in my life?