Romans Chapter 10 

Why so many nominals in our churches?

Introduction:

        Paul explains how the people of Israel missed the salvation of God.

        Today's application to the nominal Christians.

Why many so many Church-goers are not saved:

1. Zeal without knowledge [v 2]

        = living in sinful pleasures but a religious cloak

            Isa 1:2-4

            Hos 4:1,6,7

            Hos 6:6,7

2. Self-righteousness [v 3]

            Lk 18:9-14 Pharisee and Publican [Self righteous folks usually despise others (v 9)

            Isa 64:6      Filthy rags.

3. Traditions, Laws and Creeds of the Religion [vv 4,5]

         Phil 3:5-8 - 7-fold boasting - These things must be counted as loss (v 11).  

                            e.g. Baptism, Confirmation.

        Gal 1:13-16 - No consultation with flesh and blood.

4. Unbelief in Resurrection [v 9]

        People of all religions believe Christ upto crucifixion.

        The offence is in Resurrection only!

        e.g. Acts 17:22, 31-32

               Acts 23:6-9

        Paul's warning: (1 Cor 15:13,14,17,33,34)

5. Failure to confess or a heartless confession [vv 8-10]

        ·        Most of our confessions not from heart

              Isa 29:13

              Example:

                      The Apostles' creed: "I believe in the Holy Ghost".

        ·        Most of our confessions made in private and not in public

               Mt 10:32

               Psa 96:3-5

              Psa 96:8-10              Come in to Praise!

                                                Go out to Proclaim!

6. Unbelieving priests and teachers [vv 16-17]

            Paul's prediction             Acts 20:29-30  

            Peter's predictions         2 Pet 2:1,2

                                                          3:3,4  

                                                          3:17,18

                            "Faith comes by hearing the Word of God;

                       Faith leaves by hearing the word of theologians!"

                                                                  - T.L. Osborn

7. Disobedience and Hard-heartedness [v 21]

            Responsive gentiles contrasted (v 20)

            Procrastination (Prov 27:1; 29:1)

            Today is the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:1-2)

OUR RESPONSIBILITY

            ·        Constant cry for the salvation of nominal Christians (v 1)

            ·        Acts 17:17 must be our regular ministry.