WHAT WILL NOT SAVE?

Romans 10:1-3

INTRODUCTION

1.     The theme of this passage is salvation.

2.     Paul mentions some things that will not result in salvation.

3.     Here are five things that, by themselves, will not bring salvation.

THESE THINGS WON’T GET IT DONE:

1.     Desire alone won’t get it done – “my heart’s desire”

a.     Paul REALLY desired their salvation – See Romans 9:1-3

b.     God desires that all men be saved.

c.     We know of people that we desire to be saved.

d.     What about my desire for my own salvation?

e.     Desire alone will not get it done.

2.     Prayer alone won’t get it done – “prayer to God for Israel”

a.     I can pray to God concerning the salvation of others

                                                    i.     Pray that they will live to hear and believe

                                                   ii.     Pray that they will be receptive when they are taught

b.     Paul prayed for his own salvation – Acts 9:9, 11

c.     Calling on the name of the Lord – is not prayer.

                                                    i.     Acts 2:21 and Acts 2:38 – calling = repent and be baptized

                                                   ii.     Acts 22:16 – calling = arise and be baptized

d.     Calling on the name of the Lord = Trust and Obey the Lord

3.     Zeal alone will not save us – “they have a zeal for God”

a.     Zeal – fervent, on fire

b.     Ezra 7:10 – Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord and to do it.

c.     Zeal can be a good thing – also it can be misdirected

d.     There are many zealous people – Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, denominationalists

4.     Ignorance won’t get it done – “not according to knowledge” “ignorant of God’s righteousness”

a.     Many believe that the ignorant will be saved – no need to send a missionary to them

b.     Hosea 4:6 – My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge

c.     Bereans searched the scriptures daily – Acts 17:11

d.     Acts 8 – needed some man to explain the scriptures

5.     My own righteousness won’t get it done – “establish their own righteousness”

a.     Frank Sinatra religion – “I Did it My Way”

b.     I have my own way to serve, worship, please God

c.     I love the Lord, but I don’t need to attend church

d.     I live a good life – that should be enough for God

Close:

1.     If these things won’t get it done (salvation) – What will it take?

2.     It will take desire, prayer, zeal, knowledge, doing right – PLUS

a.     Obedient faith – repent, baptized

b.     Active faith – put what you believe into action

c.     Enduring faith – do not quit, keep on keeping on