Lecture Notes: Understanding Romans 10:4 - Jim Staley, Passion for Truth Ministries

Introduction

• Presenter: Jim Staley
• Topic: Misunderstandings in interpreting Romans 10:4.
• Objective: To align interpretations of scripture with first-century Hebraic understanding, reducing the gap between original meaning and modern interpretations.

Key Points

Romans 10:1-3

• Paul's Desire: Salvation for Israel.
• Definition of Israel: At that time, it referred primarily to the house of Judah.
• Two Houses of Israel:
  • House of Israel: 10 tribes (Ephraim or Jacob).
  • House of Judah: Composed of Judah and Benjamin.
  • Importance of understanding the distinction for interpreting New Testament.

Misinterpretations

• Common Misunderstanding: Belief that Christ's coming nullified God's covenant with the Jewish people.
• Replacement Theology: Refuted by Jeremiah 31. New covenant is with the house of Israel and Judah, not with Gentiles.

Righteousness and the Law

• Judaism's Error: Belief that keeping the law equated to righteousness and access to heaven.
• Paul’s Teaching: Righteousness through faith in Christ, not just the law.
• Christ's Role: Not to abolish the law but to be its goal or purpose.

Romans 10:4

• Misinterpretation: "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness."
• Correct Understanding:
  • Telos: Greek term for "end," meaning goal or purpose, not termination.
  • Christ as Goal of Law: The law's purpose is to lead to Christ.
  • Telos in Context: Seen in 1 Peter 1:9 and Romans 6:21.

Practical Implications

• Salvation by Faith: Belief in Christ's sacrifice as necessary for salvation.
• Role of Law: Guidance for living, but not a mechanism for salvation.

Romans 10:5-11

• Scriptural Basis: Referenced from Deuteronomy 30.
• Salvation: Confession and belief in Christ's resurrection as the path to salvation.

Importance of Teaching

• Spreading the Gospel: Essential to communicate the true Gospel.
• Jewish-Gentile Relations: Encouragement to present a Christ that aligns with Jewish expectations.

Final Thoughts

• Call to Action: Importance of understanding and sharing scripture accurately.
• Encouragement for Support: Both financial and prayer support for the ministry.

Conclusion

• Summary: Paul’s message focuses on faith in Christ as the fulfillment and purpose of the law, rather than its end or termination.
• Closing Invitation: To participate and support the ministry’s mission.

Additional Resources

• "Identity Crisis" teaching on the two houses of Israel.
• Encouragement to study related scriptures and teachings to deepen understanding.