Romans 10:3

Because they were ignorant of God's righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness.

Study Bible

Since they were ignorant
The phrase "they were ignorant" comes from the Greek word "agnoeo," which means to be unaware or to lack understanding. In the context of Romans, Paul is addressing the Jewish people who, despite having the Law and the Prophets, failed to recognize the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Jesus Christ. This ignorance is not merely a lack of information but a spiritual blindness that results from a hardened heart. Historically, the Jewish people had been given the oracles of God, yet their focus on the letter of the Law led them to miss the spirit of the Law, which pointed to Christ.

of God’s righteousness
"God’s righteousness" refers to the divine standard of holiness and justice that is inherent in God's character. In the Greek, "dikaiosyne" is used, which encompasses the idea of being in right standing with God. This righteousness is not something that can be achieved through human effort or adherence to the Law but is a gift from God, imparted through faith in Jesus Christ. The historical context here is crucial; the Jewish people were accustomed to a system of righteousness based on the Law of Moses, but Paul is emphasizing a righteousness that is apart from the Law, revealed in the Gospel.

and sought to establish their own
The phrase "sought to establish their own" highlights the human tendency to rely on self-righteousness. The Greek word "zeteo" means to seek or strive for, indicating an active effort to achieve something. The Jewish people, in their zeal for the Law, attempted to create a standard of righteousness based on their own interpretations and traditions. This self-made righteousness is contrasted with the righteousness that comes from God, which is received through faith. Historically, this reflects the Pharisaic emphasis on oral traditions and additional laws that were meant to safeguard the written Law but often led to legalism.

they did not submit
"Did not submit" comes from the Greek word "hypotasso," meaning to place oneself under authority or to yield. This phrase indicates a willful resistance to accept God's way of righteousness. Submission here is not about passive acceptance but an active choice to align oneself with God's will. The Jewish people, in their pursuit of self-righteousness, refused to acknowledge the righteousness that God provided through Christ. This refusal is a matter of the heart, where pride and self-reliance prevent one from embracing the grace of God.

to God’s righteousness
Finally, "to God’s righteousness" reiterates the source and nature of true righteousness. It is not a human construct but a divine gift. The righteousness of God is both a legal standing before Him and a transformative power that changes the believer's life. In the broader scriptural context, this righteousness is central to the message of the Gospel, as seen throughout Paul's letters. It is the righteousness that justifies, sanctifies, and ultimately glorifies the believer, all through faith in Jesus Christ. Historically, this was a radical departure from the Jewish understanding of righteousness, which was heavily tied to the Law and works. Paul’s message is clear: true righteousness is found only in submission to God’s provision through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, addressing the church in Rome and explaining the righteousness that comes from God.

2. The Israelites
The primary group Paul is referring to, who were zealous for God but lacked understanding of His righteousness.

3. The Church in Rome
The recipients of the letter, a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers.

4. God’s Righteousness
The divine standard of righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

5. Self-Righteousness
The human attempt to achieve righteousness through personal effort and adherence to the law.

Teaching Points

Understanding God's Righteousness
God's righteousness is a gift received through faith, not something we can earn.

Recognize the futility of trying to establish our own righteousness apart from God.

The Danger of Ignorance
Ignorance of God's righteousness leads to self-reliance and pride.

Seek knowledge and understanding of God's ways through Scripture and prayer.

Submission to God’s Righteousness
True submission involves acknowledging our inability to achieve righteousness on our own.

Embrace the righteousness of Christ as the foundation of our faith and life.

Faith Over Works
Faith in Jesus Christ is the only means to attain righteousness before God.

Evaluate areas in life where we might be relying on works rather than faith.

Living Out Righteousness
Let the righteousness of Christ transform our daily actions and interactions.

Encourage others to seek God’s righteousness through faith and not through their own efforts.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to be ignorant of God's righteousness, and how can we guard against this ignorance in our own lives?

2. How does the concept of self-righteousness manifest in today's culture, and what are practical ways to counteract it with the truth of the Gospel?

3. In what ways can we submit to God's righteousness in our daily decisions and interactions with others?

4. How do the teachings in Philippians 3:9 and Galatians 2:16 reinforce the message of Romans 10:3?

5. Reflect on a time when you relied on your own efforts rather than faith in Christ. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it shape your future walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Philippians 3:9
Paul contrasts his former reliance on the law with the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ.

Isaiah 64:6
Highlights the inadequacy of human righteousness compared to God's holiness.

Galatians 2:16
Emphasizes that justification comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law.

Matthew 5:20
Jesus teaches about the surpassing righteousness required to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Hebrews 11:7
Illustrates faith as the means by which righteousness is obtained, using Noah as an example.