In the first three verses of Romans 10 the apostle Paul talks about his countrymen, the Jews. He tells his readers that they had great zeal for God, but their zeal was misdirected: "I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God" (verses 2-3).

"God's righteousness" is reflected in keeping His law (Romans 3:31; Psalm 119:172). The motivation for the Israelites in keeping the law was to "establish their own righteousness" (verse 3). Jesus tells us that this is a typical Pharisaical attitude (Luke 18:9-12). Paul's countrymen did not really believe what God said and were therefore not seeking righteousness on God's terms.

Zeal for God with understanding is a matter of our motivation. In Romans 10, verse 4 Paul contrasts the way most of his countryman were going with the way a true believer seeks to establish righteousness. The difference is not so much a matter of outward actions, but of the inner motivation to live according to God’s law.

In keeping God's law, a Christian demonstrates faith in Christ and His sacrifice. A Christian knows that obedience to God is the only true way to the physical and spiritual blessings we all desire. His motivation for obedience is Christ, faith in His sacrifice and the promises He gives us.

"For Christ is the end [Greek: telos – motivation, goal, culminating sense] of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" (verse 4).

In the rest of chapter 10 Paul shows that this motivation cannot be based on outward works. It is based on faith. Faith in Christ is what counts.

Do we have zeal for God with knowledge? If so, our zeal will be faith-based.

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!