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"They have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge."

Text: Romans 10:2

IS ZEAL ENOUGH?

Paul credited his fellow Jews with zeal for their religious belief. But was zeal alone enough?

“For 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.”
Romans 10:2-3

1. Zeal for God

a) This is freely acknowledged.

b) But it was a zeal that came from a lack of knowledge.

c) Zeal alone would not suffice.

2. Knowledge of God is of vital significance

a) Ignorant of God’s righteousness.

b) How can we understand the ignorance of Israel when so much knowledge was available? Among other things the following may be highlighted:-

i) There was a forsaking of God and His ways (Cf. Jeremiah 2:13)

ii) There was a denial of sin (Cf. Jeremiah 2:23, 35)

iii) There was perpetual backsliding (Cf. Jeremiah 8:5)

c) Seeking to establish their own righteousness.

i) Through the keeping of their understanding of the law.

ii) Through their religious worship system.

d) Have not submitted to the righteousness of God.

i) There was no submission to God’s system of “imputed righteousness”.

ii) There was no faith in the Lord Jesus as the Messiah.