Paul didn’t start Romans 10 with information; he began by once again revealing his heartbreak. So my chart for verses 1-5 is not informational, but rather points to hearts: God’s, Paul’s, and ours.

God’s Heart	Paul’s Heart	Our Hearts
I have Good News for you all! For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God. (4, MSG)	He aches, cries, and calls on God for the hearts of his fellow Jews. (10:1-5, 14-15) See also: Romans 1:16; 2:9-11; 3:2-6; 4: 1-25; 7:1-6; 9: 1-5)	Is there someone you love that has chosen something or someone other than God? (I do.) Do I give this to God in prayer?
For all God-followers: the great commission, Matthew 28:19-20	On entering a new area, Paul often sought out the local Jews first, then proclaimed the Good News to all who would listen.	My mission field is my family, my community, & anyone I meet. I also make God a center of my writing, speaking, and blogging.

The rest of Chapter 10 (verses 6-21) reveals God’s plan for salvation and people’s varied responses.

God’s Salvation	People’s Response
The Law was intended to get us ready for the Messiah (4), and Jesus has done the work of salvation for us. (6)	Say the welcoming word to God—“Jesus is my Master”—embracing, body and soul, God’s work of doing in us what he did in raising Jesus from the dead. That’s it. (9, MSG)
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (13)	Many of us want to earn it, use the code, do it ourselves. (6-7) We want to make class distinctions, to compare ourselves to others. (12)
See, hear, understand, and live in a way that professes the Good News. (17-19)	A sight to take your breath away! Grand processions of people telling all the good things of God! (17-19)
I opened my arms to you, but you rejected me. (21)	Those who are look for God, no matter who they are, will find Him. (18-21)

Reading this chapter reminded my of a poem, Invictis, written by William Ernest Henley. He wrote about having courage through trials, and ends the poem with these words. “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” He thought he was in the driver’s seat, that he was in control. Yes, he taught perseverence through hardship, but did he understand and hear the freedom that was offered to him through God’s grace, sacrifice, and great love? Do I? Am I hanging on to the keys to my life, or have I given them to God? “Dear Lord, I trust you to shape the right living in me.”

What stood out to you in Chapter 10? Share your responses with all of us in the study on the comment pages or email me. I’d love to hear from you.