1. What will NOT Save TEXT: Romans 10:1-3 There are some things that will not save us no matter how hard we try.

2. Romans 10:1-3 1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.

3. INTRODUCTION The theme of our text is SALVATION. Paul mentions some things that will NOT result in salvation. Think with me about 5 things that will not bring you salvation.

4. THINGS THAT WILL NOT SAVE: DESIRE ALONE Paul said, “My hearts desire” Paul really wanted them to be saved. Romans 9:3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh. Each of us can think of people we desire to be saved. I desire my own salvation.

5. THINGS THAT WILL NOT SAVE: PRAYER ALONE Paul said, “My … prayer to God for Israel” I can pray concerning the salvation of others – Pray they will live to hear and believe – Pray they will be receptive when they hear Paul prayed for his own salvation – So the Lord said to him, "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. Acts 9:11

6. THINGS THAT WILL NOT SAVE: PRAYER ALONE “Calling on the name of the Lord” is not “saying a prayer” Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the L ORD Shall be saved.' Acts 2:38 They still needed to OBEY - Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

7. THINGS THAT WILL NOT SAVE: PRAYER ALONE “Calling on the name of the Lord” is not “saying a prayer” Acts 22:16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.‘ CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD = BELIEVE AND OBEY THE LORD

8. THINGS THAT WILL NOT SAVE: ZEAL ALONE “They have a zeal for God” – Romans 10:2 Zeal = fervent, on fire, full of enthusiasm Ezra 7:10 – Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord and to do it. Zeal can be a good thing – or it can be misdirected. There are many zealous people in our world – Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, denominationalists

9. THINGS THAT WILL NOT SAVE: IGNORANCE ALONE Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness Ignorant = without training or instruction Many believe that the ignorant will be saved. Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge. Bereans searched the Scriptures – Acts 17:11 Acts 8:31 – Needed someone to guide him

10. THINGS THAT WILL NOT SAVE: MY OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS Romans 10:3 seeking to establish their own righteousness Frank Sinatra religion – “I did it MY way” I have my own way to worship, serve God I love the Lord. I don’t need to attend worship, be baptized, partake of communion every week. I live a good live – that should be enough for God.

11. THINGS THAT WILL SAVE: If these things WON’T save us – What will it take for us to be saved? It will take: – Desire – Prayer – Zeal – Knowledge – Living and doing right

12. THINGS THAT WILL SAVE: P L U S : Obedient faith – Repent of your sins – Confess your faith in Christ – Be immersed for the remission of sins Active faith – put what you believe into action Enduring faith – do not quit, keep on keeping on, endure to the end of your life