1. Zeal without knowledge (1-4).

The Israelites were on Paul's heart and in his prayers. The Israelites were like a person running in place - they were working hard, but going nowhere. It is because their idea of the way to salvation was mistaken. They were trying to achieve their own righteousness by keeping the law, which is impossible. The law was completely satisfied by Jesus' death on the cross. What they needed to do was to run to him. He is the righteousness of God and the way to life.

2. Righteousness by faith (5-13).

The way of salvation is close to us. It is through believing in our hearts and professing with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and that through his death and resurrection our sins have been forgiven. It is not about what we have done, but what God has done for us. Anyone who calls upon his name will be saved.