Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].
Sermon Title: Hearing and Heeding the Call (Romans 10:14-21)
Introduction:
Romans 10:14-21 explores the necessity of proclaiming the Gospel and the responses to God’s message. Paul emphasizes the importance of preaching for people to hear and believe, addresses Israel's unbelief, and underscores the accessibility of God's word. This passage challenges us to take seriously the call to evangelize and to understand the varied responses to the Gospel.
I. The Necessity of Proclamation (Romans 10:14-15)
Call for Messengers:
"How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’" (Romans 10:14-15). Paul outlines a logical progression that highlights the need for messengers to preach the Gospel.
Essential Steps:
Sending: Preachers must be sent out to proclaim the Gospel.
Preaching: The message of Christ must be communicated clearly.
Hearing: People must hear the message to have the opportunity to believe.
Believing: Faith comes from hearing the message about Christ.
Calling: Once they believe, they can call on the name of the Lord for salvation.
Paul quotes Isaiah 52:7 to emphasize the beauty and importance of those who bring the good news. This should encourage us to see the value and necessity of evangelism in God's plan for salvation.
II. The Response to the Message (Romans 10:16-17)
Hearing and Believing:
"But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?’ So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (Romans 10:16-17). Paul acknowledges that not everyone who hears the Gospel will respond in faith.
Understanding Unbelief:
Paul quotes Isaiah 53:1 to highlight that the problem of unbelief is not new. Despite hearing the message, many people still reject it. This underscores the importance of continuing to proclaim the Gospel faithfully, even in the face of rejection.
Faith Comes from Hearing:
Paul reiterates that faith comes from hearing the word of Christ. This emphasizes the importance of preaching and teaching the Scriptures accurately and passionately.
III. The Reach of the Message (Romans 10:18-19)
Universal Proclamation:
"But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for ‘Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.’ But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, ‘I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry’" (Romans 10:18-19). Paul affirms that the message has been proclaimed universally.
Scriptural Confirmation:
Paul quotes Psalm 19:4 and Deuteronomy 32:21 to show that Israel’s unbelief was foretold. The message has gone out to all, but Israel's response was marked by jealousy and rejection.
IV. The Rejection of Israel (Romans 10:20-21)
Gentile Inclusion:
"Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, ‘I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.’ But of Israel he says, ‘All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people’" (Romans 10:20-21). Paul contrasts the Gentiles’ acceptance of the Gospel with Israel’s rejection.
God’s Persistent Call:
God’s patience and persistence are highlighted in His continual outreach to Israel, despite their disobedience. Paul quotes Isaiah 65:1-2 to show that while Gentiles responded to God’s revelation, Israel remained obstinate.
Conclusion:
Romans 10:14-21 challenges us to understand the necessity of preaching the Gospel and the varied responses it elicits. We are called to be faithful messengers, understanding that faith comes from hearing the word of Christ. This passage also reminds us of God’s persistent love and patience, even in the face of rejection. Let us commit to sharing the Gospel boldly, trusting that God’s word will accomplish His purposes.
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