The time is almost upon us. November 3rd. Pray, Do your homework, and vote. Let’s ask God what is important to him. Search the scriptures give the word of good the authority it deserves. Let’s make sure we understand the issues, look at more than just one source. Let’s make our voices known. We have been placed here in this time to lead our community. We can do this through prayer, knowledge, and by demanding godly leadership by casting our vote.
Last week we focused on the righteousness of Christ. We were reminded that we cannot do without Christ’s righteousness. And we looked at how Christ’s righteousness is not far away, but it is attainable and available. His righteousness is so near that the words are already in our mouths and in our hearts. Today, we will move forward a bit as Paul expands his thoughts on the progression of the Christian life and ministry.
My Big idea for today is that telling people about Jesus is not just to encourage faith in others, but to provoke faith/growth in ourselves. My prayer for us to today is that the preached word of God is brought forth, not just here today but in all places, continually. That the Gospel message would permeate our hearts and minds and transform our world. Amen? If you have your Bibles today will you turn with me to Romans Chapter 10 starting in verse 14.
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Romans 10:14-21
16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. 18 But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course, they did: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”
19 Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says, “I will make you envious by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding.”
20 And Isaiah boldly says, “I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.” 21 But concerning Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”
In order to help share me with you today, I have separated my thoughts into 2 sections/points; Let’s take a look at my first point.
TELLING PEOPLE ABOUT JESUS IS ESSENTIAL
How then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Romans 10:14-15
The First clause here will point us back to the last line from where we left off,
for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:13
“How can they call on the one they have not believed in…” Many of us have seen this passage as a call to missions. That seems like a natural fit, and I certainly don’t deny that it fits. However, I think that it is also a call to every Christian to tell someone about Jesus. To preach the Gospel with the way we love others. I guarantee you that as we leave our carnal nature behind, others will begin to see the change. Will they recognize that its Christ in you? Maybe, maybe not. But they will be drawn to the light of Christ in you, nonetheless. How can they believe if they haven’t heard? How can they hear if they haven’t been told? Not everyone is called to preach, but everyone is called to lifestyle evangelism. You and I, we have all been called to this community. We have been called here to tell others about Jesus. Each of us can do something. Each of us can invite others to church or to Bible Study. Some of you are teaching others in your homes during the week, keep up the good work! Paul quotes the passage from Isaiah.
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation,
Isaiah 52:7
who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
This Old Testament passage at this point is Translated in the Greek Septuagint uses the term Gospel for the good news. But it isn’t just any good news. Like, “Hey my Amazon order came today.” Or Perhaps, “I got a raise today.” This news is specific. In the first century and in the years leading up, the Caesars had been using this term to announce the “good news” of their own arrival. “You will all be safe and prosper.” The Bible uses the term Gospel to announce that Jesus the Messiah is king! Everyone is saved because Jesus the Christ is King.
Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, Judah, and fulfill your vows.
Nahum 1:15
No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed.
Just like God has put the word out in the Old Testament and in the New testament. God is calling you to continue to proclaim the Good News/ the Gospel about Jesus our one true King. Tell everyone you know the Good news the salvation belongs to Jesus and they too can be saved by knowing Him. Telling people about Jesus is essential. I’ll move to my final point.
TELLING PEOPLE ABOUT JESUS IS MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL
But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. 18 But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”
Romans 10:16-20
19 Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says, “I will make you envious by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding.”
20 And Isaiah boldly says, “I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.”
Not all who heard responded to the message. Everyone who shares Jesus has this same concern. Is anyone out there listening? We will never know the impact we have had, be obedient to God even if you think that your efforts are not enough.
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
Romans 10:17
When I speak the word about Jesus, I hear it, and you hear it. Our faith is encouraged, and all of our faith is encouraged. Our faith grows. And that message is heard through the word about Christ. It’s beneficial to me as I speak (you know sometimes I’m preaching to myself) and it benefits you and those who are out there,
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
Colossians 3:16
Paul says, Preach Jesus, tell your friends and neighbors at what God has done in your life. Not everyone will respond. Paul says that because God’s message about Jesus is being taken all over the known world, no one will have the excuse, “I didn’t know.”
All of Israel had the understanding and the privilege of God’s covenant. And they missed Jesus. They were God’s people and they rejected Him. News flash, not a shocker. God already knew,
Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says, “I will make you envious by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding.”
Romans 10:19-20
20 And Isaiah boldly says, “I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.”
God said through Moses, all those that you view as ignorant, I will make you jealous. Those who weren’t privy to my covenant/Law, I will reveal myself to them and it will drive you to call out for me. All of this will make you angry because they didn’t even know to look for me, yet they found me and have my salvation.
2, I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard?
Galatians 3:2, 5
5 So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?
But concerning Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”
Romans 10:21
Our belief in God is what compels us to tell others about Him. Telling others about Jesus is a benefit to all. Are we doing our part to evangelize our personal mission field. It strengthens us and it straightens others. When God called Samuel, he said, Here I am Lord, your servant is listening.” When God Asked, “Who shall we send? Isaiah said, “here am I, send me.” When Jesus called Peter to be fishers of men, Peter left everything behind to follow Jesus. Let’s respond to Jesus in the same way these men of God did. Let’s not be disobedient and obstinate children.
That we would leave behind all of our allusions of righteousness, so we can open our hearts to Jesus. He’s the Son of the living God, and we can receive from Him today His Righteousness, His purpose and His calling. Will you call on him today? Your salvation/forgiveness is just one prayer away. Will you trust in his ability to do what He said He would do? Will you believe today?
Many of you need a fresh touch from God today. Is there some form of unbelief or a fracture of trust as it relates to God in your life today? God wants to redeem and restore those areas of your life? He wants to restore Joy and hope for you today. You’re hearing this now and the Holy Spirit has brought someone or something to mind. He wants to speak life into this today. He wants to bring healing in this area today. There are areas of deep regret when it comes to your relationship with God and you have rejected Christ as your savior, It’s not too late.
It’s not too late to humble yourself before him today, hold out your arms and open your hands to receive from him today. Will you say yes to Jesus, today? Will you bow your heads with me? Some of you already know the Lord, but maybe he’s put something on your heart that you need to deal with, you need to ask his forgiveness today. If that’s you will you just acknowledge that to him today. This is just you and God here. Now someone here may not have that relationship with Jesus and today you’ve felt him tugging at your heart, you’ve been hurt, and you’re guarded, I know. Jesus is here and wants set things right in your life. If you’ll say Pastor, I want Jesus to be my Lord and savior. Remember, it’s just you and God here. Will you pray with me today, We’ll pray here as a family and you can repeat after me.
Jesus, I know that I’m a sinner. I ask you today for your forgiveness. I believe that you died for my sins and on that 3rd day, you rose from the dead. I ask you to come into my heart today. I trust and follow you as my Lord and savior. Guide me and help me to do your will. In Jesus’ name Amen.
“‘“The Lord bless you
Numbers 6:24-26
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’