Faith, Hearing, and the Power of the Gospel

 

Summary

In Romans 10:16-17, Paul addresses the perplexing issue of why not all who hear the gospel believe it. This passage is part of a larger discourse on the nature of faith and the proclamation of the gospel. Paul begins by acknowledging that the gospel is preached to all, yet not everyone obeys or believes it. This is not a new problem; it was prophesied by Isaiah, who lamented that few believed the report of God's message. This historical pattern of disbelief among the Israelites serves as a backdrop for understanding the current rejection of the gospel by many, including the Jews of Paul's time.

Paul emphasizes that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. However, not all hearing leads to faith. There is a distinction between merely hearing the words and truly hearing in a way that results in faith. This true hearing is a spiritual act, facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who opens the heart to receive the message. The gospel message, centered on Christ and His crucifixion, is the means by which faith is produced. It is not merely an intellectual assent but a deep, spiritual reception of the truth.

The Apostle Paul underscores the importance of method in preaching and teaching. It's not enough to be right in doctrine; one must also be right in approach. The way Paul handles objections and disbelief is instructive. He consistently uses Scripture to make his points, demonstrating the unity and reliability of the Bible. This method is not only effective in dealing with the Jews, who prided themselves on their knowledge of the Scriptures, but also serves as a model for us today.

Ultimately, the production of faith is a divine act. It is by God's grace that anyone believes. The Holy Spirit applies the word of Christ to the heart, producing faith. This underscores the necessity of relying on God's power in evangelism and teaching, recognizing that it is not human effort but divine intervention that brings about true belief.

Key Takeaways:

- Faith is not merely a result of hearing the gospel; it is a spiritual act facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who opens the heart to truly receive the message. This highlights the necessity of divine intervention in the process of belief. [38:14]

- The rejection of the gospel by many, including the Jews, was prophesied by Isaiah, demonstrating the consistency and reliability of Scripture. This historical pattern of disbelief serves as a reminder of the spiritual blindness that can only be overcome by God's grace. [10:37]

- The method of presenting the gospel is as important as the message itself. Paul’s use of Scripture to address objections and disbelief is a model for effective evangelism, emphasizing the need for both doctrinal accuracy and compassionate engagement. [06:07]

- True hearing that leads to faith is distinct from merely hearing words. It involves a deep, spiritual reception of the truth, facilitated by the Holy Spirit. This underscores the importance of seeking God's power in evangelism and teaching. [29:10]

- Faith is always specific and centered on Jesus Christ and His crucifixion. There is no saving faith apart from this message, highlighting the centrality of Christ in the gospel and the necessity of proclaiming Him as the foundation of faith. [44:00]

YouTube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to Romans 10:16-17
- [00:35] - The General Offer of the Gospel
- [01:17] - The Calling and Message of the Preacher
- [02:09] - The Problem of Jewish Unbelief
- [03:15] - Israel's Pursuit of Righteousness
- [04:04] - The Objection to the Gospel's Effectiveness
- [05:22] - The Apostle's Response to Unbelief
- [06:07] - The Importance of Method in Preaching
- [07:46] - Prophecy of Unbelief in Isaiah
- [10:08] - The Role of Scripture in Addressing Unbelief
- [13:48] - The Foretelling of the Gospel in the Old Testament
- [17:17] - The Centrality of Faith in Salvation
- [19:00] - The Distinction Between Hearing and Hearing
- [29:10] - The Spiritual Nature of True Hearing
- [38:14] - The Role of the Holy Spirit in Producing Faith
- [44:00] - The Specificity of Faith in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 10:16-17
- Isaiah 53:1
- 1 Corinthians 1:21

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Romans 10:16-17, what is the relationship between hearing and faith? How does Paul describe the process by which faith is produced? [18:41]

2. In the sermon, how does the pastor explain the difference between hearing and truly hearing the gospel? What role does the Holy Spirit play in this process? [29:10]

3. How does the pastor use Isaiah 53:1 to illustrate the historical pattern of disbelief among the Israelites? What significance does this have for understanding the rejection of the gospel in Paul's time? [10:37]

4. What method does Paul use to address objections and disbelief, and why is this method considered effective according to the sermon? [12:27]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. The pastor mentions that faith is not merely an intellectual assent but a deep, spiritual reception of the truth. How does this understanding of faith challenge or affirm your current beliefs about what it means to have faith? [18:41]

2. In what ways does the pastor suggest that the method of presenting the gospel is as important as the message itself? How might this influence the way one shares their faith with others? [06:07]

3. The sermon highlights the necessity of divine intervention in the process of belief. How does this perspective affect one's view of evangelism and the role of human effort in sharing the gospel? [38:14]

4. How does the pastor's explanation of the prophecy in Isaiah 53:1 provide insight into the spiritual blindness that can only be overcome by God's grace? What implications does this have for understanding the nature of belief and unbelief? [10:37]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you heard the gospel but did not truly hear it in a way that led to faith. What changed in your heart or circumstances that allowed you to receive the message differently? [29:10]

2. The pastor emphasizes the importance of method in sharing the gospel. What are some practical ways you can ensure that your approach to sharing your faith is both accurate in doctrine and compassionate in engagement? [06:07]

3. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in opening hearts to the gospel. How can you actively seek the Spirit's guidance and power in your own efforts to share your faith with others? [38:14]

4. The sermon discusses the historical pattern of disbelief and the prophecy of Isaiah. How can understanding this pattern help you remain patient and hopeful when sharing the gospel with those who are resistant or indifferent? [10:37]

5. Faith is described as being centered on Jesus Christ and His crucifixion. How can you ensure that your faith remains focused on Christ, especially in times of doubt or distraction? [44:00]

6. The pastor mentions that true hearing involves a deep, spiritual reception of the truth. What steps can you take to cultivate a heart that is open and receptive to God's word in your daily life? [29:10]

7. Reflect on the pastor's statement that faith is a divine act and a gift from God. How does this understanding influence your gratitude and reliance on God in your spiritual journey? [48:03]

Devotional

Day 1: The Spiritual Act of True Hearing
Faith is not merely a result of hearing the gospel; it is a spiritual act facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who opens the heart to truly receive the message. This highlights the necessity of divine intervention in the process of belief. The distinction between hearing and truly hearing is profound. While many may hear the words of the gospel, it is the Holy Spirit who enables a person to truly hear in a way that leads to faith. This true hearing is a deep, spiritual reception of the truth, not just an intellectual understanding. It is a reminder that faith is a gift from God, and we must rely on His power in evangelism and teaching. [38:14]

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart to truly hear and receive His message today?


Day 2: The Prophecy of Disbelief
The rejection of the gospel by many, including the Jews, was prophesied by Isaiah, demonstrating the consistency and reliability of Scripture. This historical pattern of disbelief serves as a reminder of the spiritual blindness that can only be overcome by God's grace. Isaiah's lament over the few who believed God's message is echoed in the New Testament, where Paul addresses the same issue. This pattern of disbelief highlights the spiritual blindness that can only be overcome by divine intervention. It serves as a reminder of the importance of relying on God's grace to open hearts and minds to the truth of the gospel. [10:37]

"And Isaiah is bold 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.'" (Romans 10:20, ESV)

Reflection: How can you rely more on God's grace to overcome spiritual blindness in your own life or in the lives of those around you?


Day 3: The Method of Gospel Presentation
The method of presenting the gospel is as important as the message itself. Paul’s use of Scripture to address objections and disbelief is a model for effective evangelism, emphasizing the need for both doctrinal accuracy and compassionate engagement. The way we present the gospel can significantly impact how it is received. Paul demonstrates the importance of using Scripture to address objections and disbelief, showing that the Bible is a reliable and unified source of truth. This approach is not only effective in dealing with those who are knowledgeable about the Scriptures but also serves as a model for us today in our evangelistic efforts. [06:07]

"Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching." (2 Timothy 4:2, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure that your method of sharing the gospel is both accurate and compassionate?


Day 4: The Spiritual Nature of True Hearing
True hearing that leads to faith is distinct from merely hearing words. It involves a deep, spiritual reception of the truth, facilitated by the Holy Spirit. This underscores the importance of seeking God's power in evangelism and teaching. The difference between hearing and truly hearing is significant. True hearing is a spiritual act that goes beyond the mere reception of words. It is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who opens the heart to receive the message of the gospel deeply and spiritually. This highlights the necessity of seeking God's power in our efforts to share the gospel and teach others. [29:10]

"For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them." (Matthew 13:15, ESV)

Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to deepen your understanding and reception of God's truth in your daily life?


Day 5: The Centrality of Christ in Faith
Faith is always specific and centered on Jesus Christ and His crucifixion. There is no saving faith apart from this message, highlighting the centrality of Christ in the gospel and the necessity of proclaiming Him as the foundation of faith. The message of the gospel is centered on Jesus Christ and His crucifixion. This is the foundation of saving faith, and there is no true faith apart from this message. It is essential to proclaim Christ as the center of the gospel, emphasizing His role in salvation and the necessity of faith in Him. [44:00]

"For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:2, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you make Christ more central in your life and in your conversations with others about faith?

Quotes

The Apostle Paul underscores the importance of method in preaching and teaching. It's not enough to be right in doctrine; one must also be right in approach. The way Paul handles objections and disbelief is instructive. He consistently uses Scripture to make his points, demonstrating the unity and reliability of the Bible. This method is not only effective in dealing with the Jews, who prided themselves on their knowledge of the Scriptures, but also serves as a model for us today. [00:06:07]

The rejection of the gospel by many, including the Jews, was prophesied by Isaiah, demonstrating the consistency and reliability of Scripture. This historical pattern of disbelief serves as a reminder of the spiritual blindness that can only be overcome by God's grace. [00:10:37]

Faith is not merely a result of hearing the gospel; it is a spiritual act facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who opens the heart to truly receive the message. This highlights the necessity of divine intervention in the process of belief. [00:38:14]

True hearing that leads to faith is distinct from merely hearing words. It involves a deep, spiritual reception of the truth, facilitated by the Holy Spirit. This underscores the importance of seeking God's power in evangelism and teaching. [00:29:10]

Faith is always specific and centered on Jesus Christ and His crucifixion. There is no saving faith apart from this message, highlighting the centrality of Christ in the gospel and the necessity of proclaiming Him as the foundation of faith. [00:44:00]

The Apostle Paul was one of the wisest men the world has ever known, and he got a great pastoral mind and a great pastoral heart. The Apostle always makes his point by quotations from scripture, and if you see the wisdom of this thing, here are the Jews who bursted of their scriptures. [00:11:00]

The Apostle Paul gives exactly the same explanation as our Lord does in the parable of the S as God had given to Isaiah when he sent him out to preach and as the Apostle Paul, I'm suggesting, give Us in Romans 10:17. [00:28:00]

The Apostle Paul knew as he was preaching to those Thessalonians that they were Hearing in this Faith manner that the Lord was opening their hearts. He knew it; he had much Assurance about it, in power, in the Holy Ghost, and in much Assurance. [00:46:00]

The Apostle Paul deals with the problem by a quotation from scripture, but he doesn't leave it at that. He goes on in the 17th verse to elaborate that, and the 17th verse is in many ways a kind of exposition of the 16th verse. [00:17:17]

The Apostle Paul emphasizes that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. However, not all hearing leads to faith. There is a distinction between merely hearing the words and truly hearing in a way that results in faith. [00:19:00]

The Apostle Paul underscores the necessity of relying on God's power in evangelism and teaching, recognizing that it is not human effort but divine intervention that brings about true belief. [00:38:14]

The Apostle Paul demonstrates the unity and reliability of the Bible, using Scripture to address objections and disbelief, serving as a model for effective evangelism. [00:06:07]

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Transcript
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