The Vital Role of Preaching in Salvation
Summary
In exploring Romans 10:14-17, we delve into the profound necessity of preaching in the Christian faith. The passage raises critical questions about the process of salvation, emphasizing that belief in Christ requires hearing about Him, which in turn necessitates a preacher. This underscores the importance of preaching as God's chosen method for spreading the gospel. The Apostle Paul highlights two essential components: the general proclamation of the gospel and its efficacious call, which is effective only for some. This dual aspect of the gospel call is crucial for understanding the dynamics of faith and salvation.
The sermon also addresses common questions about the fate of those who have never heard the gospel, such as heathens and infants. It asserts that God, in His sovereignty, can reveal the truth of Christ to anyone, regardless of their circumstances. This highlights God's omnipotence and the mysterious ways in which He operates beyond human understanding.
Furthermore, the sermon critiques the modern tendency to undervalue preaching in favor of reading or other forms of communication. It argues that while reading the Bible is beneficial, it cannot replace the unique power and impact of preaching. Preaching is described as "truth mediated through personality," where God uses the preacher's entire being to convey His message effectively. This method is not only about delivering information but also about applying the truth to the listener's life, which is essential for genuine transformation.
The sermon concludes by emphasizing the role of the preacher as a herald, someone appointed to proclaim the gospel. While every Christian should be able to share the good news, not everyone is called to be a herald. This distinction is vital for understanding the different roles within the church and the importance of being sent by God to preach.
Key Takeaways:
- The Necessity of Preaching: Preaching is God's ordained method for spreading the gospel. It is through hearing the preached word that faith is sparked in the hearts of listeners. This highlights the indispensable role of preachers in God's plan for salvation. [01:51]
- God's Sovereignty in Revelation: God can reveal the truth of Christ to anyone, regardless of their circumstances, including those who have never heard the gospel. This underscores God's omnipotence and the mysterious ways He operates beyond human understanding. [06:11]
- Preaching vs. Reading: While reading the Bible is beneficial, it cannot replace the unique power and impact of preaching. Preaching involves the application of truth to the listener's life, which is essential for genuine transformation. [16:42]
- The Role of the Preacher: The preacher is a herald, appointed to proclaim the gospel. While every Christian should share the good news, not everyone is called to be a herald. This distinction is vital for understanding the different roles within the church. [41:57]
- The Power of the Congregation: The gathered church creates a spiritual atmosphere that enhances the effectiveness of preaching. The presence of a congregation can significantly impact a seeker, drawing them closer to salvation. [27:34]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Introduction to Romans 10:14-17
- [01:06] - The Way of Salvation
- [01:51] - The Necessity of Preaching
- [03:03] - God's Will and Purpose
- [04:09] - The Great Charter for Mission Work
- [05:53] - God's Sovereignty in Revelation
- [07:31] - The Customary Method of God
- [09:59] - Miracles and God's Methods
- [11:03] - The Role of Preaching
- [12:01] - Preaching vs. Reading
- [13:37] - The Importance of Preaching Today
- [16:42] - Preaching as God's Ordained Method
- [19:58] - The Need for Spiritual Instruction
- [21:29] - The Role of the Preacher
- [27:34] - The Power of the Congregation
- [41:57] - The Herald and the Good News
- [45:08] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 10:14-17
Observation Questions:
1. According to Romans 10:14-17, what is the sequence of events that leads to someone calling on the name of the Lord?
2. How does the sermon describe the dual aspect of the gospel call mentioned in Romans 10:14-17? [02:27]
3. What role does the preacher play in the process of salvation as outlined in the sermon? [01:51]
4. How does the sermon address the question of those who have never heard the gospel, such as heathens and infants? [06:11]
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does the sermon emphasize the necessity of preaching over other forms of communication like reading? What unique role does preaching play in the transformation of listeners? [16:42]
2. How does the sermon explain God's sovereignty in revealing the truth of Christ to those who have never heard the gospel? What does this suggest about God's nature? [06:11]
3. The sermon mentions that not everyone is called to be a herald. What might be the implications of this distinction for individuals within the church? [41:57]
4. How does the presence of a congregation enhance the effectiveness of preaching, according to the sermon? [27:34]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal experience with preaching. How has a sermon impacted your faith journey? Can you recall a specific instance where preaching led to a transformation in your life? [16:42]
2. The sermon suggests that God can reveal the truth to anyone, regardless of their circumstances. How does this understanding affect your view of evangelism and mission work? [06:11]
3. Consider the role of reading the Bible in your spiritual life. How can you balance personal Bible study with the communal experience of listening to sermons? [16:42]
4. The sermon highlights the importance of being sent by God to preach. How can you discern if you are being called to share the gospel in a specific way or context? [41:57]
5. Think about the spiritual atmosphere created by a congregation. How can you contribute to fostering a welcoming and impactful environment for seekers in your church? [27:34]
6. The sermon critiques the modern tendency to undervalue preaching. How can you encourage others to appreciate and engage with sermons more deeply? [16:42]
7. Reflect on the distinction between being a herald and sharing the good news. How can you effectively share your faith with others in your daily life, even if you are not called to be a preacher? [41:57]
Devotional
Day 1: The Indispensable Role of Preaching
Preaching is God's chosen method for spreading the gospel, as it is through hearing the preached word that faith is sparked in the hearts of listeners. This highlights the indispensable role of preachers in God's plan for salvation. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 10:14-17, emphasizes that belief in Christ requires hearing about Him, which necessitates a preacher. This underscores the importance of preaching as God's ordained method for spreading the gospel. The dual aspect of the gospel call, both general and efficacious, is crucial for understanding the dynamics of faith and salvation. [01:51]
Isaiah 52:7 (ESV): "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns.'"
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the good news of the gospel? How can you be a vessel for God's message to them today?
Day 2: God's Sovereignty in Revelation
God, in His sovereignty, can reveal the truth of Christ to anyone, regardless of their circumstances, including those who have never heard the gospel. This underscores God's omnipotence and the mysterious ways He operates beyond human understanding. The sermon addresses common questions about the fate of those who have never heard the gospel, such as heathens and infants, asserting that God can reveal Himself in ways beyond our comprehension. This highlights the vastness of God's power and the assurance that He is not limited by human constraints. [06:11]
Job 42:2 (ESV): "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust more in God's sovereignty and mysterious ways? How can you surrender these areas to Him today?
Day 3: The Unique Power of Preaching
While reading the Bible is beneficial, it cannot replace the unique power and impact of preaching. Preaching involves the application of truth to the listener's life, which is essential for genuine transformation. The sermon critiques the modern tendency to undervalue preaching in favor of reading or other forms of communication. Preaching is described as "truth mediated through personality," where God uses the preacher's entire being to convey His message effectively. This method is not only about delivering information but also about applying the truth to the listener's life. [16:42]
1 Thessalonians 2:13 (ESV): "And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers."
Reflection: How can you open your heart to the transformative power of preaching this week? What steps can you take to actively apply the preached word to your life?
Day 4: The Distinct Calling of the Preacher
The preacher is a herald, appointed to proclaim the gospel. While every Christian should share the good news, not everyone is called to be a herald. This distinction is vital for understanding the different roles within the church. The sermon emphasizes the role of the preacher as someone appointed to proclaim the gospel, highlighting the importance of being sent by God to preach. This understanding helps clarify the unique calling and responsibility of those who are chosen to be heralds of the gospel. [41:57]
Jeremiah 1:7-8 (ESV): "But the Lord said to me, 'Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.'"
Reflection: Reflect on your own calling within the body of Christ. How can you support those who are called to be heralds of the gospel in your community?
Day 5: The Power of the Congregation
The gathered church creates a spiritual atmosphere that enhances the effectiveness of preaching. The presence of a congregation can significantly impact a seeker, drawing them closer to salvation. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the role of the congregation in creating a spiritual environment that amplifies the power of preaching. This collective presence can be a powerful witness to seekers and those exploring faith, drawing them closer to the truth of the gospel. [27:34]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you contribute to creating a welcoming and spiritually enriching environment in your church community? What practical steps can you take to encourage and support others in your congregation?
Quotes
I suggested last week that in verses 14 and 15 you have what is called the general proclamation of auor of the gospel and in verses 16 and 17 he deals with the question of how it becomes efficacious the general call the efficacious call the General call is made to all it is only efficacious or effective in the case of some and the Apostle here deals with those two aspects of the matter. [00:02:40]
There is only one adequate explanation and that is that God in his own inscrutable and mysterious manner is able to make this truth concerning the Lord Jesus Christ known to whomsoever he Wills whether they be infants Heathen adults whatever they are it doesn't matter nothing is impossible with God. [00:05:59]
God is all powerful and if God so chose he could cause food to rise from the ground immediately directly at any moment but God in his eternal wisdom hasn't chosen to do that what God has chosen to do is this that men should have plows and that they should plow the Earth and then that they should Harrow it and break it up they should sew the seed into it and then smooth it over and they do all that in the spring or perhaps even earlier but they don't get the Harvest they don't get the food until you're over in the Autumn God has chosen to work through means indirectly and in that manner. [00:08:34]
Preaching after all is that which has been ordained by God it is God who has ordained that through the foolishness of preaching the thing preached that men should be saved so he called Apostles and Prophets and evangelists and preachers and teachers pastors and teachers now why why why do I say that it is important for us to realize the truth concerning preaching as against reading. [00:17:03]
One that though the word is here before us and in a language that we can understand and though as Christians we have all received the Holy Spirit and he is in US it does not follow that we are therefore competent in and of ourselves without any Aid to arrive at a true knowledge and understanding of the word of God. [00:18:01]
Preaching is truth mediated through personality truth it must always be truth but mediated through personality what does that mean well it means this that God can use everything about the preacher in order to bring the truth home I say God can do so when the preacher tries to do so it is Thoroughly bad it's meretricious it's even worse but God can use everything pertaining to a man. [00:23:10]
There is something about the Gathering of the Saints which is very vital to preaching that is where the church is so important we're in danger of becoming uh individualists but you see the church is the pillar and ground of the truth and it is when the church is assembled together that the preaching is generally most effective. [00:25:12]
Application it's one thing to read it's a very different thing to apply the message to yourself we need application we need exort to Deliver Us from a mere intellectual theoretical academic interest in the truth and that is one of the greatest functions of the preacher and that is why men of course who read their sermons are d denying the very essence of preaching it is to be applied the whole time. [00:29:07]
The Bible we are told is the best seller in the world today but look at the state of the world the Bible's the best seller in Great Britain but look at Great Britain what's the point of saying it is the best seller there's something wrong somewhere yes and what is wrong is that people don't listen to preaching the possession of a Bible good though it is is not enough. [00:30:02]
Preaching first preaching is God's ordained method here it is how shall they hear without a preacher this is the way still reading supplementary a good supplement an excellent supplement but never a substitute that's the position it's when men substitute reading for preaching the disaster comes in but reading as a substitute a as a supplement to the preaching is of course excellent. [00:34:45]
Every Christian should be able to give the good news but that every Christian is not called upon to be a Herald any man who's a Christian should know the way of Salvation and should be able to tell another should be able as Peter puts it in one Peter in the third chapter to give a reason for the hope that is in him. [00:41:59]
We are all meant to be preachers in the sense of Acts 8:4 but what about the meaning of Acts 85 and the application here and in other instances which God willing I shall put before you very well we leave it at that and we'll take it up once more next week. [00:44:46]
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