True Faith: Obedience and Joy in the Gospel
Summary
In Romans 10:16-17, Paul addresses the issue of hearing and obeying the gospel. The gospel is proclaimed to all, yet not everyone believes. This is not surprising, as even Isaiah lamented the lack of belief in his time. True faith comes from hearing the word of God, but not all hearing leads to faith. The critical question is whether we have truly heard the gospel in a way that leads to faith. Paul provides two tests to determine if our hearing is genuine: obedience and joy.
Obedience is the first test. True hearing leads to obedience, which is not merely an intellectual assent to the gospel but a submission to its authority. This obedience is not about works but about a heart transformed by faith. It involves repentance, a turning away from sin, and a reliance on Christ alone for salvation. This obedience is not a mechanical following of rules but a heartfelt response to the grace of God. It is the difference between a superficial religiosity and a deep, living faith that transforms every aspect of life.
The second test, which will be explored further, is joy. True faith results in a profound joy that comes from the Holy Spirit. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is a deep-seated assurance and delight in the gospel. It is a joy that cannot be counterfeited by Satan or the world.
In conclusion, the gospel calls for a response of obedience and joy. While we are responsible for our response to the gospel, our salvation is entirely a gift from God. We must hold these truths in tension, recognizing that while we cannot save ourselves, we are accountable for our unbelief. True faith is evidenced by a life of obedience and joy, a life that is transformed by the power of the gospel.
Key Takeaways:
- True Hearing and Faith: True faith arises from a genuine hearing of the gospel, which is more than just listening with our ears. It involves a deep, spiritual hearing that leads to faith, as the Holy Spirit applies the word of Christ to our hearts. This hearing results in a transformation that goes beyond intellectual assent to a heartfelt belief. [03:33]
- Obedience as a Test of Faith: Obedience is a crucial test of genuine faith. It is not about following rules mechanically but about a heartfelt submission to the authority of the gospel. This obedience involves repentance, a turning away from sin, and a reliance on Christ alone for salvation. It is a response that comes from a heart transformed by faith. [07:22]
- The Role of Repentance: Repentance is an essential aspect of true faith. It involves a recognition of our sinfulness, a renunciation of sin, and a turning to God. True repentance leads to a change in behavior and a desire to live in accordance with God's will. It is a vital part of the obedience of faith. [15:30]
- Faith and Works: There is no contradiction between faith and works. True faith always leads to works, as it is a living faith that manifests itself in action. This is not about earning salvation through works but about demonstrating the reality of our faith through our actions. [29:52]
- Joy as a Fruit of Faith: Joy is a significant fruit of genuine faith. It is a deep-seated assurance and delight in the gospel that comes from the Holy Spirit. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is a profound expression of our relationship with God. It is a joy that cannot be counterfeited by the world. [43:32]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Romans 10:16-17
- [01:19] - The Proclamation of the Gospel
- [01:54] - The Problem of Unbelief
- [03:16] - True Hearing and Faith
- [05:11] - Tests of True Hearing
- [06:27] - Obedience as a Test of Faith
- [10:14] - The Obedience of Faith
- [12:14] - Faith vs. Intellectual Assent
- [15:30] - The Role of Repentance
- [18:21] - Confession and Submission
- [21:12] - Becoming Part of God's People
- [26:24] - The Parable of the Two Sons
- [31:59] - The Gospel as a Call to Obedience
- [36:05] - Responsibility and Salvation
- [43:32] - The Test of Joy
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 10:16-17
2. Matthew 21:28-31
3. Acts 16:14
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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 of coming to faith? [03:33]
2. In the parable of the two sons from Matthew 21:28-31, what distinguishes the actions of the two sons, and how does this relate to the concept of obedience discussed in the sermon? [24:26]
3. How does the story of Lydia in Acts 16:14 illustrate the concept of true hearing and obedience as described in the sermon? [14:01]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the difference between mechanical hearing and living hearing? [08:08]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the role of obedience in distinguishing true faith from mere intellectual assent? Why is this distinction important for believers? [12:14]
2. The sermon mentions that true faith results in a transformation that goes beyond intellectual assent. How does this transformation manifest in a believer's life according to the sermon? [19:19]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that joy is a test of genuine faith, and how is this joy different from happiness based on circumstances? [43:32]
4. How does the sermon address the tension between human responsibility and divine sovereignty in the context of salvation? [36:24]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Have you experienced a transformation that goes beyond intellectual belief in the gospel? What evidence of obedience and joy can you identify in your life? [19:19]
2. Consider the parable of the two sons. In what areas of your life might you be saying "I will go" but not following through with action? How can you align your actions with your intentions? [24:26]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance as part of true faith. Is there a specific area in your life where you need to turn away from sin and rely more fully on Christ? [15:30]
4. How can you cultivate a deeper joy in your relationship with God that is not dependent on your circumstances? What practices or habits might help you in this pursuit? [43:32]
5. The sermon discusses the responsibility of hearing and responding to the gospel. How can you be more intentional in sharing the gospel with others, knowing that they are responsible for their response? [36:05]
6. Reflect on the concept of "hearing under authority" as described in the sermon. How can you practice this kind of hearing in your daily walk with God? [07:22]
7. Identify one area in your life where you struggle with obedience to God's word. What steps can you take this week to submit to His authority in that area? [08:08]
Devotional
Day 1: True Hearing Transforms Hearts
True faith arises from a genuine hearing of the gospel, which is more than just listening with our ears. It involves a deep, spiritual hearing that leads to faith, as the Holy Spirit applies the word of Christ to our hearts. This hearing results in a transformation that goes beyond intellectual assent to a heartfelt belief. The gospel is proclaimed to all, yet not everyone believes. This is not surprising, as even Isaiah lamented the lack of belief in his time. The critical question is whether we have truly heard the gospel in a way that leads to faith. [03:33]
"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you create space in your daily routine to truly hear and meditate on the word of God, allowing it to transform your heart?
Day 2: Obedience as a Heartfelt Response
Obedience is a crucial test of genuine faith. It is not about following rules mechanically but about a heartfelt submission to the authority of the gospel. This obedience involves repentance, a turning away from sin, and a reliance on Christ alone for salvation. It is a response that comes from a heart transformed by faith. True hearing leads to obedience, which is not merely an intellectual assent to the gospel but a submission to its authority. This obedience is not about works but about a heart transformed by faith. [07:22]
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you struggle with obedience to God's word. What steps can you take today to submit this area to Christ's authority?
Day 3: Repentance as a Path to Renewal
Repentance is an essential aspect of true faith. It involves a recognition of our sinfulness, a renunciation of sin, and a turning to God. True repentance leads to a change in behavior and a desire to live in accordance with God's will. It is a vital part of the obedience of faith. This obedience is not a mechanical following of rules but a heartfelt response to the grace of God. It is the difference between a superficial religiosity and a deep, living faith that transforms every aspect of life. [15:30]
"Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." (Acts 3:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a specific sin you need to turn away from. How can you actively seek God's forgiveness and strength to change your behavior today?
Day 4: Faith Expressed Through Action
There is no contradiction between faith and works. True faith always leads to works, as it is a living faith that manifests itself in action. This is not about earning salvation through works but about demonstrating the reality of our faith through our actions. While we are responsible for our response to the gospel, our salvation is entirely a gift from God. We must hold these truths in tension, recognizing that while we cannot save ourselves, we are accountable for our unbelief. [29:52]
"For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead." (James 2:26, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a way you can demonstrate your faith through action today. What is one practical step you can take to serve others or live out your faith in your community?
Day 5: Joy as a Fruit of the Spirit
Joy is a significant fruit of genuine faith. It is a deep-seated assurance and delight in the gospel that comes from the Holy Spirit. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is a profound expression of our relationship with God. It is a joy that cannot be counterfeited by the world. True faith results in a profound joy that comes from the Holy Spirit. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is a deep-seated assurance and delight in the gospel. [43:32]
"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory." (1 Peter 1:8, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge or difficult situation. How can you find joy in your relationship with God despite your circumstances? What can you do today to cultivate this joy?
Quotes
True faith arises from a genuine hearing of the gospel, which is more than just listening with our ears. It involves a deep, spiritual hearing that leads to faith, as the Holy Spirit applies the word of Christ to our hearts. This hearing results in a transformation that goes beyond intellectual assent to a heartfelt belief. [00:03:33]
The first test he says is the test of obedience he puts that you see in this form but they have not all obeyed the gospel see he doesn't say they haven't all heard the gospel they all have heard that's the point he's making and he's going on to repeat that. [00:05:52]
Obedience includes obviously also repentance, and repentance means conviction of sin, a recognition and an admission that we are sinners that we have sinned against God that our Natures are sinful that's a part of repentance a man ceases to defend himself as long as you're defending yourself. [00:15:30]
True faith always leads to works, as it is a living faith that manifests itself in action. This is not about earning salvation through works but about demonstrating the reality of our faith through our actions. [00:29:52]
True faith is evidenced by a life of obedience and joy, a life that is transformed by the power of the gospel. [00:36:05]
The gospel is a call to obedience the Apostle Paul preaching in Athens says God now commandeth all men everywhere to repent it's a command and it calls for obedience and for response or I'll put it like this to you you see the great danger that people fall into is this. [00:36:05]
True faith is always active it is always Opera it always leads to something it's never merely intellectual well I've quoted it so often before the whole thing is rarely in this epistle to the Romans in chapter 6 and verse 17 God be thanked that ye were the Servants of sin. [00:30:00]
The gospel calls for a response of obedience and joy. While we are responsible for our response to the gospel, our salvation is entirely a gift from God. We must hold these truths in tension, recognizing that while we cannot save ourselves, we are accountable for our unbelief. [00:36:05]
Faith takes up the whole men they have not all obeyed the gospel all right there then there is no contradiction between James and Paul and then this is a vital part of the preaching of justification by faith only you're not justified by saying I believe you're not justified by saying Lord Lord. [00:31:59]
The second test of course is the test of Joy the test of Joy the first first test is obedience the second test is the test of Joy but I'm not going to dismiss joy in a sentence or two Joy is the most wonderful thing in the world spiritual Joy Christian Joy. [00:43:32]
The Apostle thanks God for those Thessalonians he thanks God especially for their faith their work of Faith their labor of love their patience of hope they went on in spite of persecution and all that was against them they persisted they went on with it as Christian people in the Christian church. [00:26:24]
True faith is evidenced by a life of obedience and joy, a life that is transformed by the power of the gospel. [00:36:05]
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