Romans 10:16-17

Passage

But all did not obey the Gospel.  For Isaiah says, “Lord, who believed our message?”  Consequently, faith is out of hearing and hearing is through the word of Christ.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

At this point, it is time for Paul to face a saddening fact.  Not everyone obeys.  Sure, anyone can hear the message.  Anyone can even call on the name of the Lord when they are at the end of their rope.  But here Paul reminds us that belief is an important response to God’s work.  God offers salvation to us by His righteousness and salvation comes solely through His Son.  But we must believe in response.  We must obey.  As Bonheoffer teaches: only those who believe obey and only those who obey believe.

What does it mean to you to believe in God?  What does it mean to you to obey Him?

Second Thought:

Paul then reminds us that faith comes out of hearing.  This is an incredible point.  Yes, we are called into mission and service.  But what good is service and mission unless people hear the reason for the service and mission?  Faith fundamentally comes out of hearing.  This is why our testimony and our confession are so valuable.  It is our confession and our testimony that truly brings depth and meaning to our actions.

How eager are you to proclaim what God is doing for you?  Do you think you have a valuable testimony?

Third Thought:

Paul then gives us the greatest hope that we can receive.  Hearing comes from the word of Christ.  In other words, it is not my words that are important, but Christ who speaks through me.  Jesus promises us the Holy Spirit, who will give us the words to speak when appropriate.  What God needs from me is a willingness to speak while knowing that God will give me the words to speak.  It is Christ whose work is important, not me.

In what way is it freeing for you to realize that Christ speaks through us?  Do you believe Christ can speak through you?

Passage for Tomorrow: Romans 10:18-21