Transformed by Truth: How Will They Hear? The Call to Proclaim the Good News Romans 10:14-15
Introduction:
Today, we are going to explore a powerful and challenging passage from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans. This passage calls each of us to consider our role in God’s mission. Let’s read Romans 10:14-15 from the New Living Translation:
"But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, 'How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!'” (Romans 10:14-15, NLT)
In these verses, Paul presents a logical sequence highlighting the necessity of proclaiming the Gospel. Today, we will examine three key aspects: the Necessity of Proclamation, the Responsibility of Believers, and the Beauty of the Message.
1. The Necessity of Proclamation
Paul begins with a series of rhetorical questions that underscore the importance of proclaiming the Gospel.
Paul's questions reveal a clear sequence: to call on the Lord for salvation, one must believe; to believe, one must hear; to hear, someone must proclaim; and to proclaim, one must be sent. This sequence emphasizes that without proclamation, people cannot come to faith.
The Greek word for "hear" (?????, akouo) implies not just physical hearing but understanding and accepting the message. The necessity of proclamation is fundamental to God's plan for salvation.
Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT): "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Jesus' Great Commission commands us to go and make disciples, underscoring the necessity of proclamation.
Acts 1:8 (NLT): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Jesus empowers us to be His witnesses, indicating the global scope of our proclamation.
We must recognize the urgency of sharing the Gospel. People cannot believe unless they hear the message. Let us be proactive in our witness, understanding that our words have eternal significance.
Consider a town without access to clean water. If you have the means to provide a well, but you keep it to yourself, the town remains in desperate need. Similarly, we possess the living water of the Gospel. We must share it so others can drink and live.
2. The Responsibility of Believers
Paul's sequence highlights the responsibility of those who know the Gospel to share it.
Paul asks, "And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?" This question places the responsibility squarely on believers. We are the "someone" who must tell others. The Greek word for "tell" (????ss?, kerysso) means to proclaim or herald, often used in the context of announcing news publicly.
2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT): "So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, 'Come back to God!'"
As Christ’s ambassadors, we represent Him and share His message of reconciliation.
1 Peter 3:15 (NLT): "Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it."
We must always be prepared to share the reason for our hope, fulfilling our responsibility to proclaim the Gospel.
We have a divine mandate to share the Good News. This is not optional; it is our calling as followers of Christ. Let us embrace this responsibility with joy and urgency, understanding the privilege of being God’s messengers.
Imagine being a firefighter with the knowledge and tools to save lives, but choosing to stay in the station while a fire rages. Similarly, we have the message of salvation and must go out to save those in spiritual danger.
3. The Beauty of the Message
Paul concludes by quoting Isaiah: "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!"
The beauty of the feet signifies the preciousness of the message and the honour of the messenger. The Hebrew word used in Isaiah 52:7 (??????, na'weh) means fitting or suitable, indicating that the act of bringing good news is inherently beautiful.
Isaiah 52:7 (NLT): "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!"
This verse originally applied to the exiles returning from Babylon, but Paul applies it to the Gospel, highlighting its ultimate fulfilment in Christ.
Ephesians 6:15 (NLT): "For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared."
The Good News equips us with peace, making us ready to share it with others.
The message we carry is beautiful because it brings life, peace, and reconciliation with God. Let us cherish the privilege of being messengers and joyfully share the Gospel, knowing its transformative power.
Think of a soldier returning home with news of victory. The joy and relief on the faces of their loved ones reflect the beauty of the message. Similarly, the Gospel we share brings the ultimate victory and joy.
Conclusion and Call to Action:
Beloved, we are called to be transformed by the truth of the Gospel and to share that transformative truth with the world. Let us embrace the necessity of proclamation, our responsibility as believers, and the beauty of the message we carry.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. Empower us by Your Spirit to boldly proclaim this message. Help us to embrace our responsibility and recognise the beauty of being Your messengers. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Go forth today, understanding the urgency and privilege of sharing the Gospel. Be bold in your witness, and may your feet be beautiful as you bring the Good News to a world in need. Amen.
