Go! And Believe the Truth: Faith Comes by Hearing
Introduction:
Imagine standing in a dark room, unable to see a thing. You know there’s a light switch somewhere, but you can’t find it. Someone tells you, “The light is on the wall, just a few steps away.” You have a choice—do you believe their words and step forward, or do you stay still in the darkness, doubting what you cannot yet see?
Spiritually, that’s where many people live—in darkness, uncertain about what is true, uncertain about eternity, uncertain about Jesus. But the Bible tells us that faith comes from hearing the Good News about Christ (Romans 10:17). Today, I want to invite you to go, and believe the truth—to step out of the darkness of unbelief and into the light of Christ.
Let us read together the three key passages for today’s message:
John 20:9 (NLT): “For until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead.”
Romans 10:17 (NLT): “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.”
1 Timothy 4:16 (NLT): “Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.”
1. The Reality of the Resurrection (John 20:9)
In John 20, we see the disciples at the tomb of Jesus. Mary Magdalene had run to tell them the stone was rolled away. Peter and John rushed to see for themselves. They found the linen wrappings lying there, but they didn’t yet understand—the Scriptures had foretold it: “He must rise from the dead.”
The Greek word for “must” here is “dei” (de?), meaning it was necessary, inevitable, part of God’s divine plan. The resurrection wasn’t an accident—it was a necessity for salvation. Without it, our faith is useless (1 Corinthians 15:17).
Luke 24:6–7 (NLT): “He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”
Jesus Himself predicted this moment. The disciples had heard it but hadn’t understood it. How many today hear the Gospel but fail to truly grasp its power?
The Unread Will
Imagine a man living in poverty, unaware that a rich uncle had died and left him a fortune. The will was written, the inheritance secured, but because he never read it, he lived in lack. Many today live spiritually impoverished because they do not believe what God has already written about His Son.
Tim Keller once said, “If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn’t rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said?”
Commentary: The resurrection is the foundation. It validates everything else. We must proclaim it, believe it, and build our lives upon it.
2. The Source of Saving Faith (Romans 10:17)
Paul writes, “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” Saving faith is not self-generated; it is sparked when we hear the Word of God. The Greek word for “hearing” is “akoe” (????), meaning both the act of hearing and the message heard.
Faith does not come by wishful thinking, nor by our works, nor by vague spirituality. It comes by the proclamation of the Good News—Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.
Hebrews 4:12 (NLT): “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
The Word penetrates. It cuts through doubt. It awakens faith. This is why the church must go and preach, and why you and I must share our testimony.
The Lifeboat Call
During the Titanic disaster, some lifeboats left half-empty. People in the water heard calls to climb aboard, but some hesitated—frozen by fear, disbelief, or pride. Many perished within reach of salvation. The Gospel call is the lifeboat invitation: “Come, be saved!” But you must believe and step in.
Charles Stanley said, “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.”
Commentary: When we share the Gospel, we cannot control who believes, but we can control whether we are faithful to speak. Our obedience to proclaim the Good News allows others the chance to hear—and faith comes from hearing.
3. The Call to Persevere and Proclaim (1 Timothy 4:16)
Paul exhorts Timothy: “Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.”
This is both a personal command and a missional one. The Greek word for “keep” here is “epecho” (?p???), meaning to hold firmly, to pay attention continually. Our faith must not drift; our message must not dilute.
Acts 20:28 (NLT): “So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders.”
The health of your soul and the faithfulness of your witness are connected. If you wander, your witness weakens. If you persevere, your testimony shines.
John Piper wrote, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”
Commentary: Persevering faith is not drudgery—it is delight in Christ. When we walk closely with Him, our lives become a testimony that draws others to the Saviour.
The Gospel Presentation:
Let me speak plainly: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lived the perfect life you and I could never live. He went to the cross, bearing our sin and shame. He died the death we deserved. He was buried, and on the third day, He rose again—just as the Scriptures said.
Why? So that you could be forgiven. So that you could be reconciled to God. So that death would not have the final word.
The Bible says in Acts 3:19 (NLT): “Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.”
Repentance is a change of mind and heart—a turning from sin to the Saviour. Faith is trusting in Jesus alone to save you. Not Jesus plus your effort. Not Jesus plus religion. Jesus alone.
Call to Action:
Believers—keep watch over your life. Stay rooted in Scripture. Share the Gospel boldly, for faith comes by hearing.
Seekers—today is the day of salvation. The tomb is empty. The promise is full. Will you believe?
2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT): “Today is the day of salvation.”
Invitation to Salvation:
If you have never truly trusted in Jesus, today you can. Pray from your heart:
“Lord Jesus, I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I repent and turn from my old life. I receive You as my Saviour and Lord. Forgive me. Save me. Make me Yours.”
If that’s your prayer, tell someone today. Begin your journey of faith.
Benediction:
May the risen Christ fill you with His life, may His Word anchor your faith, and may His Spirit empower your witness, that you may go—and believe the truth, and cause others to believe also. Amen.
