Rev. David Holwick Book of Romans series
First Baptist Church
West Lafayette, Ohio
June 4, 1989
Romans 10:6-15
|
I. Evangelism - the negative side.
A. Tell people they are going the wrong way.
1) Great care is needed in doing this.
2) Paul's approach:
a) Deep concern for the person themselves. 10:1
b) Humble reliance on God, not superiority. 10:1
c) Deep understanding of position of people. 10:2
1> He knows what he is talking about.
B. Sincerity is not enough.
1) Common misconception - belief doesn't matter.
2) Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons have zeal.
a) However, their doctrine is inadequate.
b) Ignorant of how God operates. 10:3
1> Clearly revealed in Scripture.
C. Good works are not enough. 10:3
1) Salvation by Law requires "doing it." 10:5
(Leviticus 18:5)
a) No one can do this perfectly.
II. Evangelism - the good news.
A. Only faith is adequate. 10:6
1) Paul adapts Moses' farewell speech. (Deut 30)
a) No need to ascend, or descend, to find salvation. 10:6
1> Beatles went to India to find it.
2> But it is available in Jesus.
b) Salvation is easy and near - your mouth. 10:8
B. Message seems simplistic to Jews.
1) Common attitude today - salvation must be earned.
a) "No free lunch."
2) Beauty of gospel is that it is free.
a) All have an equal chance.
b) No one who truly seeks God will be turned away.
3) Not superhuman effort, but simple faith.
III. Meaning of faith.
A. Believe in heart.
B. Confess with mouth.
IV. Belief.
A. Based on essential fact.
1) Heart-belief in Jesus' resurrection.
a) Not just his death (as a mere man).
b) Thousands have been crucified.
1> "Killing Fields" actor.
2) Jesus not only lived, but he lives!
B. Commitment to this fact.
1) Don't just know about Christ, but know him personally.
2) Not just historical person, but a real presence.
V. Confession.
A. Content of Confession: "Jesus is Lord." 10:9
1) Use of word "Lord".
a) Roman emperor.
b) Roman gods.
2) Application to Jesus.
a) We are saying he is unique.
b) He is in charge of my life.
1> I am obedient to him.
B. Reason for Confession.
1) Concrete expression of belief.
2) Shows commitment and depth of faith.
a) Especially in hostile situations.
1> (Importance of getting converts to do something.)
b) It produces assurance. 10:11
C. Examples of confession:
1) Verbal. (cf. 1 Timothy 6:12-13)
a) Coming forward at invitation.
b) Baptism testimony.
c) Talking to a friend.
2) Lifestyle.
D. For many Christians, confession rarely occurs.
VI. Others cannot be saved if we don't tell them. 10:14
A. The necessity of evangelism.
1) We assume they believe (or won't) before ever telling them.
a) High school, "Belinda" accepts Christ.
1> Beautiful hair.
2> Goody-goody.
3> Boyfriend was getting her to smoke dope.
4> Evangelist reached her, she accepted Christ.
2) The gospel is meant for the whole world. 10:13
3) Rhetorical questions:
a) Must believe promise. (decision) -
b) Must be told what promise is. (content of faith) -^
c) Someone must do the telling. (evangelist) -^
4) Implication - there needs to be a Gentile mission.
a) Our implication, worldwide mission.
B. The beauty of evangelism. 10:15
1) Quote from Isaiah 52:7 of herald of good tidings.
a) Military motif.
2) Contemporary Jews were complacent.
a) Modern Christians are also often complacent.
b) Unreached millions are a scandal.
1> (People-groups that have no witness)
2> (ABC sending out only 1-2 missionaries a year)
A> Reason - no funds.
VII. Application.
A. Our church.
1) Is our church really sold on:
a) Missions?
b) Evangelism?
2) Jesus cannot return until whole world hears.
B. Individuals.
1) We all have family, friends.
a) Do we really love them?
b) Ultimate proof of love (and faith) - witnessing.
2) How many have come to Jesus because of you?
a) Even one?
b) Not just sowed seed, but reaped?
3) The blessing of witnessing.
a) Not notches in Bible.
b) Joy of knowing they have salvation.
VIII. "Sending" is weak point. 10:15
A. God is sending, but we aren't going.
1) Mission outreach is in view.
2) Obedience produces fruitful ministry.
B. Sorrow of a stagnant church.
1) New blood needed.
Copyright © 2024 by Rev. David Holwick
Created with the Freeware Edition of HelpNDoc: Single source CHM, PDF, DOC and HTML Help creation