Romans 10:13-17
We’ve studied how people are saved from the perspective if God’s action. This passage reveals how people get saved from the perspective of man’s action.
Verses 13-15a
Paul uses rhetorical questions to declare that people can only be saved by calling on Jesus’ name, which they can only do if they believe in Jesus, which they can only do if they hear of Jesus, which they can only do if someone preaches the word of Christ to them, which can only be done if preachers are sent. Some thoughts on this series of steps:
1. Calling on the name of Jesus isn’t saying some sort of magic phrase that opens the doors or heaven (“Open Sesame!”). It’s an expression of belief in Jesus. My children call out for ‘dad’ all day long, not because they think things magically happen when they do; but because they entrust themselves to my care.
2. One must hear of Christ, not just see Christians, to believe in him. You’ve heard the phrase, “Preach the gospel and use words if necessary.” Well, words are always necessary to preach the gospel. Words are our primary tools for discipleship.
Verses 15b-16
Yet some who hear the word of Christ from sent preachers will not “obey the gospel”. Paul quotes from Isaiah to prove that this is the case for much of Israel. They’ve heard of Jesus, but not believed in him or called on him.
Since you’re reading this blog, I assume you’ve heard about Jesus. Have you acted on what you’ve heard? Have you shifted your weight onto him for salvation and direction in life? Do you call on him?
Closing Thoughts Regarding Father’s Day
This is an atypical Father’s Day passage, but all of the Bible is profitable for fathers. So here are four concluding thoughts about how this passage applies to fathers:
1. Fathers, you are sent to preach the word of Christ to your children. You can drop your kids off at youth group and have someone else do it; but only you can do it as their father. How will you proclaim Jesus to your kids?
2. Fathers, words are your primary tools for discipling your children. You have to talk with them. How will you explain Jesus to your kids?
3. Fathers, belief in Jesus is your child’s only hope; not belief in you. You don’t need to be perfect. You need to point your kids to the Perfect One. How can you be more honest about your imperfection and more clear about Jesus’ perfection for your kids?
4. Fathers, let your children see you believe in and call upon Jesus. Don’t let them see you pretend to care about Jesus in church services while ignoring him all week. It would be better for them to see you trust Jesus all week and never see you in a church service. How can you be more open about your faith for your kids?
Discussion Starters
- How was your week? Share a high and low with your group.
- Read verses 13-15 and work together to list all the steps that lead up to being saved.
- Can you trace your salvation through these steps? (i.e. when did you first call on Jesus? when did you first believe? how did you first hear about Jesus? who preached to you? who sent that preacher?)
- Do you call on Jesus much during an average day? Why or why not? If so, what typically causes you to do so?
- Based on verse 14, evaluate the following popular phrase: Preach the gospel and use words if necessary. Is this a good way to look at evangelism?
- Read verse 15. Brainstorm with the group. Where might God send you to proclaim Jesus? Your family? Your H2H group? Our church?
- Think about those you know who need to hear about Jesus. Pray for them by name with your group.
