Tag: Responsibility

How will they know?

Rev. Cecil Thorn

Romans 10:14-15 (ESV):

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'”

Key Themes

  • Salvation is for All: Paul emphasizes that salvation is available to both Jews and Gentiles through faith in Christ, not through adherence to the law.
  • The Role of Faith: Belief in Jesus is central to righteousness and salvation, contrasting with the futile effort to achieve righteousness solely through works.
  • The Importance of Evangelism: Paul underscores the necessity of sharing the gospel so that others have the opportunity to believe and be saved.
  • Israel’s Rejection of the Gospel: Paul explains that Israel’s rejection of the gospel fulfills prophecy and demonstrates God’s patience and mercy.

In Romans 10 (ESV), Paul emphasizes that salvation through Jesus Christ is accessible to everyone—both Jews and Gentiles—regardless of their adherence to the Mosaic Law. This theme underscores the inclusive nature of the gospel message, which is a key aspect of Paul’s ministry and theological teaching.

Key Aspects of “Salvation is for All” in Romans 10 (ESV)

  1. The Universal Offer of Salvation
    Paul boldly states that there is “no distinction between Jew and Greek” (Romans 10:12 (ESV)). In other words, salvation is not limited to any specific ethnic, cultural, or religious background; it is available to everyone who believes. In Paul’s time, this was a revolutionary statement, as Jewish identity was deeply connected to the Mosaic Law, and Gentiles were traditionally seen as outsiders to the promises of God. By making salvation a matter of faith in Christ rather than heritage or law-keeping, Paul breaks down these traditional barriers.
  2. The Simplicity of the Gospel Message
    Paul emphasizes that salvation is accessible through a simple act of faith rather than complex religious rituals or exhaustive adherence to the law. In Romans 10:9-10 (ESV), he outlines the pathway to salvation: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” This message is both profound and straightforward, meaning that anyone—regardless of background—can understand and respond to it. Paul presents salvation as something near and attainable, a gift that can be received by anyone willing to believe and confess Jesus as Lord.
  3. Scriptural Basis for Inclusivity
    Throughout Romans 10 (ESV), Paul supports his argument by referencing Old Testament Scriptures, showing that the universal offer of salvation was always part of God’s plan. For example, he quotes Joel 2:32 (ESV): “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13 (ESV)). This prophecy pointed to a time when God’s mercy and grace would extend beyond Israel to all people. By invoking these Scriptures, Paul shows that the inclusion of Gentiles is not an innovation but a fulfillment of God’s promises.
  4. The Role of Faith Over the Law
    Paul explains that righteousness and salvation come through faith, not through the law. In Romans 10:4 (ESV), he states, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” This means that Jesus fulfills the law’s requirements, so those who believe in Him are justified by faith rather than by their adherence to the law. Salvation, therefore, is open to everyone who places their faith in Christ, not limited to those who attempt to achieve righteousness through the law. This message allows Gentiles, who were not given the law, to become heirs of God’s promises through faith, while Jewish believers are invited to experience salvation in a new way, through Jesus.
  5. God’s Desire for All to Hear the Gospel
    Paul’s teaching in Romans 10:14-15 (ESV) stresses the importance of spreading the gospel message so that “all” can hear, believe, and be saved. He describes a progression: people must call on the Lord to be saved, but they can’t call on Him if they haven’t believed, they can’t believe if they haven’t heard, and they can’t hear unless someone proclaims the message. This passage underscores the responsibility of believers to share the gospel universally, supporting Paul’s vision of salvation as available to “all who call on Him” (Romans 10:12 (ESV)).
  6. God’s Patience and Mercy with Israel
    In the final verses of Romans 10:18-21 (ESV), Paul acknowledges Israel’s historical rejection of the gospel and points out that Gentiles, who were “not seeking” God, found Him, while Israel, who had the law, often failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Paul quotes Isaiah’s words about God extending His hands to a “disobedient and contrary people” (Romans 10:21 (ESV)), highlighting God’s patience and persistent invitation to both Israel and the Gentiles.

Summary

Paul’s message in Romans 10 (ESV) is radical in its inclusivity. By emphasizing that salvation is by faith alone, not based on ethnicity, religious background, or adherence to the law, Paul makes clear that God’s saving grace is available to anyone—Jew or Gentile, near or far—who calls upon the name of the Lord. This universal availability of salvation reveals God’s desire to reach all people with His love and mercy, breaking down traditional divisions and forming a community of believers united by faith in Jesus.

In Romans 10 (ESV), Paul presents a powerful argument that righteousness—being in right standing with God—comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through adherence to the law or performing good works. This shift from the law to faith represents a radical change for many Jewish believers at the time, as they had long followed the Mosaic Law as a path to righteousness.

Key Points on the Role of Faith in Romans 10 (ESV)

  1. Christ as the Fulfillment of the Law
    In verse Romans 4 (ESV), Paul states, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” This means that Jesus fulfills the purpose and requirements of the law on our behalf. Instead of striving to achieve righteousness through the law (which is impossible due to human sinfulness), believers receive righteousness through faith in Jesus, who perfectly obeyed the law. Christ’s life, death, and resurrection fulfill the law’s demands, making righteousness available to those who believe in Him.
  2. The Inaccessibility of Righteousness by Works
    Paul highlights that a righteousness based on the law is unattainable. As he explains in earlier chapters of Romans, no one can be justified before God by works because all have sinned (Romans 3:23 (ESV)). Trying to achieve righteousness through strict adherence to the law is ultimately futile because human nature is flawed. The law reveals sin but doesn’t have the power to remove it or enable a person to live up to its standard perfectly.
  3. Faith as Simple and Accessible
    In verses Romans 10:6-8 (ESV), Paul quotes Deuteronomy to emphasize that faith-based righteousness is near and accessible. He contrasts the concept of “ascending to heaven” or “descending into the abyss” with the simplicity of faith. People don’t need to perform impossible tasks or travel great distances to find salvation. Rather, faith in Jesus is accessible to anyone who believes in their heart and confesses with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)). This simplicity underscores that salvation is a gift, not a result of human effort or achievement.
  4. Righteousness Through Confession and Belief
    Paul lays out a clear formula for salvation in Romans 10:9-10: confessing with one’s mouth and believing in one’s heart. The heart belief in Jesus as the risen Savior leads to righteousness, and the confession of Jesus as Lord leads to salvation. This personal, internal faith is what counts in God’s eyes, not adherence to external rules. It’s a profound shift from external observance to a genuine, internal trust in God’s promise through Jesus.
  5. No Distinction Between Jew and Gentile
    In verses Romans 10:12-13 (ESV), Paul emphasizes that faith-based righteousness is inclusive and available to all people—Jews and Gentiles alike. He declares, “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” Faith in Jesus breaks down barriers and opens the door to salvation for everyone, irrespective of background or adherence to the law.
  6. Grace Over Works
    This chapter reinforces the theme of grace that Paul has been building throughout Romans. Righteousness is not something people can earn; it’s a free gift from God. By relying on faith rather than works, believers rest in God’s grace rather than their own efforts. Faith frees believers from the heavy burden of trying to achieve perfection and instead places trust in Jesus’ perfect work on their behalf.

Summary

Paul’s message in Romans 10 (ESV) redefines righteousness from a legalistic approach to a relational one, where faith in Jesus is what connects people to God. Faith acknowledges human limitations and sinfulness and embraces the grace God offers through Christ. In this way, righteousness is not about “doing” but about “believing,” and through belief, all people—Jew and Gentile—are invited into a relationship with God.

In Romans 10 (ESV), Paul underscores the critical importance of evangelism—sharing the gospel message so that others can hear, believe, and be saved. He explains that the salvation Christ offers is available to everyone, but people need to hear this good news in order to respond. Through a series of rhetorical questions in Romans 10:14-15 (ESV), Paul emphasizes the urgency and necessity of evangelism.

Key Points on the Importance of Evangelism in Romans 10

  1. The Sequence of Salvation: Hearing, Believing, and Calling
    In Romans 10:14-15 (ESV), Paul outlines a logical sequence that connects evangelism with salvation. He asks, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” This sequence reveals the essential steps that lead to salvation:
  • People must call on the Lord to be saved.
  • To call on Him, they must first believe in Him.
  • To believe, they must hear about Him.
  • And to hear, someone must preach the message to them. Paul’s point is clear: evangelism is an essential part of the salvation process. Without it, people remain unaware of the gospel and miss the opportunity to respond.
  1. The Necessity of Preachers and Messengers
    Paul’s emphasis on “preaching” doesn’t only refer to formal sermons or church services; it encompasses all forms of sharing the gospel. The word “preaching” here implies proclaiming, witnessing, and explaining the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul is calling believers to be active messengers, communicating God’s message wherever they go. This doesn’t just apply to professional ministers but to all believers who have experienced God’s love and are now called to share it with others.
  2. The Urgency of Evangelism for Global Salvation
    Paul envisions the gospel as a message meant for the whole world. In Romans 10:18 (ESV), he quotes Psalm 19:4 (ESV), “Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” Although this originally referred to God’s general revelation in creation, Paul uses it to illustrate the reach he hopes for the gospel message. He desires that the news of Jesus’ salvation reach “the ends of the world” so that everyone has an opportunity to respond. Evangelism is crucial to this vision, as it actively spreads the gospel to those who may otherwise never hear.
  3. The Beauty of Sharing the Good News
    In Romans 10:15 (ESV), Paul quotes Isaiah 52:7 (ESV), saying, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” This phrase highlights the honor and privilege of bringing the gospel to others. To God, those who spread His message are “beautiful” because they carry His love, grace, and hope to people in need. Evangelism is not just a duty; it’s a cherished calling that reflects God’s heart for the world. By using this imagery, Paul elevates the role of evangelism and encourages believers to see it as a privilege.
  4. Evangelism as an Expression of Love and Compassion
    Paul’s call for evangelism is grounded in his own deep compassion for the lost. Earlier in Romans, Paul expresses his profound sorrow and desire for Israel’s salvation (Romans 9:1-3 (ESV)), and here in Romans 10:1 (ESV), he says, “My heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.” Evangelism is not merely a theological mandate; it’s a way to express God’s love and compassion for humanity. Paul understands that without hearing the gospel, people remain separated from God, so he encourages believers to share the message out of genuine concern for others’ eternal well-being.
  5. Faith Comes by Hearing
    In Romans 10:17 (ESV), Paul makes the famous statement, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” This verse reinforces that faith is ignited by exposure to the gospel message. While God may draw people to Himself in various ways, faith itself—the belief in Jesus as Savior—comes specifically through hearing the gospel. Evangelism is thus the means by which faith is sparked in those who have not yet believed, making it essential for reaching the lost.
  6. The Partnership of Evangelism in God’s Plan
    God invites believers to partner with Him in His mission to reach the world. While He could make His message known in any number of ways, He chooses to work through His followers, making evangelism an integral part of His redemptive plan. Through sharing the gospel, believers become part of God’s work in transforming lives and drawing people into a relationship with Him. Paul’s teaching in Romans 10 encourages believers to take this role seriously, understanding that their obedience in sharing the gospel aligns them with God’s heart for salvation.

Summary

In Romans 10 (ESV), Paul underscores that evangelism is vital because it brings the good news of Jesus to those who have not heard, giving them the opportunity to believe and be saved. Without evangelism, people cannot come to faith. Sharing the gospel is a beautiful calling, a compassionate response to people’s need for salvation, and an essential part of God’s plan to reach the world. Paul’s words in this chapter call believers to embrace evangelism as a powerful act of love and obedience that helps fulfill God’s purpose of salvation for all humanity.

In Romans 10 (ESV), Paul addresses Israel’s rejection of the gospel and places it within a broader theological context, showing that this rejection was foreseen in Scripture and is part of God’s plan. By doing so, Paul emphasizes that God’s patience and mercy are evident even as Israel resists the gospel message. His discussion points out both the seriousness of Israel’s unbelief and God’s persistent love and invitation to them.

Key Aspects of Israel’s Rejection of the Gospel in Romans 10 (ESV)

  1. Israel’s Zeal Without Knowledge
    Paul begins Romans 10 (ESV) by expressing his heartfelt desire for Israel’s salvation, acknowledging their zeal for God but pointing out that their zeal is misdirected (Romans 10:2 (ESV)). Although they are passionate about their religious heritage, they lack understanding of the true path to righteousness, which is found in Christ rather than the law. Paul suggests that their devotion to the law has prevented them from embracing the righteousness that comes through faith. This misplaced zeal reflects Israel’s commitment to God but also their failure to recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of the law.
  2. Fulfilling Prophecy Through Rejection
    Paul emphasizes that Israel’s rejection of the gospel is not a surprise but was foretold by the prophets. In verses Romans 10:18-21 (ESV), he quotes several Old Testament passages to show that God anticipated Israel’s resistance. For example, he references Deuteronomy and Isaiah, where God expresses His willingness to reach out to a people who persistently reject Him. By highlighting these prophecies, Paul suggests that Israel’s unbelief serves a larger purpose in God’s redemptive plan. This fulfillment of prophecy reassures believers that God’s promises remain trustworthy and that Israel’s rejection does not thwart His plans.
  3. God’s Use of Gentiles to Provoke Israel
    Paul mentions that the inclusion of the Gentiles is part of God’s plan to provoke Israel to reconsider. In quoting Isaiah, he describes how Gentiles, who were not seeking God, have found Him, while Israel, who had the law and the promises, has largely rejected the gospel. This unexpected turn of events serves to stir Israel’s jealousy and, ideally, lead them back to God. Paul expands on this theme further in Romans 11, but here he introduces the idea that Israel’s rejection of the gospel opens the door for Gentiles to come into God’s family, which in turn may prompt Israel to seek reconciliation with God.
  4. God’s Persistent Invitation and Patience
    In verse Romans 10:21 (ESV), Paul quotes Isaiah 65:2 (ESV), where God says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.” This image conveys God’s enduring patience and mercy. Despite Israel’s stubbornness and rejection, God continues to extend an invitation of grace, holding out His hands in the hope that they will turn back to Him. Paul’s choice to include this verse reveals his understanding of God’s character as both just and merciful. God is not quick to condemn but instead shows remarkable patience, repeatedly calling His people to return to Him.
  5. A Lesson on the Inclusivity of God’s Salvation
    Israel’s rejection of the gospel highlights the inclusive nature of salvation. As Israel turns away, the Gentiles are welcomed into God’s covenant family. Paul explains that salvation is not based on ethnicity or adherence to the law but on faith in Jesus Christ. This open invitation to the Gentiles serves as a reminder that God’s grace is available to all. Israel’s rejection thus becomes an opportunity to showcase the boundless reach of God’s mercy and His desire for a relationship with all people, regardless of background.
  6. The Mystery of God’s Sovereign Plan
    Israel’s rejection of the gospel, coupled with the inclusion of the Gentiles, points to the mystery of God’s sovereign plan. Paul does not fully explain why Israel’s rejection is part of God’s design but suggests that it serves to advance the gospel among the Gentiles and ultimately may lead Israel back to faith. This hints at a larger divine purpose that humans may not fully understand. Paul invites believers to trust in God’s wisdom, knowing that His ways are beyond human comprehension and that even Israel’s unbelief fits into a redemptive plan.
  7. Israel’s Rejection Does Not Mean Final Rejection
    Although Paul discusses Israel’s rejection of the gospel in Romans 10 (ESV), he does not see it as a permanent state. This chapter leads into Romans 11 (ESV), where Paul explains that Israel’s stumbling is temporary and that God’s promises to them remain valid. In Romans 10 (ESV), Paul lays the groundwork for this view by showing that God is still reaching out to Israel. His hands are extended, and His invitation remains open. This affirms that Israel’s current state of unbelief is not the final word and that God’s relationship with Israel is ongoing.

Summary

In Romans 10 (ESV), Paul explains that Israel’s rejection of the gospel was anticipated in Scripture and serves a purpose in God’s redemptive plan. Their unbelief allows the Gentiles to be welcomed into God’s family, revealing the inclusive nature of salvation. At the same time, God’s persistent invitation to Israel demonstrates His patience, mercy, and unwavering desire for their repentance. Israel’s rejection does not thwart God’s purposes but rather showcases His grace and the surprising ways He fulfills His promises. This chapter invites readers to see Israel’s unbelief within the larger picture of God’s faithful plan for humanity, a plan in which God’s mercy and patience extend even to those who resist Him.

Final Thought

Romans 10:14-15 (ESV) highlights the urgent call to evangelism and the importance of spreading the gospel to all people, underscoring that salvation is accessible to everyone who believes in Jesus. Paul lays out a logical sequence: people need to hear about Christ to believe in Him, and they can only hear if someone shares the message. This passage reveals Paul’s heart for evangelism as a means for others to encounter the life-changing news of salvation, emphasizing that believers play a crucial role as messengers of God’s love.

Through his words, Paul also celebrates the beauty and honor of those who bring the gospel to others. He cites Isaiah 52:7 (ESV), “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” By using this imagery, Paul elevates the act of sharing the gospel to a cherished calling, one that reflects the compassionate heart of God. For believers, evangelism becomes a joyful privilege, a way to share the message of hope and redemption. Paul’s words remind us that proclaiming the gospel is not merely an obligation but a beautiful mission entrusted to every believer.

Lastly, Paul’s call to preach the gospel reveals God’s inclusive and merciful character. By empowering believers to share the gospel widely, God ensures that everyone has the opportunity to hear and respond to His invitation of salvation. Evangelism becomes an essential bridge for all people to come to faith, underscoring God’s desire that no one is excluded from His grace. In Romans 10:14-15 (ESV), Paul challenges us to view evangelism as both a responsibility and a privilege, encouraging us to play our part in God’s redemptive plan for all humanity.

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Copyright Notice © 2024 Rev. Cecil Thorn Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy of this work authored by Rev. Cecil Thorn, to distribute, display, and reproduce the work, in its entirety, including verbatim copies, provided that no fee is charged for the copies or distribution. This permission is granted for non-commercial distribution only.

Embracing Christian Masculinity

Rev. Cecil Thorn

Introduction:
Today, we delve into the profound concept of masculinity from a Christian perspective. In a world often muddled with conflicting messages about what it means to be a man, let us turn to the timeless wisdom of Scripture to illuminate the path towards authentic masculinity.

1. Rooted in Humility

      • Scripture Reference: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV))
      • Masculinity, from a Christian viewpoint, is not about dominance or asserting one’s superiority over others. Rather, it is grounded in humility, placing the needs and well-being of others above oneself.
      • “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10 (ESV))
      • James encourages believers to humble themselves before God, promising that God will exalt those who demonstrate humility.
      • “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” (1 Peter 5:5-6 (ESV))
      • Peter underscores the importance of humility in relationships and before God, highlighting that God opposes the proud but extends grace to the humble, ultimately leading to exaltation.

      2. Exemplifying Strength in Love

        • Scripture Reference: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:25 (ESV))
        • True masculinity is demonstrated through sacrificial love, mirroring the love of Christ for His church. It involves strength not in physical prowess alone, but in the depth of one’s capacity to love and serve others.
        • “Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV))
        • This verse encapsulates the overarching principle of conducting oneself with love in all actions and interactions, reflecting the strength of love in Christian character.
        • “We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19 (ESV))
        • This verse reminds us that our capacity to love stems from experiencing the love of God, highlighting the foundational role of God’s love in exemplifying love’s strength in our lives.

        3. Leading with Integrity

          • “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” (Proverbs 11:3 (ESV))
          • A Christian man leads with integrity, guided by moral principles and honesty in all endeavors. Integrity forms the bedrock of trustworthy leadership, both in the family and in society.
          • “The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!” (Proverbs 20:7 (ESV))
          • This verse emphasizes that leading with integrity not only benefits the individual but also leaves a positive legacy for future generations.
          • “With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.” (Psalm 78:72 (ESV))
          • This verse describes the leadership of David, highlighting his integrity and skill in guiding God’s people.
          • “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” (Titus 2:7-8 (ESV))
          • Titus encourages believers to exhibit integrity in their actions and teachings, ensuring that they stand as exemplary models of Christian conduct.

          4. Embracing Responsibility

            • “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8 (ESV))
            • Masculinity entails taking responsibility for one’s actions, providing for and nurturing the family entrusted to one’s care. This responsibility extends beyond mere provision to emotional support, guidance, and spiritual leadership.
            • “For each will have to bear his own load.” (Galatians 6:5 (ESV))
            • Galatians underscores personal responsibility, reminding individuals that they are accountable for their actions and the burdens they carry in life.
            • “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4 (ESV))
            • This verse highlights the responsibility of fathers to raise their children in a manner that nurtures them spiritually and emotionally.

            5. Seeking Wisdom and Discernment

              • “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.” (Proverbs 4:7 (ESV))
              • A Christian man seeks wisdom and discernment, recognizing that true strength lies in the ability to make wise decisions and discern the will of God in all aspects of life. This pursuit of wisdom shapes his character and influences his interactions with others.
              • “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5 (ESV))
              • James encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, assuring that God is willing to generously grant it to those who seek it with sincerity.

              In conclusion, Christian masculinity transcends societal stereotypes and cultural expectations. It is a holistic embodiment of humility, sacrificial love, integrity, responsibility, and wisdom, all rooted in the teachings of Scripture. As men called to live out our faith in a broken world, may we strive to embody these virtues, reflecting the image of Christ in all that we do.

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