Be Faithful to Rescue!
Strengthen This Body Through Your Faithfulness! • Sermon • Submitted
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1. Gather
2. Rescue
3. Teach
4. Encourage
This is why the theme for this year is focused on your responsibility to participate in this process. Because of His Faithfulness to you,
“Strengthen This Body Through Your Faithfulness!”
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Introduction
Rescue - Intentional, personal and corporate outreach by every member of this body (Romans 10:14-17)
Attention (Why should they listen to you?)
The Titanic - where the life boat is yelling to the dead people to see if anyone was still alive...
What is the Hearer’s problem? We, believers are walking among the dead and God wants to use you and me to resuscitate, revive, RESCUE them.
What is the Biblical Solution? God, through the Apostle Paul has laid out some very important information and strategies on how we can best RESCUE the Perishing!
What do the hearers need to know? All we need do are two things. Learn what Paul is teaching and do what He says!
It is your responsibility to strengthen this body by rescuing others from eternal death in hell.
How do we do this? Well that leads into the main thought for this morning.
Main Idea: Rescue Your Neighbor by Grabbing Their Ear!
Interrogative: What? Not literally grabbing their ear, but grabbing their attention with the Word of Christ!
Transition:
Step one in the Rescue process...
1. Use Your Feet to Bring Your Mouth to Speak into Their Ear! (vs. 14-15)
Lead in...What is the tension here?
14 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? 15 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!”
Explanation - After explaining how someone comes to faith in Christ in verses 5-13, now Paul focuses in on the one carrying the all important message of the Gospel. Without a messenger, the message is severely hindered.
To make his point, Paul uses for rhetorical questions. Let’s take a look at each...
How then will they call on him in who they have not believed?
How are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?
How are they to hear without someone preaching?
How are they to preach unless they are sent?
Let’s look at this process in reverse...
Preach - Hear - Believe - Call
The point is this, how are those who will eventually call on the name of the Lord to be save, call on the name of the Lord? Well, there needs to be a preacher to share a message for them to hear so they can believe and then call!
This verse, in our culture is used almost exclusively as a justification and motivation for foreign missions. And rightly so! Our Missions Conference this year is using verse 15 in particular as its theme.
However, these verses and this process should not be relegated to the special foreign missionaries among us who have left or will leave in the future for other lands who need to hear the gospel.
This passage is for every follower of Christ. The missionary endeavor must be a regular part of the Christian life and the culture of the church.
You and I are preachers!
The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament 2784. κηρύσσω kērússō
κηρύσσω kērússō; fut. kērúxō. To preach, to herald, proclaim.
(I) Generally, to proclaim, announce publicly (Matt. 10:27; Luke 12:3; Acts 10:42; Rev. 5:2; Sept.: Ex. 32:5; Esth. 6:9, 11; Joel 2:1). In the sense of to publish abroad, announce publicly (Mark 1:45; 5:20; 7:36; Luke 8:39).
You are to publically, verbally proclaim the good news that Christ came, died, was buried, and rose again to free you from the penalty of sin and give you eternal life. Christian, that is your glorious and good privilege!
You are to carry the message to their ears so they might hear! You don’t need to convince someone, you simply need to tell them so they can hear it!
Once they hear it, they have the opportunity to believe if the message is true or balderdash. Whether it has merit or if it is foolishness. That’s on them. Do they have ears to hear the message of the gospel. Some do, and some do not. More on that in the next point.
If they do believe, they they call on Him to be saved.
9 because, 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. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 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. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
This is God’s process in a nutshell. And Paul’s point in writing this to to extol not simply the process, but those who engage in it!
God has been delighted with people who selflessly share the good news for a very long time.
To prove this point, Paul quotes the Old Testament Prolific prophet, Isaiah...
15 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!”
This quote is from Isaiah 52:7. And proves the idea that the propagation of God’s good news isn’t just a New Testament ideal.
Jesus did this as well.
2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
In Matt 10, Jesus sends out the 12...
In Luke 10, Jesus sends out the 72...
Paul carries and amplifies this idea in the book of Romans.
As well as 2 Corinthians 5...
11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.
14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
There is a great responsibility on the shoulders of people who follow Christ. We can no longer treat the preaching of the gospel as the missionaries job or as an optional activity for the follower of Christ.
If you feel guilty about this, perhaps you should do some soul searching? Are you convicted because you are not fulfilling the Great Commission in your daily walk with Jesus?
“God’s plan for enlarging His kingdom is so simple – one person telling another about the Savior. Yet we’re busy and full of excuses. Just remember, someone’s eternal destiny is at stake. The joy you’ll have when you meet that person in heaven will far exceed any discomfort you felt in sharing the gospel.” – Charles Stanley
“Evangelism is not a professional job for a few trained men, but is instead the unrelenting responsibility of every person who belongs to the company of Jesus.” – Elton Trueblood
“I’d rather have people hate me with the knowledge that I tried to save them.” – Keith Green
20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
Argumentation - I’ve heard that there are some people that are really turned off by the sight of feet. They think feet look disgusting.
Yet Isaiah (and Paul) communicate that it is possible to have beautiful feet.
How can you have beautiful feet?
Beautiful feet carry the message of the gospel. The gospel is the ONLY message that has the power to save.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
In a day when we are so free to speak our opinion about our politics, and to evangelize and try to gain converts regarding our political position and opinion. In a time when we passionately and freely press our opinions about COVID 19 and Masks and so-forth.
This proves that we are not a shy people when it comes to something we are passionate about.
I wonder if we are at least as passionate about our faith in Christ?
Application - Give ideas on how to help people communicate the gospel...
Review - Rescue Your Neighbor by Grabbing Their Ear!
Use Your Feet to Bring Your Mouth to Speak into Their Ear!
Step two in the Rescue Process...
2. Use Your Mind to Tell Your Heart that Not All Will Believe (vs. 16)
Lead in...What is the tension here? We want everyone to believe the gospel. Unfortunately, even though the gospel goes out to all people, all people will not accept its truth. Paul makes this point in verse 16...
16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?”
Explanation - Now, keep in mind that the context of this verse is chapters 9-11 which focuses on the Jews. And even the quote from Isaiah proves this point. After all, many of the Jews, prophesied by Isaiah, rejected the Messiah! But this isn’t just for the Jews, for all people groups reject the salvation offered by God through Christ.
Take a look at this text...
“But they have not all obeyed the gospel”
“They” - The Jews and now also applied to the Gentiles
“have not all” - Not everyone believes the gospel.
13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
“obeyed the gospel.” - Did you know the gospel is to be obeyed? Yes! This isn’t the only place God’s Word makes this statement...
4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations,
7 and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
The gospel is to be obeyed! Why? Because it saves us! It’s the best thing for us to do!
Check out Paul’s quote from Isaiah 53:1
“For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?”
Why does Paul use this quote from this ancient text? MacArthur helps us understand...
The MacArthur Study Bible Chapter 53
The question implied that, in spite of these and other prophecies, only a few would recognize the Servant when He appeared. This anticipation found literal fulfillment at Christ’s first advent. Israel did not welcome Him at His first advent (John 1:9–11; 12:38). Paul applied the same prophecy to the world at large (Rom. 10:16).
In other words, the people who should have known the Messiah when He appeared, didn’t believe it. Many didn’t believe it. Most refuse to believe the report of the prophets, the apostles, the preachers and teachers.
This is a reality Isaiah faced, Paul faced, and we face.
The gospel has enjoyed seasons of popularity and revival. But through the vast expanse of history, God and his ways, His gospel, has been rejected by a majority of people.
I think it’s time we recognize that reality and press on with the beautiful message, nonetheless.
God does not call us to be fruitful, He calls us to be faithful!
Illustration - Jeremiah the prophet - zero fruit ministry. 100% faithful ministry. Zero wasted ministry!
Argumentation - Genuine believers in Christ desire for all to be saved. Paul
Application - I realize it can be discouraging to share the Love of Christ - the gospel with those around you only to have the majority of them reject the message. It’s hard because it feels like they are rejecting you.
But the reality is if they reject the message, you can think about it in a few different ways.
Don’t be Discouraged if they Reject the Message
They are rejecting right now only - if they are breathing, there is still hope.
They are ratifying the truth of the scripture that many/most will not believe
God uses His gospel to harden or soften the person’s heart. Either way you are being used of God.
We are no more like Jesus than when we are faithful to Jesus.
So, in light of these things, what are you to do?
Give yourself a prayerful pep talk. Tell yourself that you are sharing the gospel with your friend or neighbor for three reasons.
First, you share the gospel because you want them to have a saving relationship with Jesus - so they will have life and have it abundantly.
Second, you share the gospel because you want to be obedient to Christ.
Third, every time you open your mouth and share God’s glorious gospel with the world, God is greatly glorified! Regardless if they convert to Christianity or not.
So, the point is as much as you want someone to believe, they may not. But that should not keep you from sharing the gospel with them - after all, is there any other story that is more beautiful to tell?
Review - Rescue Your Neighbor by Grabbing Their Ear!
Use Your Feet to Bring Your Mouth to Speak into Their Ear!
Use Your Mind to Tell Your Heart that Not All Will Believe
Step three in the rescue process...
3. Use Your Mouth to Share the Word So Many Will Come to Faith (vs. 17)
Lead in...What is the tension here? How many of you are “bottom-line” people? Well, Paul leads us now to his bottom-line statement that ought to revolutionize our witness for Christ.
17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Explanation - “So faith” - the faith handed down by the saints. The faith, the belief in the gospel
1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
This is the faith that we hold dear. This is the faith that is at the root of our salvation! This faith, this belief, that Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, died a criminal’s death so we, the criminal can go free. He bore the just wrath of God so we will never have to!
This “Faith” is transmitted through the ear! - “So faith comes from hearing...”
In other words, “The Faith” is communicated - in one fashion or another, it is communicated and assimilated into the mind of the recipient.
I appreciate how the NLT translates this verse.
17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.
It is the Word of Christ that pierces the hard heart.
It is the Word of Christ that punches through sin calloused soul.
It is the Word of Christ coupled with the Spirit of God that brings conviction and regeneration.
The Word of God brings new life to those who have ears to hear!
And so the logical conclusion is that we, believers in Jesus, must use our mouths to speak into the lives of others. And when we faithfully do this, many will come to know Jesus.
Illustration - It’s a numbers game...
Argumentation - God could have chosen any means by which to propagate His message. He chose that it would travel through the ear-gate.
That means the church at Rome had to be faithful in carrying and sharing the message wherever they went.
Were they successful? Well, look around - they must have been, because the gospel has worked back then to change lives, and has continued through the centuries even up to today! You are here today because they were faithful in sharing the message back then.
Application - Are you faithful in opening your mouth to share the Word?
I have a simple goal for you. Make it a goal to share the gospel with three people over the course of the month.
How do I do this?
Ten Steps To Attempt A Rescue of the Unbeliever
Pray each day for a gospel opportunity.
Pray for your Top Ten.
Keep tools with you at all times.
Lead with - “I am a Christian and I love to pray. Is there anything I can pray for you about?”
Ask them about their spiritual background.
Ask them - “If you were to die today and God were to ask you why He should let you into His heaven, what would you say?”
Ask them if they would like to know how they can have eternal life with God.
Offer to do a study with them.
or Use the back of the “Finding the Truth” Card.
Get them plugged into community.
Many other ways, but this is just a start
The point is this. They have ears and you have a mouth. Use your mouth in hopes that they have ears to hear the truth and be saved!
Review - Rescue Your Neighbor by Grabbing Their Ear!
Use Your Feet to Bring Your Mouth to Speak into Their Ear!
Use Your Mind to Tell Your Heart that Not All Will Believe
Use Your Mouth to Share the Word So Many Will Come to Faith
Conclusion
Review opening illustration (if appropriate) The rescue boat scene from the Titanic.
Give final application - Friends, the most important decision anyone will ever make - THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION - is for Christ.
Land the Plane.
Connection Group Reflection Questions
1. What do these verses teach me about our character?
2. What do these verses teach me about God and his character?
3. Because these words are from God, they are TRUTH! What truth is he asking me to believe?
4. What do I need to do to obey him?
5. With whom can I share these truths