EXPLORE THE TEXT
Believers must tell others the gospel message and send missionaries throughout the entire world.
14 How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in?
And how can they believe without hearing about him?
And how can they hear without a preacher?
15 And how can they preach unless they are sent?
As it is written:
How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.
16 But not all obeyed the gospel.
For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our message?
17 So faith comes from what is heard,
and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.
The Doctrine of Man).
In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice.
By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race.
(See Genesis 3; Psalm 51:5.)
There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. (See John 14:6; Acts 4:12.)
How does this doctrine align with the needs Paul described in Romans 10:14-17?
15 And how can they preach unless they are sent?
While the questions in verse 14 are related to the person receiving the message,
15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? the fourth question, in verse 15, emphasizes the need for believers to share the message.This fourth question points to the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20).
Paul’s poignant question challenges us to
support missionaries and other vocational ministers as they share the gospel.
They’ve been called to proclaim the good news of Christ around the world.
However, it also challenges all believers.
We have been sent to share the gospel in our neighborhoods and around the corner.
Paul’s reference to Isaiah 52:7 in verse 15
inspires us as we take to heart our call to make sure that others hear the gospel. (PSG, p. 79)Compare:
Those who have heard and accepted the gospel
have a responsibility before God to share that message with those who still need to hear.
Briefly discuss practical ways believers can prepare to share the gospel
and to be alert for opportunities God provides to be “sent.”CHALLENGE
Highlight:
Review these bullet points from Apply the Text on page 81 of the Personal Study Guide:
- All people need to understand that true righteousness comes through faith not by works.
- Believers can follow Paul’s example by praying for the salvation of lost people.
- Any person who has not yet believed and confessed Jesus can do so and be saved.
- Believers must tell others the gospel message and send missionaries throughout the entire world.
Review:
Distribute copies of Pack Item 10 (Handout: Justification by Faith). Encourage adults to scan the article and suggest points that affirm this session’s key passages.
Reflect:
Direct adults to the first set of questions on page 81 of the PSG. Give them a few minutes to think about when they accepted Christ as Savior. Then, allow a few volunteers to share their stories. Discuss how their testimonies can help them become more effective in sharing the gospel with others.
Pray:
Lead adults in a time of silent prayer, asking God to empower each person to look for opportunities to share the gospel with someone who needs to hear about Jesus this week. Thank God for our salvation and the privilege of sharing with others.
AFTER THE SESSION
Send the group a text or an email reminding them to look for opportunities to share the gospel this week. Point out this question from page 81 of the PSG: What kind of difference does He (Jesus) make in your life right now? Challenge adults to spend time this week asking God to remind them of the difference Jesus has made in their lives and to let that truth motivate them to witness when they get the chance.
KEY DOCTRINE:
Salvation
There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. (See John 14:6; Acts 4:12.)
BIBLE SKILL:
Use other Scripture to help understand another Bible passage.
Read Peter’s sermon in Acts 2:14-41. List all the main points that you see in his sermon and compare it to what you find in Paul’s teaching from Romans 9-10. Peter’s message and Paul’s writings make up what has been called Christianity’s “kerygma,” or the preaching of the apostles. Consider how you can share these truths with those around you. Evaluate your effectiveness in sharing the gospel with those in your sphere
of influence.
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