First Presbyterian Church                                       Rev. Michael J. Imperiale

Salt Lake City, Utah                                                                                                         July 31, 2005

                                                 

“The Word of Faith”

Romans 10:5-15

Introduction

In chapters nine through eleven in the book of Romans, Paul addresses the problem of unbelief. In chapter nine, he emphasizes God’s purposes in electing, in choosing his people. It is by God’s sovereign grace and by that grace alone that any of us come to faith in Jesus Christ. This faith in the Lord, this being God’s chosen people is always for the sake of blessing others.

In chapter eleven, he will offer a vision for the future. God will yet extend salvation to his people Israel and to all the peoples in this world. But here in chapter 10, God’s Word explores the present role of our human response. We human beings have to first come to an understanding the gospel. We need to have God’s message proclaimed, preached, presented to us. When heard and understood, then experiencing a personal response of faith and trust in Christ is God’s will, hope and purpose for us. All of this is accomplished by the grace of God working in the lives of everyone involved.

I. Understanding the Gospel (vs. 5-8)

Ignorance in us human beings is a great enemy of God and of the gospel. It can come from a simple neglect of knowledge. It can come from a willful blindness. It can become an outright lie. Clearly we cannot be blamed for what we never had a chance to know; but we are liable for neglecting to know what has often and always been open to us. There are about one million people in the Salt Lake area. I dare say there’s not one who doesn’t know that authentic faith in Christ is available to them. For many it will be mere neglect that will keep them from experiencing God’s grace and the assurance of forgiveness, redemption and eternal life.

Then there are those who simply don’t want to hear it. Even when a person is aware of some habit, some way of life, some friendship or association he or she knows can bring disastrous results, there is a crazy refusal to face up to it. To turn a blind eye is in most cases utter foolishness. To turn away from the opportunities that God provides to consider him, to come to know him is even more so.

Ignorance can also lead to living a lie. Rarely can we honestly say, “I never knew that things would turn out like this.” Our Creator God gives us conscience. He often offers the Holy Spirit as a guide. Although we would plead ignorance, we knew in our heart of hearts the truth of our need for Christ and his saving work.

Paul writes from his expertise as a teacher of the Law, “Moses describes in this way the righteousness that is by the law: ‘Whoever does these things will live by them.’ But the righteousness that is by faith says: ‘Do not say in your heart, “Who will ascend into heaven or who will descend into the deep?” The word is near you; it is in your mouth and it is in your heart.” The earlier revelation was intended simply to get us ready for the Messiah. Jesus puts everything right for those who trust him to do it. No one can climb up to heaven to earn the favor of God and no one can descend dangerously into hell to rescue Christ when he goes there on our behalf.

How often religious people in this church and in others, in this religion and in others try to establish their own position with God through their own good works, through their own obedience to the law or some other set of rules, covenants, instructions, ordinances, or observances. The Bible is very clear: this will never work. Through our ignorance by neglect, blindness or lie, we would miss the gospel of grace no matter how sincere, committed, or dedicated we are to showing ourselves worthy through obedience.

II. The Message Proclaimed (vs. 9-13)

Here’s the word of faith we are proclaiming, writes Paul. “That if you go to church, you’ll be saved.” No. Going to church is a good thing indeed, but it will not save anyone. “That if you’re always kind and caring to your neighbors, you’ll be saved.” I don’t think so. Is the Lord pleased when we are kind and caring? Of course he is. Will your kindness save you? No way. “That if you tithe from your income (10% of what you earn) for the mission and ministry of the Lord, you will be saved.” Can anyone buy a place in heaven? Never. Is it good to tithe, to give sacrificially so that ministries of service, helping those in need, the worship, study and fellowship of God’s people can happen? Certainly. But it won’t save you.

Here’s the authentic gospel of Jesus. “That is you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Say the welcoming word to God, “Jesus is my master.” Embrace God’s work of doing in you what he did in raising Jesus from the grave. That’s it. You and I are not doing anything! We’re simply calling out to the Lord, trusting him to do it for us.

Did I say you don’t have to go to church or be kind and caring or tithe as an offering to the Lord and his work? No, I didn’t say that. These and all of God’s commands are good. You and I will be blessed if we do them! Salvation, however, is found solely in the person and work of Jesus. Paul quotes from the prophet Joel, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” What must you do to be saved? “Call on the name of the Lord.”

III. Preaching for Response (vs. 14-15)

In 1970, a friend in college, Ron Matthews asked me, “So, Mike, are you a Christian?” I surprisingly and immediately said, “Yeah, I’ve been a Christian my whole life.” As an 18 year-old who was raised in a church that never presented this gospel of grace and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I went back to my dorm room thinking, “What in the world did I mean by that?” I had no clue. My ignorance was apparent. So the journey toward faith with the help of the Holy Spirit and several Christian friends began for me.

Paul asks an obvious series of questions. “How can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? How can they believe in the one they’ve not heard of? And how can they hear if nobody tells them?” Christian parents or a Sunday school teacher, a grandparent or neighbor, a fellow student or colleague: who was it who took the time and energy, the risk and care to tell you about saving faith in Jesus Christ? “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news,” Paul remembers Isaiah 52. I am so grateful for Ron and many other friends that year as God drew me to faith.

“And how is anyone going to tell them unless someone is sent to do it?” Well, here we are this morning because someone encouraged us, felt called and sent to offer the message of God’s grace. So, if you know this word of faith, go and share with others. In everyday conversations, use the Q-T-L approach. Ask questions, Listen, and Tell. Ask friends or family members questions about everyday life. Listen to them. Then tell about your experiences and opinions, especially as they reflect your faith in Christ. Or use the C-C-F method. Chit-chat, Church, Faith. Most conversations begin with chit-chat. Find places where you can talk about your church background, involvement or news. Then talk about how your faith makes a difference in your life.

In a more formal way, have people over. Invite a family or two for a weekend evening supper. Keep it simple and friendly. In the midst of conversation share a bit about your faith. Or start a home Bible study in your neighborhood. We have lots of resources in our library to help regular Christian people like you to open the treasures of God’s word to others.

As a congregation, we have many opportunities to extend invitation where others can hear the message. Sunday morning, Wednesday nights, helping people in need.

Conclusion

In this section of his letter, the apostle Paul talks about what God has done in the past to secure our salvation and life in Christ. He talks about the future hope of God’s fulfilling his plan for all of his people in every time in every place. Romans 10 talks about the present. People need the Lord now. A basic understanding of the gospel, a clear presentation of what faith in Christ means, and the opportunity to personally respond to God’s invitation to friendship and new life are present needs.

Yes, God has given you and me a faith and a hope that sustains, blesses and encourages our lives. But he also gives us his grace so that we will share it with others. Go now and do likewise.