Me? A Preacher? Romans 10:14-17 (Part 1)

Romans 10:14-17 (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!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

As we move through our study of Romans, we come to these verses where Paul (the author) applies some simple logic to the plan of salvation. And it really breaks down simply.

First, someone has to be sent. This is essentially sent by God to preach the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, His perfect life, His atoning death on the cross and His resurrection to new life.

In a formal sense, this could also mean those we ‘send out’ as missionaries, or those we ‘send out’ with our blessing and prayers to start more churches. But this really is a second step, and only relating to formal ministry. This verse speaks of so much more than that!

What Paul is saying is that God has sent people to preach the good news. But who has God sent?

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

This isn’t just missionaries and those called to full time ministry – while both are important, the call is much wider than this! God is calling me, God is calling you, to share the good news of Jesus Christ!

Yes, you. A preacher.

Don’t run out now and start preaching on the corner (unless you are called to do so!). Don’t jump up and down in your cubicle at work, suddenly proclaiming the gospel as something new that touched your life (though one day you may be called to do this!). But start to think of yourself as someone God has called to preach the Gospel.

How?

By being ready. First, you need to know what you have been saved from, and Who saved you! Then it is simple – when the opportunity arises, share the gospel with people. When people want to know why you are not absorbed into the things of this world, tell them. Tell them of the hope you have in Jesus. When people see your strength (and often not yours, but Christ shining through), they may come to you – when they do, share why you appear strong.

Yes. You. The preacher.

The other way to be prepared is to be in communion with God! Pray. Read your Bible. Be ready in season and out of season!

You may be called to be a missionary, or a preacher, or a pastor, or an elder, or any number of other things. But no matter where you are now, you have been called to share the gospel in the places where it needs to be heard, so that someone can respond.

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?

Heavenly Father, thank you for your saving work! Thank you that it is not exclusive, it is not hidden, it is not restricted, but that you freely call all people to salvation in you. And not only that, but you choose to use us to proclaim that message, despite the imperfect and weak people we are. Teach us to rely on you. Open for us doors of opportunity that we might share Your good news, and give us the strength, wisdom and boldness to share the right words at the right time. All this we pray in Jesus Name, Amen

(For those that don’t know of him, today’s picture is Tim Keller, a church pastor in New York City and respected author!)