Scripture:
Romans 10:11-15 NIV
[11] As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” [12] For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, [13] for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” [14] How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? [15] And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Observation:
The book of Romans explains the plan of salvation in a way that is very easy to understand for most people. Although some things can be a little confusing. For the most part, it’s pretty straightforward. Right here in chapter 10, Paul starts by giving a short recap of what the scripture says, ” Anyone who believes in HIM will never be put to shame.” That’s a pretty simple statement and very simple to understand. It honestly leaves no room for error. It doesn’t stop there. Paul goes on to explain that there is no difference between Jews or Gentiles. We have all been made a part of the family of GOD. He makes it really easy to comprehend by explaining that Jesus is LORD of all. There is no other. Jesus christ is the very center of all creation and richly blesses all who call on HIM. Verses 11 through 13 seem to make things clear and simple… it’s easy if you call on the name of the LORD Jesus, you will be saved. You can’t get around that, and honestly, who wouldn’t want to… I don’t. It makes it easy for simple minds like mine… calling on the name of Jesus equals salvation. Yes, it’s that simple. Paul has a wonderful way of setting the hook. It seems he is a fisher of men. Because he continues to open the eyes of our hearts. Calling on the name of Jesus brings about salvation. But how can anyone call on HIS name if they never hear the gospel. Paul addressed this book to the Romans, who was the target crowd. I’m sure it has hit the hearts of many people who are not Romans. However, at that time, the new Testament had not been written. There was not a complete copy of the scripture sitting on almost every coffee table in America. The word had to go out, and Paul knew that it was up to those who knew the LORD to preach the gospel. The last 2 verses in today’s scripture point to that exactly. How can people hear about Jesus if no one is talking about HIM.
Application:
What if your life was the only bible someone ever got to read. Would there be a difference between you and those who have not called on his name? Let me ask you this: What is your conversation geared towards when you’re in line at the grocery store or waiting for your tires to be changed? If you don’t ask, you will never know, and honestly, if you do ask, you could gain a brother or sister in christ. Maybe the person sitting next to you at the doctor’s office is just waiting for someone to speak to them about Jesus. Maybe that small amount of compassion could change their life. How can they call on HIS name if they have never heard it spoken. I know for me earlier on there was a little fear behind speaking about Jesus. I didn’t want to be rejected or people to think I was some kind of Jesus freak or something. But as time went by and I realized that if they rejected the gospel, they were not rejecting me. The fear of speaking about what Jesus had done in my life went away. The more the Holy Spirit led me to speak about HIM, the bolder I got. However, there was a point when what I was speaking did not line up with what I was doing, and changes had to be made. Being a doer of the word and not just a hearer of it allows people to not only hear about Jesus but see HIS reflection in you. I don’t know about you but I want my life to have a positive impact on the kingdom of heaven. I want my actions and behaviors to reflect Jesus so that the words that are spoken make it clear the HE is alive and well and lives inside of my heart. I want to have a peace and a presence about me that says that guy loves Jesus, and honestly my hope is that you would want the very same thing. People still need to hear about Jesus. Believe it or not there are people who have never heard HIS name. Nor have they heard the gospel. Today I want to encourage you to tell someone about the difference HE has made in your life. Tell them why you are a new creation. Tell them the price HE paid for you. Speak the name of Jesus in the grocery line and at the tire shop. Take it every where you go don’t fear what man can do to you. Reflect HIM in all you do. Don’t hide it ignite it. Fan into flames the gifts and callings that GOD has placed on your life. HE has called you for this time right here and put you in this place right here. Because HE has built you to speak the gospel to the people HE has placed around you right now. Start sowing the seeds of the gospel. Tell people what HE has done in you reflect his loving character show grace and be merciful. Remember GOD made everyone of us and HIS desire is that we ALL come to repentance. That’s the grace of the gospel. GOD’S will is in HIS word. HE wants you to GO and make disciples. You will have to speak about HIM in order to do that.
Prayer:
Father, we do not wish to remain silent we don’t care if our words are held against us. If we are speaking your name what does it matter if they are. Salvation is found in nothing else. Today we ask you for a boldness that can only come from the same Spirit that rose your son from the dead. Your word tells us that you have deposited that Spirit inside of us as a seal of approval. Let us not hide anymore. We know the war is real. But tge battle has already been won. Let us not just speak your name boldly but live your word clearly. We know that you have chosen man as the tool that you spread your gospel with. So let us be a tool in your hands give us tge words to say and to opportunity to say them along with the nudge from the Holy Spirit as we go through our day. Your word says that today is the day of salvation. Let us be the vessel of the gospel that you use to bring that salvation about. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.