“My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long—though I know not how to relate them all.”
Psalm 71:15
There is a quote that may or may not be accurately attributed to Francis of Assisi which often is used to argue that is better to share the gospel with actions than with words. It says, “Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” You have to agree that the implication of this is good—that our loving actions towards others may very well be used in drawing people to Christ.
But Paul, through rhetorical questions, systematically dismantles the idea that the gospel can be shared without words. “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?” (Romans 10:14)
“To be saved you have to call on Christ. To call, you have to believe on Christ. To believe, you have to hear the word of Christ. To hear, you have to have someone preaching the message of Christ” (John Piper, 2003).
Praise God that as witnesses of the grace and salvation of Jesus, we can share the gospel with words to the ends of the earth!
But Paul, through rhetorical questions, systematically dismantles the idea that the gospel can be shared without words. “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?” (Romans 10:14)
“To be saved you have to call on Christ. To call, you have to believe on Christ. To believe, you have to hear the word of Christ. To hear, you have to have someone preaching the message of Christ” (John Piper, 2003).
Praise God that as witnesses of the grace and salvation of Jesus, we can share the gospel with words to the ends of the earth!
Scripture Focus
Romans 10:6-15
Insight
When Jesus told His followers to be His witnesses, He anticipated that, like a witness in a courtroom, they would testify with words.
Bible In A Year
- 1 Samuel 30-31
- Psalm 135
- Ephesians 1-2
