Romans 10:16-18

A Study of The Book of Romans

Lesson 74 Chapter 10:16 – 18

By Pastor Randy Johnson

1. Verse 16 “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?”
1. This is a quote of Isaiah 53:1 “Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?”
2. No matter who hears the gospel message, without hearing with a spiritual ear it is useless.
3. This was true in Isaiah’s day true in Paul’s day and true in our day, it will never change.
4. It was also true even with Jesus. John 12:37-41 “But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: (38.) That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? (39.) Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, (40.) He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. (41.) These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
5. However it may be, a Preacher’s feet must be swift to preach the gospel to the lost, we do not know the elect therefore our job is to preach, preach, and preach more and more the gospel message.
2. Verse 17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
1. The word “report” in verse 16 and the word hearing here is the identical Greek word, so they did not believe our report because they did not hear the gospel.
2. This verse glues this entire thought together; faith comes by hearing the gospel of Christ Jesus. No one will ever be saved without hearing the gospel message. Let’s remember the sequence;

a. Verse 10 “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

b. Verse 12 “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.”

c. Verse 14 “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?”

d. Verse 15 “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

e. Then the glue; verse 17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

f. A man must believe in his heart, there is no difference, they cannot believe if they have not heard, they cannot hear without a preacher, they cannot preach unless sent, and faith come by hearing the words about Christ Jesus.

3. Luke 8:11 “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.”
2. Verse 18 “But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.”
1. “But I say, Have they not heard…” yes they have and on judgment day they will not have any excuses, we use every source possible to get the gospel out and we are greatly hated and mocked because of it.
2. Paul says “…Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.” They may not have heard with the spiritual ear but they have with the natural ear gate. Mark 16:15 “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
3. They have heard but have rejected to hear.