Romans 10:16-21
“You Know the Gospel, but Nothing Happens”

Introduction
1. We are give 5 steps in coming to Christ: They must be sent. There must be a messenger. There must be a message. They must believe. They must call.
1. You know the Gospel, but nothing happens. What’s missing?
2. Romans 10:16-21 we discover what was missing in Israel and what may be missing in your life:

You know the Gospel, but nothing happens. What’s missing?
I. THAT WHICH ACTIVATES 10:16-18
Two vital ingredients are given in order for salvation to take place:
A. Revelation from God
1.Notice the words: Gospel…Report…Word of Christ (17)…Sound words (18)
2.That which is presented is not man’s idea, but God’s directive. This directive must be presented!
3.Illustration of a transmitter and a receiver. Both must work in order for a message to be received.
B.Response to God
1.Notice the words: Heed (obey)…Believe…Faith…Heard (18)
2.Heed basically means ‘listening attentively’ which has a derived meaning of ‘submission’ or ‘obedience’.
*The Gospel, salvation is proclaimed, but all do not heed (submit).
*This verse makes it clear even in God’s sovereignty He chooses not to exercise absolute control over human affairs. God’s ‘glad tidings’ must be received in faith by those who hear it.
*In order to produce salvation, God’s unmerited grace demands man’s positive response. Inherent to God’s eternal plan of salvation is man’s obedient faith.
*John 3:16; Acts 6:7; Romans 1:4-6; 2:8; 6:16, 17
3. Verse 17 in summary: The ‘word of God’ is the ‘word of Christ’. This is
central to evangelism.
*The purpose of evangelism is not human persuasion. Faithfully
proclaim the Gospel of Christ.
*The Holy Spirit takes those words and convicts of sin, righteousness,
and judgment. Respond positively and diving life is implanted. These
refused which stops God’s program and plan for their life.
4.Verse 18: Some may say, ‘The Jew never really heard the Gospel. Psalm 18 is quoted:
The heavens declare the glory of God. God is speaking through nature (Rom 1:19, 20) There is not much light, but there is light. There aren’t any person who have never heard of God! A universal proclamation has gone out…if it is observed more light will come. No one deserves more light, but God gives it.
*God cannot be unfair or unjust. God’s absolute and universal assurance to all men that no person who sincerely seeks for Him will fail to find Him.
*As a nation we are so blessed. Beyond nature God sends His messengers. Yet, America is full of unbelievers!

You know the Gospel, but nothing happens. What’s missing?
II. THAT WHICH AGRAVATES 10:19-20
Will jealousy, envy, drive the nation of Israel to the Messiah? The nation of Israel is in mind.
A. God’s Program
1.Isaiah saith: went to all the earth. (16) Moses saith (19) Isaiah saith (20)
2.God is not taken by surprise that God’s Good News would be readily received by the Gentiles. 1500 years before He said it!
B.God’s Plan
1.He was going to use: Them that are not people…By a foolish nation.
2.I was found by them that sought Me not. I was made manifest unto them that asked not after Me.
3.When the Good News of Jesus Christ came God moved mightily among the Gentiles.
C.God’s Purpose
1.I will provoke you to jealousy. I will anger you. He wants them to wake up and turn to Christ!
2.If He can do it for themHe’ll do it for you. So it is today: One comes to Christ. “What happened to you?” There is a new dad, a new mom, a new home. You wish you had what they had.
3.Jealousy so they will listen! What is God doing today? What is He doing around us? God is already at work!

You know the Gospel, but nothing happens. What’s missing?
III. THAT WHICH ALIENATES 10:21, 16
A. God’s Patience
1.God is so patient. All day long I have stretched forth my hands. It was so with Israel. It is so with you and me. This should be a picture for each of us as we reach the lost. We get discouraged…not God!
2.God is not willing that any should perish. The most amazing thing from this account is to realize that in order to go to hell you must resist the pleas of a loving God.
3.God never damns anyone to hell without a chance. It teaches us that no one…not one person will end up separated from God who has not personally resisted the light given, the claim and appeal of the loving God who sought to reach them.
B.God’s Problem
1.You would not heed the Gospel. You are not willing to obey. You are stubborn.
2.They refuse to be persuaded. I would, but you would not come.

Hell becomes our destiny after rejecting the truth,
and turning our back on the light!