Romans 10:18-21

 

Romans 10:18-21

Their Words Went Out to the Ends of the Earth

 

Rom 10:18  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. 

Rom 10:19  But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. 

Rom 10:20  But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. 

Rom 10:21  But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people. 

         1.      Israel Claims to have not Heard the Gospel – vs. 18

a.       The gospel will be preached unto all men and I want to be a part of the spreading of it.

                                                              i.      The gospel spreads beyond the capability of human effort. It is a great privilege to be a part of the building of the Kingdom.

1.      Psalm 19:1-6 

                                                            ii.      The claim that Paul makes, of the whole world hearing the gospel, was no idle boast and contemporary historians can validate that.

1.      “There is no people, Greek or barbarian or any other race, however ignorant of arts and agriculture, whether they dwell in tents or wander about in covered wagons, among whom prayers and thanksgivings are not offered in the name of the crucified Jesus, the Father and Creator of all things.” – Justin Martyr writing about early 2^nd century

2.      “We are but of yesterday, yet we already fill your cites, your islands, your camps, your palaces, your senate and your forum.” – Tertullian writing late 2^nd to early in the 3^rd century

         2.      Israel Claims to have not Understood the Gospel – vs. 19

a.       The hearing of the gospel requires a response. Shame on those that hear it and harden their hearts to it. Israel’s claim to have not understood the gospel is patently absurd and a blatant disregard for the content of the Old Testament Scriptures

                                                              i.      The Indictment of the Israelites from Moses

1.      Deuteronomy 32:21 

                                                            ii.      The Indictment of the Israelites from Isaiah

1.      Isaiah 53:1-5 

                                                          iii.      The Indictment of the Israelites from Christ

1.      John 5:39-47 

                                                          iv.      The Indictment of the Israelites from the Apostle Peter

1.      Acts 2:36 

                                                            v.      The Indictment of the Israelites from Stephen

1.      Acts 7:51-54 

         3.      Isaiah’s Bold Rebuke – vs. 20-21

a.       We must follow the example of the Lord and go looking for those who would hear the gospel. The best remedy for a hardened heart to the gospel, is developing a heart to spread it by praying for the lost.

                                                              i.      Isaiah 65:1 

                                                            ii.      Matthew 9:37-38 

b.      Be cautious that you do not become indifferent to the gracious appeal of the Savior.

                                                              i.      Isaiah 65:2 

                                                            ii.      Matthew 23:37-39