How will they believe?

Romans: The Gospel for God’s glory
Romans 10:14-21
How will they believe?
Israel will only call on the Lord if they believe the gospel, but they continue to resist

1) For people to call on the Lord some must be sent to preach so they may hear and believe, 10:14-15a.
How does 10:14-15a relate to 10:13? Jesus said in John 20:21, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” How do we live as the people of Jesus has sent into the world?

2) Isaiah 52:7 says those who preach the good news have beautiful feet, 10:15b.
In Isaiah’s time the good news was that the exile of the Jews in Babylon was over and the people could return to the land of Israel. How is Paul applying it to our gospel mission?

3) Israel has not obeyed the gospel, as Isaiah 53:1 says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 10:16.
Isaiah 53 is the most detailed, explicit prophecy of the suffering, death and rising to life again of the Messiah for the redemption of his people. Why does Paul quote Isaiah 53:1?

4) Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ, 10:17.
What are some significant implications of this verse?

5) Israel has heard the gospel, for it has gone out to many in all the earth, 10:18.
Paul uses Psalm 19:4 which talks about the worldwide witness of creation to the glory of God, to refer to the worldwide spread of the gospel. Clearly, Israel had heard the gospel (as recorded in Acts).

6) Israel has understood, for Moses says God would make them jealous of the Gentiles, 10:19.
Paul uses the witness of Moses from Deuteronomy 32 (quoting 32:21). How does this show Israel was accountable for understanding they would reject the gospel while God would save the Gentiles? How is Israel like the “older brother” in the story of the prodigal son?

7) Isaiah 65:1 says those who didn’t seek God have found him, as he has revealed himself, 10:20.
Now Paul quotes from Isaiah 65:1 to show God would save the Gentiles when Israel turned away from him. Have you known people who weren’t looking for Jesus who turned to him?

8) Isaiah 65:2 says of Israel that God continues reaching out to a disobedient people, 10:21.
What does this verse say about the heart of God for disobedient Israel? For people who have been raised in the church who have rejected Christ? When you have been rebellious?