Sermon Breakdown

1. The apostle Paul is addressing the case of the Jews and their rejection of the gospel in Romans 10.
2. Verses 16-17 constitute the second subsection of the passage from verses 14-17.
3. Verses 14-15 discuss the general offer of the gospel and the commission to preach it.
4. Verses 16-17 show that not all have believed the gospel, though it has been preached to all. This does not invalidate the way of salvation.
5. The apostle quotes Isaiah 53:1 to show that the Jews' unbelief was prophesied and not surprising. The prophecy has a double reference, to Isaiah's day and the messianic age.
6. The apostle uses scripture to make his points, as his audience revered scripture. This is an effective way to reason with them.
7. Everything about the gospel was foretold in the Old Testament. The apostle and others showed the gospel fulfilled prophecy.
8. Fulfilled prophecy proves the divine inspiration of scripture. Isaiah 53:1 shows the inspiration of the prophets.
9. The apostle says "but" in verse 16 to continue his theme from a different angle. Not all have obeyed the gospel though it is preached to all.
10. The gospel is offered to all but only believed by some. There is a difference between hearing and hearing in faith.
11. Verse 17 says faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Hearing here means hearing in faith, not just hearing the words.
12. The apostle quotes Isaiah 6:9-10, as Jesus did, to show the difference between hearing and understanding, and hearing without understanding. The gospel divides people.
13. There are two types of hearing: mechanical hearing and hearing of faith. Hearing of faith leads to faith; mechanical hearing does not.
14. Faith is what matters, not just hearing words. True hearing means paying attention and heeding the message as vital. It grips and lays hold of one.
15. Lydia in Acts 16 is an example of one whose heart the Lord opened to pay attention to Paul's message. The natural man cannot receive spiritual things; God must open the heart.
16. Faith comes from hearing in faith, which comes through the word of Christ, the message of salvation. Faith always relates to this message.
17. There are two elements in producing faith: the Spirit's work and the word of Christ. There is no saving faith apart from Christ. Faith is not general but specific to Christ.
18. The Holy Spirit only honors the word about Christ. When the Spirit applies this word powerfully, it results in faith.
19. James 1:18 and 1 Peter 1:23 show that the word of God, applied by the Spirit, begets faith.
20. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 shows that the gospel came not just in word but in power, the Holy Spirit, and assurance. This results in faith.
21. Some believe and some don't because some hear the word with an opened heart, in power and the Spirit. Though the word is preached to all, faith comes by hearing in this way.