Because evangelism is chiefly a work of God, he accomplishes it not through our power, but his own, and uses many parts in harmony together to accomplish his ends.

God uses the official preaching of the word as the primary way of calling sinners to faith.

I. TWO KINDS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (VV. 5-13)

A. Based on the Works of the Law (vv. 5, 6)

B. Based on the Hearing with Faith (vv. 6-13)

II. HEARING THE GOSPEL (VV. 14-17)

A. How Will They Hear? (vv. 14-15)

B. Preaching Christ is Beautiful (vv. 15, 17)

C. No Guarantees (v. 16)

III. ADDRESSING PRIDE AND FEAR

A. Text and Subtext

B. Avoiding Dangerous Extremes

C. Hearing the Visible Word

DISCUSSION STARTERS

1. Monday—What are the two ways of righteousness that Paul speaks of in Romans 10:5-6? What word does he associate with the law? What word does he associate with faith?

2. Tuesday—If faith comes from hearing, what does the person who does not yet have faith need more than anything else? Where does that mean we should be eager to bring them?

3. Wednesday—Why are the feet of the preacher said to be beautiful? What makes them so? How does this help to remind preachers what their calling is?

4. Thursday—How do fear and pride affect how the church thinks about evangelism? What might pride lead us to do? What about fear?

5. Friday—What are the twin dangers we need to guard against when it comes to asking “who is responsible to do evangelism?” Is it something you are to do on your own without the help of the church? Is it the pastor’s job alone—something you don’t participate in?

The power of evangelism comes from the message we proclaim and the God who gave us that message.

The gospel is the good news that, though we are sinners who deserve hell, Jesus Christ has lived a perfect life and suffered the curse we deserve so that all who put their trust fully in him will be saved.

Missions, Mercy Hill, Baptist, Sermon, Scott