How can we ensure we are not among those who "did not all heed"? The Call from Romans 10:16 “However, not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says: ‘Lord, who has believed our message?’” (Romans 10:16) What “Heed” Really Means • To hear the gospel with receptive hearts (Matthew 13:23) • To believe—entrusting ourselves wholly to Christ (John 3:16) • To obey—acting on what we have heard (James 1:22) Common Roadblocks to Heeding • Religious pride: trusting heritage or works instead of Christ (Romans 10:3) • Indifference: hearing without serious reflection (Hebrews 2:1) • Selective listening: accepting comfortable parts, dismissing the rest (Luke 6:46) • Love of sin: unwillingness to repent (John 3:19-20) Practical Ways to Ensure We Are Heeding 1. Hear Scripture Regularly – “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). – Prioritize daily reading, faithful preaching, and godly conversation. 2. Believe with the Heart – “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). – Move beyond mere mental assent; personalize the gospel. 3. Repent and Obey Promptly – “Repent, then, and turn to God” (Acts 3:19). – Immediate obedience prevents the heart from hardening (Hebrews 3:13). 4. Submit to Scripture’s Authority – “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable…” (2 Timothy 3:16). – Let the Bible overrule feelings, culture, and tradition. 5. Cultivate Prayerful Dependence – “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). – Ask the Spirit for illumination and strength to obey (Ezekiel 36:27). 6. Examine Yourself Honestly – “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). – Confess known sin; pursue accountability with mature believers. 7. Practice the Word Continually – “Everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man…” (Matthew 7:24). – Apply Scripture to relationships, work, finances, and speech. 8. Proclaim the Gospel Openly – Sharing reinforces believing (Philemon 6). – Obedience in evangelism safeguards against passivity. Living a Lifestyle of Heeding • Daily intake of Scripture keeps faith vibrant. • Ongoing repentance keeps conscience tender. • Consistent obedience keeps testimony credible. • Eager proclamation keeps the gospel central. Assurance for Those Who Heed • “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples” (John 8:31). • “Therefore, brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1:10). • The obedient hearer may rest in God’s unfailing promises (John 10:27-29). |
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