Hearing of Faith
A Sermon on Romans 10:16-17
Originally preached April 17, 1964
Scripture
16But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Sermon Description
How is a person saved? Is it through just hearing the gospel or is it through faith? The debate is a theological divide in the Christian church. In this sermon on Romans 10:16–17 titled “Hearing of Faith,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones gives firm biblical grounding in salvation that comes not just by hearing, but by faith in Christ and His sacrifice on the cross. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that there are two types of hearing: hearing that falls on the ears and hearing that moves a person to believe. Quoting the words of Isaiah, he reveals that this has always been the case. Not every person who hears believes. It was the same in the Old Testament, the New Testament, and today. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that this is an example of divine inspiration in Scripture. In a relatable “church goer” example, Dr. Lloyd-Jones reviews the elements needed for a person to hear the gospel with faith. That person’s heart must be opened by God and they must then trust in Christ’s redeeming death on the cross. To convey this incredible truth, Dr. Lloyd-Jones draws on other examples from the New Testament that embody and proclaim this faith today.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul is addressing the case of the Jews and their rejection of the gospel in Romans 10.
- Verses 16-17 constitute the second subsection of the passage from verses 14-17.
- Verses 14-15 discuss the general offer of the gospel and the commission to preach it.
- 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.
- 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.
- The apostle uses scripture to make his points, as his audience revered scripture. This is an effective way to reason with them.
- Everything about the gospel was foretold in the Old Testament. The apostle and others showed the gospel fulfilled prophecy.
- Fulfilled prophecy proves the divine inspiration of scripture. Isaiah 53:1 shows the inspiration of the prophets.
- 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.
- The gospel is offered to all but only believed by some. There is a difference between hearing and hearing in faith.
- 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.
- 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.
- There are two types of hearing: mechanical hearing and hearing of faith. Hearing of faith leads to faith; mechanical hearing does not.
- 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.
- 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.
- Faith comes from hearing in faith, which comes through the word of Christ, the message of salvation. Faith always relates to this message.
- 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.
- The Holy Spirit only honors the word about Christ. When the Spirit applies this word powerfully, it results in faith.
- James 1:18 and 1 Peter 1:23 show that the word of God, applied by the Spirit, begets faith.
- 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.
- 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.
Sermon Q&A
Questions on Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Romans 10:16-17
What is the main focus of Dr. Lloyd-Jones' sermon on Romans 10:16-17?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones focuses on understanding why not everyone believes the gospel despite it being preached to all. He explores the nature of true hearing versus merely mechanical hearing, explaining that faith comes from a specific kind of hearing that is enabled by God opening one's heart to receive the word of Christ.
How does Lloyd-Jones explain the difference between 'hearing' and 'truly hearing' the gospel?
Lloyd-Jones explains that there are two types of hearing: mechanical hearing (where one hears the words but isn't genuinely affected), and hearing of faith (where the heart is opened by God). He gives the example of Lydia in Acts 16, "whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken." True hearing involves being gripped by the message, paying attention, and realizing it's vital for you personally.
What does Romans 10:17 teach about how faith is produced according to Lloyd-Jones?
According to Lloyd-Jones, Romans 10:17 teaches that "faith comes out of hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." Faith is produced by two elements working together: (1) the specific message about Christ crucified (the "word of Christ"), and (2) the operation of the Holy Spirit applying that message to the heart. Without both elements, saving faith cannot be produced.
Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones quote Isaiah in his sermon?
Lloyd-Jones quotes Isaiah to show that the Jews' rejection of the gospel was not surprising but was actually prophesied 800 years before Christ. He points to Isaiah 53:1 ("Lord, who has believed our report?") to demonstrate that Isaiah foresaw that the majority would reject the Messiah. This fulfillment of prophecy serves as powerful evidence for the divine inspiration of Scripture.
What does Lloyd-Jones say about the nature of true faith?
Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that true faith is never generic but always specific and centered on Christ. He states, "There is no saving faith except it be centered on Jesus Christ and him crucified." He rejects the idea of a "general faith," teaching that faith only comes through the specific message about Christ as it is applied by the Holy Spirit.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones connect preaching method with preaching content?
Lloyd-Jones stresses that both method and message are important: "We are not truly in the Pauline succession unless we are as careful about our methods as we are about our message." He points out how Paul lovingly addresses opponents, quotes Scripture when dealing with Jews, and demonstrates pastoral wisdom. He warns that being right doctrinally isn't enough if our methods cause harm.
What does Lloyd-Jones identify as the only message the Holy Spirit will honor?
Lloyd-Jones firmly states that the Holy Spirit will only honor the message about Christ and Him crucified. He explains that no other message will be recognized or empowered by the Spirit: "This is the only message that the Holy Spirit ever will honor. He won't recognize, he won't honor any other word whatsoever."
Why does Lloyd-Jones say that fulfilled prophecy is important evidence for Christianity?
Lloyd-Jones states that "there is no greater proof, in a sense, ultimately, of the truth of the Christian faith than fulfilled prophecy." He points to Isaiah's prediction that Israel would reject its Messiah as remarkable evidence, noting that humanly speaking, no one could have predicted this 800 years in advance since the whole nation was eagerly awaiting the Messiah.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain why some people believe the gospel and others don't?
Lloyd-Jones explains that the difference lies in God's sovereign work in opening hearts. He quotes Acts 16:14 about Lydia "whose heart the Lord opened" and 1 Thessalonians 1:5 where "the gospel came not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Ghost." He emphasizes that it is by grace through faith, not dependent on human intelligence or morality.
What practical application does Lloyd-Jones draw from Jesus' statement "Take heed how ye hear"?
Lloyd-Jones applies Jesus' warning from Luke 8:18 to challenge his listeners to examine their own hearing of the gospel. He warns that many think they have heard the gospel when they've merely heard words. He urges self-examination to determine if they've truly experienced that special kind of hearing where God opens the heart and the message becomes personally vital, producing genuine faith.
The Book of Romans
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.