Romans 10:14-21
Introduction: Encouragement and Context
This past Sunday, Logan Clark delivered an inspiring message at Trinity Hill Church, diving deep into Romans 10:14-21. He began by expressing gratitude for the congregation's encouragement and reflected on the recent preview service, highlighting the palpable joy and excitement within the church community.
Logan Clark set the stage for the sermon by reminding listeners of the significance of context when studying the Bible. He emphasized, “Our passage today doesn’t stand in a vacuum… Romans 10:14-21 stands in a larger context, which we call Romans 9-11.” This broader section discusses the puzzling dynamic between Jews and Gentiles regarding faith in Christ.Key Theme: Meaning vs. Application
A central point of Logan Clark’s message was the importance of discerning the meaning of Scripture before applying it to our lives. He warned against confusing application with the actual author-intended meaning of the text, urging us to “bring out of the text what God intended,” not what we wish it to say.
This focus is especially relevant in Romans 10:14-21, a passage often used to discuss missions and evangelism. While those are appropriate applications, Logan Clark pointed out that Paul is continuing his argument about the unique relationship between Jews, Gentiles, and the promise of salvation through faith—not works—in Christ.
The Chain of Phrases: How Faith Comes
Logan Clark walked through the series of rhetorical questions Paul strings together:
How can people call on Jesus if they haven’t believed?
How can they believe if they haven’t heard?
How can they hear without preaching?
How can there be preaching unless someone is sent?
He explained that these questions build to a climax, referencing Isaiah 52:7 about the “beautiful feet” of those who bring good news. Paul’s point, Logan Clark argued, is that the promises to Israel are being fulfilled—the gospel is going out to the nations—but, paradoxically, many Jews have not believed while Gentiles have accepted Christ.
Application: Don’t Trust in Good Things Over God
While the passage’s context is ancient, Logan Clark highlighted its relevance today. He warned that, like the Jews, we often put our trust in good things—family heritage, discipline, morality, success—instead of God Himself. These gifts are good, but they are not the source of righteousness or salvation.
Using the story of two brothers with very different family experiences, he illustrated that our security cannot come from our achievements, family, or traditions. “If you’re leaning on those things and you find security in those things instead of finding security in the Son of God, you’ve gotten it all wrong.”
A Call to Whole-Bible Faith
Logan Clark also encouraged the church to be “whole Bible” Christians—people who don’t just cling to the blessings but also understand the harder truths of Scripture, including the suffering, discipline, and unexpected ways God works. We must not be surprised when God’s word plays out differently than expected.
Quoting St. Augustine, he reminded us:
“If you believe in what you like in the Gospels, and you reject what you don’t like, it’s not the gospel you believe in, it’s yourself.”
Conclusion: Believe in God Alone
The heart of the message was this: Believe in God. Don’t trust in yourself, in institutions, or anything you can do or bring. Only trust in God’s righteousness through Christ. Logan Clark closed with the image from Revelation 3:20—Christ knocking at the door, asking us simply to let Him in and accept His righteousness as a gift.
Reflect and Respond
Are you trusting in Christ alone, or are you leaning on good things and gifts instead of the Giver?
Will you accept the gift of righteousness, or try to earn your own way?
Let’s remember, as the church goes into a new week, to resist the temptation to find security in good things, and place our trust and hope solely in Jesus Christ.