THE NECESSITY OF PREACHING THE GOSPEL

THE NECESSITY OF PREACHING THE GOSPEL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 10:14-17

Key Verse: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17, KJV)

Supporting Texts: Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:21; 2 Timothy 4:2; Isaiah 52:7.

Description: God has ordained the preaching of the Gospel as the primary means through which people hear, believe, and receive salvation in Jesus Christ.

INTRODUCTION
Romans 10:14-17 emphasises the vital role of preaching in God's plan of salvation. After declaring that "whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved," Paul explains how people can call upon Christ unless they first believe in Him, and how they can believe unless they hear the Gospel. This passage reveals that God has chosen the proclamation of His Word as the means of bringing people to saving faith.

The Gospel is the greatest message ever entrusted to humanity. It announces God's love, Christ's sacrifice, His resurrection, and the offer of eternal life to everyone who believes. Yet this message cannot transform lives if it remains unspoken. Every believer has a responsibility to proclaim Christ so that others may hear and respond in faith.

The Church exists not only to worship God but also to proclaim the Gospel to a lost and dying world. Wherever the Gospel is faithfully preached, lives are transformed, families are restored, communities are changed, and God's Kingdom advances. Therefore, preaching the Gospel is not optional; it is an essential responsibility given by Christ Himself.

1. THE GOSPEL MUST BE PREACHED FOR PEOPLE TO BELIEVE
Faith begins when people hear the message of Christ.

a) People Cannot Call Upon One They Do Not Know (Romans 10:14)
No one can place faith in Christ without first hearing who He is and what He has done.

b) Faith Comes By Hearing God's Word (Romans 10:17)
The Word of God awakens faith in the hearts of those who receive it.

c) The Gospel Is The Power Of God Unto Salvation (Romans 1:16)
God uses the message of Christ to save everyone who believes.

d) The Holy Spirit Works Through The Word (John 16:8)
As the Gospel is preached, the Holy Spirit convicts people of sin and draws them to Christ.

Biblical Example: The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-39). Philip preached Jesus from the Scriptures, and the Ethiopian believed, was baptised, and continued his journey rejoicing.

2. GOD SENDS HIS MESSENGERS TO PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL
God calls and equips His servants to declare His message.

a) God Sends Preachers (Romans 10:15)
The Lord appoints men and women to carry His message to the nations.

b) The Great Commission Is For Every Believer (Matthew 28:19-20)
Every Christian is called to participate in making disciples.

c) Be Empowered By The Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8)
Effective witness depends upon the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

d) Preach The Word Faithfully (2 Timothy 4:2)
God's servants must proclaim His truth with courage, faithfulness, and perseverance.

Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul (Acts 13:1-5). Sent out by the Holy Spirit, Paul faithfully preached the Gospel across many nations, leading countless people to Christ.

3. THE GOSPEL REQUIRES A RESPONSE OF FAITH
Hearing the Gospel alone is not enough; it must be believed.

a) Believe The Message (Romans 10:16)
Many hear the Gospel, but only those who respond in faith receive its blessings.

b) Do Not Harden Your Heart (Hebrews 3:15)
Believers must respond promptly whenever God speaks through His Word.

c) Receive Christ Personally (John 1:12)
Those who receive Jesus become children of God.

d) Live In Obedience To The Gospel (James 1:22)
True faith is demonstrated by obedience to God's Word.

Biblical Example: The people of Nineveh (Jonah 3:4-10). When Jonah preached God's message, the people believed, repented, and experienced God's mercy.

4. EVERY BELIEVER HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO SHARE THE GOSPEL
Evangelism is not limited to pastors and evangelists; it is the calling of every Christian.

a) Be A Witness For Christ (Acts 1:8)
Every believer has been commissioned to testify about Jesus.

b) Let Your Life Reflect The Gospel (Matthew 5:16)
A godly lifestyle strengthens the credibility of our witness.

c) Pray For Open Doors (Colossians 4:3-4)
Ask God to create opportunities to share the message of salvation.

d) Support The Work Of Evangelism (Philippians 4:15-17)
Believers can participate in Gospel ministry through giving, praying, and encouraging those who preach.

Biblical Example: Andrew (John 1:40-42). After meeting Jesus, Andrew immediately brought his brother Peter to Christ, demonstrating the importance of personal evangelism.

CONCLUSION
Romans 10:14-17 teaches that the preaching of the Gospel is central to God's plan for saving humanity. People cannot believe unless they hear, and they cannot hear unless someone faithfully proclaims the message of Christ. The Gospel remains God's power unto salvation, and He continues to use His Church to carry this life-changing message to the world.

Therefore, let every believer embrace the privilege and responsibility of sharing the Gospel. Whether through preaching, personal witness, acts of love, prayer, or support for missions, we must be committed to making Christ known. As we faithfully proclaim His Word, many souls will come to faith, and God's Kingdom will continue to expand for His glory.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for entrusting the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ to Your Church, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, fill me with boldness to proclaim the Gospel wherever You send me, in Jesus name.

3. Father, empower me through the Holy Spirit to be an effective witness for Christ, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, open doors of opportunity for me to share the message of salvation, in Jesus name.

5. Father, let every heart that hears the Gospel through me be convicted by the Holy Spirit, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, remove every fear and hesitation that hinders me from speaking about Jesus, in Jesus name.

7. Father, raise more faithful labourers to preach the Gospel throughout the world, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, let there be a great harvest of souls through the preaching of Your Word, in Jesus name.

9. Father, help me to live a life that reflects the truth and power of the Gospel, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let my life continually bring many people into Your Kingdom through faithful witness, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall be a bold and faithful witness of Jesus Christ wherever you go.

2. The Holy Spirit shall empower your words with conviction and divine authority.

3. Many souls shall come to Christ through your testimony and faithful witness.

4. Every spirit of fear and intimidation shall lose its hold over your life.

5. The Lord shall open great and effective doors for you to proclaim the Gospel.

6. Your life shall continually reflect the love, holiness, and power of Jesus Christ.

7. God shall use you to strengthen believers and encourage those who are weak in faith.

8. The Gospel you proclaim shall produce lasting fruit and transformed lives.

9. The Lord shall reward your labour in His Kingdom with abundant spiritual harvest.

10. From this day forward, you shall proclaim the Gospel with boldness, walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, lead many souls into the Kingdom of God, fulfil your divine calling, and receive an eternal reward from the Lord, in the mighty name of Jesus.