THE REAL THING
Romans 10:9-17

Introduction:     There is a difference between Churchanity and Christianity. There is a difference between Church membership and being apart of the Body of Christ by a second spiritual birth. I want to preach tonight about the real thing! Not just religion, but the real thing – real salvation. There are all kinds of subtle substitutes today for the real thing (expound). When it comes to soul salvation brother, I want the REAL THING! What can we say about the real thing? The real thing has to do with a:

I.          MATTER OF TRUSTING (VV.9-10)

Do not stop short of trusting (see Acts 16:30 ). Religion is believing in – real salvation is believing on. Believing on is trusting.

            A.        A Heart Trust (9b)

Salvation is a matter of the heart. What is the Bible talking about when speaking of the heart?

            B.         A Historic Trust (9c)

The real thing is based on what the Bible says happened – facts, not feelings! The birth, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus are historical facts.

            C.        A Heralded Trust (vv.9-10)

Scripture says if we confess with our mouth:

bulletThe Lord Jesus – not just Jesus.
bullet“Confession” = (1) public (2) to say the same thing, agree. (Illus: if you want the real thing you’ve got to agree with all that the Bible says about Jesus and your sin)

 

II.         MATTER OF CALLING (VV.11-13)

How do I get saved? (Illus: Simon Peter cried out while sinking in the sea, “Lord, save me” (Matt.15:30) He called! Verse 11 is a quote of Isa.28:16 (same as confound = to flee because of fear). “Ashamed” (in the Hebrew sense) = suffering a disappointment; to be put to shame. Whosoever trusts Jesus as Savior never runs in fear and is never disappointed!

            A.        An Inclusive Call (vv.11-12)

To those who are afraid that they cannot live the Christian life. It’s amazing grace for every race.

            B.         An Individual Call (v.13)

What does it mean to call upon the name of the Lord? (See 1 Kings 18:24 ) Whosoever shall call shall be saved!

 

III.       MATTER OF OBEYING (VV.14-17)

If it’s the real thing there will be a change in your life. If you’re saved you’re going to product a certain kind of fruit - you are going to bear in your life a testimony – there’s going to be evidence. What does the Bible teach us here that that involves?

            A.        There Is A Task (v.14)

The fruit of a Christian is another Christian. We’ve got to go and tell! How can they hear without a preacher (proclaimer) that’s our task; proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ with our lips and our life!

            B.         There Is A Technique (v.15)

The act of preaching “preach” = to announce or proclaim something. (Illus: beautiful feet (Isa 52:7) "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" – speaks of the heralder who would bring the news of the end of their exile in Babylon and that they were going to get to go home. His feet were dirty, but to those people they were beautiful because they brought them good news).

            C.        There Is Trouble (v.16)

There’s trouble when you obey Jesus. Isaiah said (Isa 53:1) "Who hath believed our report?" (Illus: The puzzle of unbelief. Not everyone you witness to will be saved. The puzzle comes from the thought of why anyone would reject such an offer from God).

            D.        There Is A Truth (v.17)

The Word is powerful - when it is released into the hearts of people, faith can be born! (Illus: the devil knows what can set you free expound the parable of the sower’s stony ground). That is why he wants to keep you from this church.

 

Conclusion:       The real thing is a matter of trusting the truth of God, calling out to God for help, and obeying His Word!