August 15, 2018
The "But" That Changes Everything
Romans 10:16–17
Stephanie Metzger
Central Truth
God's grace sweetly offers us forgiveness, mercy, and an eternity we do not deserve. But as followers of Christ, we are called to live in a way that reflects the grace that has made us new and the perfect protection and provision of the God we put our trust in.
Romans 10:16–17
16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Dive Deeper | Romans 10:16–17
I’m consistently captivated by the "buts" found in Scripture that signal a shift in tone—an exception to the statement previously made. One of the sweetest "buts" is in Ephesians 2:4. This “but” shifts the focus from our depravity and deserved wrath to the greatness of God’s love and richness of His mercy.
The “but” we see in Romans 10:16 likewise provides a shift in tone. In the verses that precede, Paul describes the beauty of those who bring the gospel to the unreached, enabling them to “believe in him of whom they have never heard" (Romans 10:14). Then comes the “but”—that shift in tone. “But they have not all obeyed the gospel.” Not only is the good news a sweet offering of undeserved grace and mercy, it’s also a command to act in belief and repent, letting our actions reflect the Holy Spirit that indwells our hearts when we trust in Christ.
A glimpse of the disobedient Israelites Paul references is found in Isaiah 29-31. Jerusalem’s downfall is showcased as we see God’s people living by the ways of the world instead of following God’s commands: seeking comfort in worldly things; turning to money or power for security; and relying on humans, horses, and themselves for protection. God is frustrated. He simply wants His people to fully trust Him as their comfort, provision, and protection.
Two thousand years later, our hearts still struggle to act in a manner that reflects the grace we’ve been given. By accepting the gospel as Truth, we receive a salvation we don’t deserve and an eternal home more magnificent than we could fathom. But why don’t we trust that His ways are good and His commands bring life? Why do we still turn to things for comfort, security, or protection when by His grace we are promised more than we could ever deserve?
Unfortunately, the world screams at us. Loudly. Temptations and lies are everywhere, trying to tell us where life is found. But throughout Scripture, we are consistently reminded to live as people who are set apart from the world. Today, let your actions reflect the love He has so graciously filled your heart with.
This month's memory verse
Future Glory
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
– Romans 8:18
Discussion Questions
1. Are there any other “buts” in Scripture that have grabbed your attention? How does the contrast magnify the characteristics of God or truth seen in the gospel?
2. Even meticulously detailed commands throughout the Old Testament provide evidence that, as God’s children, we are to live in a manner that reflects the nature of the grace bestowed on us and that makes us new. Are there any of God’s commands that you are struggling to follow and, consequently, blending in with the people of the world? (Romans 12:1-2)
3. Think through your day today. Or even your week! What choices can you make that will bring glory to God by showcasing Whom you put your trust in, where you find your comfort, and the life following God’s commands brings? How can you set yourself apart from the world in your daily life?
4. Romans 10:17 states that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” How can your actions from Question 3 demonstrate the Word of Christ you have shared with those who haven’t yet trusted in Christ? Do your actions strengthen the message of the gospel we are called to share?