Faith in Our Witnessing

Understanding Faith – Lesson 3
Text: Romans 10:14–17

When we consider the gospel message being passed from one place to another, from one generation to the next, we must see it through the eyes of faith. Many things in society die because they aren’t passed down—family recipes, skills, or history—but somehow the gospel is still going strong.

The gospel must be:

• Received by faith

• Shared by faith

• Helped along so others hear it

• Believed by faith

• Funded by faith so it can be shared

Romans 10:14–17 shows the cycle of gospel transmission. But too often, we doubt our ability to share it effectively, so we do very little. We rely on hope alone instead of faith. True faith in the gospel compels us to act, even in spite of our shortcomings, trusting that the gospel will do what we cannot.

Sermon Outline

1. The Gospel Works Best in Partnership with Others

• Faith in witnessing requires understanding partnership.

• We may feel unqualified to share Christ, but First Corinthians 3:6 reminds us: some plant, some water—but God gives the increase. Your role, knowledge, or position does not limit the gospel’s effectiveness.

• Story: Howard E. Butt Jr., a millionaire grocer, said that God doesn’t call only pastors. Every Christian has a call to witness.

• LC Hester, a plumber from Whitehorse, Texas, carried a New Testament in his tools. Known as the “Witnessing Plumber,” he led hundreds to Christ because people would listen to a working man who wouldn’t listen to a preacher.

2. The Gospel Works Best When It Is Shared on Purpose

• Romans 10:9–10 emphasizes belief in the heart, confession with the mouth, and calling on God. Verse 14 asks repeatedly: “How will they hear without someone preaching?”

• Faith alone isn’t enough; purposeful action is required. Share the gospel intentionally with specific people, believing it will work in their lives.

3. The Gospel By Nature Has Power

• Romans 1:16, Jeremiah 23:29, and Hebrews 4:12 remind us that the gospel carries inherent power.

• We often hesitate to share because of fear, shame, or comparing ourselves to others. But the power is not in us—it is in:

  • The name of Jesus

  • The cross of Jesus

  • The resurrection of Jesus

  • The Word of Jesus

  • The miracles of Jesus

  • The transformation He brings in us and through us

  • The music, preaching, and testimony that glorify Him

• We are called to share it faithfully and let God take it from there.

Story of Faithful Witnessing

An aged Christian waited at a fountain to quench his thirst. When a lady turned away, he asked, “Pardon me, ma’am, but have you ever drunk the living water Jesus gives?” She angrily dismissed him.

Months later, he visited a dying woman in a nearby hospital. She asked, “Do you recall asking a woman at a fountain about living water?” He said yes. She replied, “Forgive me for being so unkind. I was without peace. I asked Christ to save me. I expect to die soon, but thank you for faithfully witnessing to me!”

This story reminds us that faith in witnessing can reach even the hardest hearts, often in ways we may never see.

Reflection

• Are we faithfully partnering with God and others in witnessing?

• Do we share the gospel with purpose, expecting it to work?

• Do we believe in the power of the gospel to transform lives beyond our capability?

Faith compels action—faith sees beyond our limitations and trusts that God will accomplish what we cannot.