How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

We believe when we hear, and for the most part it’s earthen vessels like us that bring the message of salvation. People who have themselves believed, and then been sent. However, lest we think this “faith comes by hearing” works like magic, the passage states that “not all obeyed”.

Preaching the gospel is necessary, and we cannot know beforehand how people will react. For some, it will be “All day long I have stretched out My hands To a disobedient and contrary people.” For others, “I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me.” We have to give the message when we have the opportunity and trust that God will open people’s eyes with the Revelation of Jesus.

Hi Timothy!
I would like to share a few thoughts on this. I hope you and perhaps others will find my response helpful.
There are many exhortations in the NT to CONTINUALLY deny ourselves, take up our Cross and follow Christ. It is an ongoing process.
We can choose to go about Christian life the wrong way, by continuing to sow seeds of the flesh, and reap its results. When truth comes to us through the Holy Spirit’s still, small voice, which can speak through the Bible, through a brother or sister, a thought that comes to our minds when we’re about to let sin win a particular battle… when God’s truth comes, we can choose to deny it and try to suppress it in ungodliness and unrighteousness, and thus have our spiritual eyes progressively darkened. Or, at the “valley of decision” we can agree with God that what He has declared a sin is indeed a sin, and not attempt to justify ourselves or minimize our guilt.

The apostle John says if we say we have no sin, we lie and make God a liar. But if, when confronted, we confess our sins, we come to God in transparency, in honesty, in full agreement to what He’s speaking to us, He is faithful and just not only to forgive, but also to cleanse us of our wickedness, our evil.

I believe in the power of the Blood of Christ. When, after coming to terms with how utterly sinful we are, we cry out to God to change us, cleanse us, fill us, sanctify us with His truth, He does! I have experienced it myself. I have been miraculously delivered of besetting sins that had plagued me for YEARS.

In my understanding and experience, there are some keys that open the door of deliverance of sins. Honesty and transparency in confession. Humility and meekness to accept the diagnosis the Doctor gives (believe me, it is usually worse than you expected!). Recognition that your sin is an INCURABLE wound, by which I mean, in your flesh, you WON’T be able to heal yourself. A willingness to DIE to your sins. Not just reform. Not just a little varnish over your evil, but a complete unrooting of it.

If we really get serious with God… If we tell Him, Lord, I am willing. Make me willing! I renounce everything I think I know, all my human concepts, and receive Your wisdom. Break me to pieces! Don’t leave me this way! Show me how You see me, not how I would like to believe You see me! If we do that, if we come to Him in humility, His grace will be poured out on us and there will be deliverance.

I pray that we will really get this, and walk in increasing victory. I pray that indeed He will increase every day, and use everything, even our sins, as teaching points. I pray we will be given ears that hear Him carefully and apply His teaching diligently!