Why Didn’t You Tell Me?

Written By Bruce Jones
Why Didn’t You Tell Me? — Romans: What’s Going on Here? | Citylight Church

Series: Romans – What’s Going on Here? Preacher: Pastor Nate Crew Date: August 24, 2025

Primary Text: Romans 10:14–21 (see also vv. 9–13)

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Big Idea

Faith in Jesus comes from hearing the word about Christ. Because everyone needs to hear, followers of Jesus must say the gospel, not only display it. And some of us need to receive it—today.

Two Heart‑Check Questions

  1. On a scale of 1–10, how certain are you that you would go to heaven if you died today?
  2. If God asked, “Why should I let you into heaven?” what would you say?

Hold your answers. Let Scripture recalibrate them.

1) Everyone Needs to Hear the Gospel (Romans 10:14–17)

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (v. 13). Calling requires believing, and believing requires hearing. Paul crystalizes it:

“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (v. 17)

What this means for you

  • Hearing fuels faith. If your faith feels thin, check your intake of God’s word. Podcasts and playlists won’t plant faith; Scripture will.
  • More Bible, more ballast. Meditating on the word creates the rooted, fruitful life God promises (see Psalm 1).
  • The gospel doesn’t just demand faith; it deposits it. Proclaimed truth awakens trust.
Practice this week: Build a simple hearing rhythm—read or listen to Scripture daily, talk about it with a friend, and apply one clear step. Expect your faith to grow where the word goes.

2) You Need to Preach the Gospel (Romans 10:14–15)

God’s missional pipeline:

Sent → Preach → Hear → Believe → Call → Saved

God could write the gospel in the sky. Instead, His plan for your family, street, classroom, and office is you.

Words are required

The gospel is news—it must be said. Your kindness adorns the message; it does not replace it. If you haven’t said it, you haven’t shared it.

Beautiful feet

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news” (v. 15). In God’s economy, the most beautiful feet are blistered ones—worn from going, speaking, and loving.

Make it practical

Your first sermon can be today. Keep it simple and clear.

The Gospel in Four Movements

  1. God: Holy Creator; made us for Himself and good.
  2. Us: We’ve sinned; we can’t fix ourselves.
  3. Christ: Jesus lived the life we failed to live, died for our sins, rose again.
  4. Response: Turn from sin and trust Jesus alone. He forgives, makes you new, and brings you into God’s family.

A 60‑Second Bridge

“Can I share what changed my life? I realized that even at my best I couldn’t make myself right with God. But Jesus lived perfectly, died for my sins, and rose again. He offers forgiveness and new life to anyone who turns and trusts Him. That’s how I became sure I’m His.”

Who are your three? Write three names. Pray daily. Start a conversation this week.

3) You Need to Receive the Gospel (Romans 10:18–21)

It’s possible to sit in church, nod at sermons, and still resist Jesus. The invitation stands:

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Trade uncertainty for assurance

Jesus didn’t cover 70% of your sins and leave the rest to you. He finished the work. If your answer to Question 2 leaned on anything you’ve done (“I’m nice,” “I go to church”), shift your trust off yourself and onto Christ alone. The only people in heaven are the ones made perfect by His righteousness.

A simple prayer

Jesus, I turn from my sin and trust You alone. Thank You for living, dying, and rising for me. Forgive me, make me new, and lead my life. Amen.

If you prayed that in sincerity, tell a trusted Christian, be baptized, and get planted in a church family.

Citylight Next Steps

  • Pray & Go: Ask for boldness; walk your block and pray for homes by name if you can.
  • Start the conversation: Use the two diagnostic questions over coffee or lunch this week. Listen well; then share the Four Movements.
  • Write your 2‑minute story: Before Jesus → How He met you → Life with Him now. Keep Jesus central.
  • Scripture intake plan: Read Romans 10 daily for a week. Pair it with Psalm 1.
  • Invite: Bring someone to church and to your Citygroup.

Reflection Questions for Groups & Families

  1. Where is your assurance today (1–10), and what would increase it?
  2. What competes with Scripture in your daily “hearing”? What change will you make this week?
  3. Whose name grieves you to the point of prayer? How can your group help you take a loving risk?
  4. What would “beautiful feet” look like in your actual routines—home, commute, classroom, gym?
  5. When have you been ashamed of Jesus? What did you learn, and what’s your next faithful step?

“Remember: If you haven’t said it, you haven’t shared it.”

Bruce Jones
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