So
faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17
As it is written:
“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News of peace,
who bring glad tidings of good things!”
Romans 10 [16.] But they didn’t all listen to the glad news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, didn’t they hear? Yes, most certainly,
“Their sound went out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.”
Meaning:
- Faith Comes by Hearing:
The verse begins by affirming that faith, the foundation of Christian belief, is generated through the act of hearing. This hearing is not merely a physical act but a spiritual reception of the message of God's Word. It implies an openness and receptivity to the truth communicated through the proclamation of the gospel.
- Hearing by the Word of God:
The verse further explains that this hearing, which leads to faith, is facilitated by the Word of God. It is through the proclamation and exposition of God's Word—both written and spoken—that people come to understand and respond to the message of salvation. The Word of God serves as the catalyst for transformation and belief in the hearts of individuals.
Significance:
The Power of the Word: Romans 10:17 underscores the transformative power of God's Word in the lives of believers. It highlights the importance of engaging with Scripture, both individually and corporately, as a means of deepening faith and understanding God's purposes.
The Role of Proclamation: The verse emphasizes the vital role of preaching and teaching in the life of the church. It reminds us that the proclamation of the gospel is not merely an intellectual exercise but a spiritual endeavor that has the potential to elicit a response of faith in those who hear it.
The Accessibility of Faith: By emphasizing that faith comes by hearing, Romans 10:17 underscores the accessibility of faith to all who are willing to listen and respond to the message of God's Word. It removes barriers of education, status, or background, affirming that anyone can come to faith through the hearing of the gospel.
Cross References:
Hebrews 4:12: Speaks of the Word of God as living and active, capable of penetrating the depths of our being and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. This aligns with the transformative power of the Word highlighted in Romans 10:17.
James 1:22: Encourages believers not only to hear the Word but also to act upon it. This underscores the importance of responding in obedience to the truth we have received through hearing.
In Conclusion: Romans 10:17 reminds us of the centrality of the Word of God in the life of faith. It emphasizes the importance of hearing and responding to the message of the gospel as the means by which faith is generated and nurtured in the hearts of believers. As we engage with God's Word and proclaim its truth, may we be filled with faith and boldness to share the good news with others, knowing that faith comes by hearing the Word of God.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible