In Romans 10:17, Paul writes, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” This verse captures a key principle of the Christian faith: belief is deeply connected to hearing and understanding God’s Word.
Faith grows when we open our hearts and minds to God’s promises, teachings, and stories found in the Bible. But what does it mean for faith to come by hearing? Why does hearing the Word of God play such an essential role in building our belief and trust in Him? In this study, we’ll explore the meaning of Romans 10:17 and why regularly hearing God’s Word is crucial for our spiritual growth.
What Is Faith?
To understand Romans 10:17 fully, we first need to know what faith truly is. Biblically, faith is often described as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Faith involves trusting God with absolute assurance, even when we don’t see or understand everything in our lives. Faith is the anchor that grounds us, providing confidence and strength to follow God’s guidance. It’s through faith that we please God and walk in harmony with His will.
Importantly, God shows us how we can develop this kind of faith—by hearing His Word. God has given us everything we need to believe in Him through Scripture. It’s our responsibility to nurture and build faith by engaging with His Word, which brings life to our relationship with Him.
The Role of Hearing in Faith Development
Romans 10:17 reminds us that hearing is vital to building faith. But hearing here doesn’t just mean passively listening; it involves absorbing, reflecting on, and applying God’s Word in our lives. Hearing is the gateway through which God’s truth reaches our hearts, planting seeds of faith that can grow and flourish.
Faith and Salvation: Hearing the Gospel
Faith is essential to salvation, and salvation itself begins with hearing the message of the gospel. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Salvation is a gift of grace, accessed by our faith, which begins by hearing about God’s love and the redemptive work of Jesus. Romans 10:8-14 explains this progression clearly:
- Hearing the Message – “How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?” Salvation requires that we first hear the gospel message.
- Believing in Jesus – When we hear the message, we believe in Jesus and His resurrection, leading us to confess Him as our Lord.
- Calling on the Lord – Belief culminates in calling upon the name of the Lord, leading to salvation.
Without hearing, we cannot believe. Paul illustrates this beautifully through the story of Cornelius in Acts 10-11. Though Cornelius was devout and feared God, he wasn’t saved until he heard the gospel preached by Peter. God sent an angel to Cornelius to instruct him to call for Peter, who would share the message he needed for salvation. This account highlights that salvation comes not just through good intentions or actions but by hearing and accepting the gospel.
Faith and Healing: The Power of Hearing God’s Word
Hearing the Word also plays a role in receiving healing. The Bible recounts the story of a man at Lystra who was healed because he heard Paul’s message (Acts 14:7-10):
- The Gospel Preached – Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel in Lystra.
- Faith to be Healed – The crippled man heard Paul’s words, and faith arose within him.
- Healing – Acting on this faith, Paul declared healing, and the man stood up and walked.
The man’s healing wasn’t the result of any special power in Paul. Instead, the man’s faith, which came from hearing the Word, brought about his healing. Hearing God’s Word activates our faith for healing, just as it does for salvation.
How to Build Faith by Hearing God’s Word Daily
To grow in faith, we need to make a habit of hearing God’s Word regularly. Here are some practical ways to incorporate hearing Scripture into daily life:
- Daily Bible Reading – Start each day with Scripture. Even a few verses can have a profound impact on your spirit, helping you begin the day focused on God’s promises.
- Listening to Sermons or Devotionals – Sermons and devotionals provide insights into Scripture, helping you understand verses in a fresh way.
- Bible Study Groups – Engaging with others in Bible study allows you to hear different perspectives and share insights, which strengthens your understanding.
- Scripture-Based Podcasts and Audio Bibles – Listening to the Bible or Christian podcasts while driving, exercising, or cooking can be a simple way to hear God’s Word throughout the day.
- Reflecting on Scripture – Memorizing key verses and meditating on them throughout the day helps the truth sink deep into your heart, nurturing faith.
Applying Faith: Moving from Hearing to Action
Faith that comes from hearing should move us toward action. James 2:17 tells us that “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Hearing God’s word is only the first step. The strength of our faith is shown in our actions—our obedience, kindness, and compassion toward others. By putting God’s Word into practice, we allow our faith to become a powerful force that shapes our daily life and witnesses to others.
For instance, when we hear a message on forgiveness, we can apply it by forgiving others, even when it’s difficult. Or when we read about generosity, we can act by helping those in need around us. Through these actions, our faith becomes active and alive, grounded in God’s principles.
Why Constantly Hearing God’s Word is Essential
The words we hear shape what we believe. Hearing God’s Word continually reminds us of His promises and fills us with hope, peace, and strength to face life’s challenges. Unlike secular messages that may instill fear or doubt, God’s Word brings faith and clarity. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, our hearts and minds align with God’s truth, transforming us into individuals who live by faith and not by sight.
Healing Through Hearing
Just as faith for salvation and daily living comes by hearing, faith for healing also comes by engaging with God’s Word. Jesus’ ministry shows that people were healed when they heard Him speak. When we focus on Scriptures about God’s healing power, it builds our faith to receive healing, just as the man in Lystra experienced.
Conclusion: The Journey of Faith Begins with Hearing
Romans 10:17 reminds us that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Our faith journey begins and grows as we engage with Scripture, letting its truths resonate in our hearts and minds. By dedicating time each day to hear, read, and meditate on God’s Word, we deepen our trust in Him and empower ourselves to face life’s challenges with confidence.
As you go forward, prioritize hearing God’s Word—whether through reading, sermons, or Bible studies. Let these words of life inspire and strengthen you, remembering that what you hear determines what you believe and shapes the direction of your life.