Faith comes by hearing

Posted on Jan. 29, 2025, 9:17 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre

Faith is an essential element in establishing relationship with God. Faith is acting in confidence that God would do as He has promised. The Bible says, without faith, it is impossible to please God. (Heb.11:6) Faith as used in the Scriptures, is the means of our complete trust in our Creator as Savior, Lord and Master. Faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the proof of things we cannot see with naked eyes. (Heb.11:1) The Bible tells us that it comes by hearing the Word of God. “So then, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom.10:17) We may be wondering why the Word of God is so linked to Faith. Let us hear what the Bible say about the Word of God. “For the Lord gives wisdom, from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Prov.2:6) It says further, “Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path. When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you, understanding will keep you.” (Prov.2:9-11) The word of God brings the knowledge and understanding of who God is and what He can do. That God is love, He is gracious and merciful. He has the power and authority over all things and situations. It is upon the knowledge and understanding of those facts through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are convinced in our heart and through wisdom we put our trust (Faith) in Him. Faith is the theme of the Christian life and we are told it comes through hearing (believing) the word of God. Then we should endeavor to hear the word of truth often and often. We can hear it through preaching, teaching or reading. We should not be tired of hearing the word if we want to sustain our fellowship with God. The Bible is the word of God that we are expected to hear, it is through the word that we can derive genuine heart faith. Therefore, we should be conscious that the word of God we hear is Bible based. If the Bible is the source of the word we are hearing, our faith will be towards God, but if it is the word of man we are hearing, then our faith will be towards man. Worse still, if it is the word of the false teachers. The Bible says, “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience” (Eph.5:6) Any word not established in the Bible, or misinterpreted for any reason is empty word and can only lead to disobedience, it cannot bring faith. Brethren, since faith is the theme of the Christian life, every word should be checked with the Bible, the same way we are warned not to believe every spirit. (1 John.4:1) Let us in the same manner test every word that comes to our hearing more importantly words that have to do with doctrine, whether they are of God. (2 John: 9) Evangelism Read this Word of God loud to yourself. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John.3:16) Think about it and take a bold step. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre