Faith Comes by Hearing

Romans 10:17 – So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Faith in the Lord begins with hearing His Word. More often, we receive the hearing of the Word though preachers that are sent by God (as described in Romans 10:11-15). Within this context, many are given the opportunity and privilege of receiving God’s purpose of love through His Son Jesus.

In most societies today, people would only come in contact with their church preacher once or twice per week (Bible Study and Sunday Service). These same individuals would probably agree that 2.5-3 hours per week of the Bible is not enough to sustain a person from the perils of the world or even their flesh and the enemy. With such verses as Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:1-3, Psalm 119:1-2, Psalm 119:97, an emphasis exists on consistent reading and meditation of God’s Word. Additionally, James 1:22-25 adds the completion of not only being a reader of God’s Word, but a doer most importantly.

Being a doer of God’s Word begins with reading…and reading can even begin with hearing. Within the two, there must exist a level of meditation that saturates the mind, heart, and soul with God’s perfect law against the corrupt nature of the flesh and world.

1. Reading and hearing. This is where faith comes…without it, we are without hope in a lost and dying world. There comes the initiation on our part to (1) attend biblically sound church services and (2) read/hear for ourselves on a daily basis.

YouVersion.com provides a free online bible and several detailed reading plans that you and your friends, family, and church can complete together. You have an opportunity to sign in with a username/password to share notes and provide other ways of encouragement through the reading of God’s Word. Each day you have an opportunity to read God’s Word under specific (and FREE) reading plans while tracking your progress along the way. You can also adjust the length of the reading plans if you desire a shorter or longer timeframe. YouVersion.com has applications for online reading and mobile phone devices. It is an excellent way to begin a lifestyle of understanding God’s Word.

If there are any hesitations to understanding God’s Word as you read, it will be important to connect with biblical pastors and teachers that can help you understand the passage clearer. If you ever have a question concerning a biblical passage, you are always welcome to contact us at spc_mail@spiritualcombatants.com.

Begin today with a reading plan on your own or on YouVersion.com. If you have a problem with staying committed, please join with another person or group for added motivation.

2. Meditation. Meditation is defined by Dictionary.com as:

continued or extended thought; reflection; contemplation…

Meditation is not a quick look or read through the passages of scripture. It is a slow, purposed, and intentional view into what is said, who said it, how it applies to its (original) readers, and remembering its truth for practical use. Within the life of a disciple of Jesus, meditation is an important principle as it allows for greater understanding, memorization, and great success in Him.

Within the context of meditation, a person could easily spend a week thinking on one or two verses. Mediation is not based on how fast you can read or accomplish a specific reading goal (i.e. read the Bible in one year), but squeezing every word and thought within each verse. It is a thoughtful consideration to all that is read. Meditation is a ‘heavy’ agent via the Holy Spirit to convict, challenge, and change a person’s life and demeanor and character before the Lord and the world.

3. Doing. Do what you read, hear, study, and meditate upon. Doing is the action of moving beyond what was once in the mind and now in the heart and character to move toward a specific goal or purpose.

Romans 12:1-2 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

As your mind is renewed through reading, hearing, studying, and meditating, you can prove for yourself what is the perfect will of God. It is the outward approval of God’s Word and will for your life:

Matthew 7:24-27 – Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Following God’s Word establishes you upon a firm foundation of life and faith that pleases Him and prepares you for eternity (see Hebrews 11:6)…and it all begins with reading and hearing…