HALLELUYAH! HALLELUYAH!! HALLELUYAH!!!
Topic: The Hearing of Faith
WEEK 13: (Mar 30th – April 5th)
Release Date: March 31st
WEEKLY BIBLE READING:
Romans 10:13-17
[13]For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
[14]How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
[15]And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
[16]But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
[17]So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
INTERPRETATION
Faith is the foundation of the Christian life. Without it, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). But how does faith come? The Bible makes it clear: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). This verse reveals a crucial spiritual principle—faith is birthed and strengthened by what we hear. In this exhortation, we will explore the importance of hearing with faith, how it transforms lives, and how to position ourselves to receive God’s promises through it.
1. Hearing: The Gateway to Faith
From the very beginning, God has always spoken to His people. In Genesis, He gave Adam instructions regarding the garden (Genesis 2:16-17). When Adam and Eve listened to God’s words, they walked in divine blessing. But when they gave ear to the serpent’s deception, sin entered the world (Genesis 3:1-6). This reveals a crucial truth: what we hear and believe shapes our destiny.
In the New Testament, Jesus repeatedly emphasized the importance of hearing with faith. He often said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15). This was not just about physical hearing but spiritual receptiveness—faith is not just about hearing words but believing them. The Pharisees heard Jesus’ teachings, yet they remained hardened in unbelief, while tax collectors and sinners heard the same words and were transformed.
2. Faith in Action: Biblical Examples
a) Abraham: The Father of Faith
Abraham is a perfect example of one who heard and believed. In Genesis 12:1-4, God told Abraham to leave his country and go to a land He would show him. Abraham had no physical proof of the promise, but he believed God. “And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). His faith was not based on sight but on the Word he heard.
b) The Woman with the Issue of Blood
In Mark 5:25-34, we find a woman who had suffered from a bleeding condition for twelve years. The Bible says she “heard about Jesus” (Mark 5:27). What did she hear? Likely, she heard that Jesus was healing the sick, opening blind eyes, and restoring the lame. As she listened, faith rose in her heart, and she declared, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well” (Mark 5:28). Her faith was activated by what she heard, and when she acted on it, she received her miracle.
3. How to Cultivate the Hearing of Faith
a) Immerse Yourself in the Word of God
Since faith comes by hearing the Word, we must make it a priority to read, study, and meditate on Scripture. Joshua 1:8 instructs us to meditate on God’s Word day and night. When we fill our hearts with the promises of God, faith will naturally grow.
b) Listen to Faith-filled Teachings
In today’s digital age, we have access to sermons, podcasts, and teachings that can help strengthen our faith. However, we must be discerning about what we listen to. Not all messages build faith—some can introduce doubt. We must listen to those who preach the uncompromised Word of God.
c) Surround Yourself with People of Faith
Faith is contagious. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” When we associate with people who live by faith, our own faith is strengthened. On the other hand, constant exposure to negativity and doubt can weaken our belief.
Today, let us be intentional about what we listen to. Let us fill our hearts with the Word of God, surround ourselves with faith-filled voices, and act on what we hear. As we do, we will walk in the fullness of God’s promises and experience the victory that comes through faith.
PRAYER
Jehovah, Jesus Christ, Holy Michael.
Dear Father, we ask that you make us more receptive to your words. As we listen to you consistently, may our hearts be nourished by faith and may the inspirations from your words keep energizing our conscience to follow after your counsel in Jesus’ name! Amen.