Faith Cometh by Hearing

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

Paul made a point of saying “hearing” twice in Romans 10:17, and it wasn’t a writing error. He said hearing, and hearing. Repetition in Scripture is never an accident; it’s there for a reason. Sometimes the reason is simply to get your attention. But here, I believe Paul was talking about hearing with your ears and with your heart, and hearing repeatedly until you “get it.”

Faith does not grow from hearing the Word once. It grows from constant exposure and sowing. It can build the same way a path gets worn into the grass—from walking the same route over and over until it looks like it has been there for a long time.

In fact, the Greek word for faith here is pistis, which means trust, confidence, and being fully persuaded. You don't talk yourself into faith with a pep talk. It grows out of consistent contact with the Word over time, until what you believe becomes more than a decision you make; it becomes who you are.

Here's the good part that most have never considered. The moment the Word is preached, faith for that very thing becomes available to you. You don't have to wait around, hoping you’ll eventually get enough faith. It shows up the moment the Word does. What you do with it after that is the next question.

Practical Application

Pick one promise you want to build faith for and go hear it preached or read it again today. Don't wait for faith to show up on its own.

Proverbs 4:20; Hebrews 4:2