Romans 10:17 - Building Faith.
Romans 10:17 (NKJV) So then faith comes by
hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17 (NLT) So faith comes from
hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.
INTRODUCTION
This verse is an important statement of the
nature and source of true faith. Genuine faith is
not a blind confidence to be exercised in the
absence of adequate evidence. Faith is our
conviction about things that we cannot see (Heb. 11:1),
and this conviction must be founded upon
knowledge, a knowledge based upon the Word of God, the
message about Christ. As a means of developing a
transforming and enduring faith, there is no substitute
for the regular and earnest study of the Bible.
[SDA Bible Commentary]
The creative energy that called the worlds
into existence is in the word of God (Psa. 33:6,
9). This word imparts power; it begets life.
Every command is a promise; accepted by the will,
received into the soul, it brings with it the life of
the Infinite One. It transforms the nature and
re-creates the soul in the image of God (2 Pe. 1:4).
{Ed 126}
COMMENTARY PEARL
I have never been to the North Pole, and
yet I believe there is a North Pole. How do I
know? Because somebody told me. I read about it in
a history book, I saw a map in a geography
book, and I believe the authors. I accept it by
faith.
So we must believe what God has to say
about salvation.
Faith is not some peculiar, mysterious
quality for which we must strive. Jesus said we must
become as little children, and just as little
children trust their parents, so we must trust God.
Suppose I were driving along the road at
fifty miles an hour and I came to the crest of a
hill. Would I immediately slam on my brakes, stop
my car, get out, walk to the top of the hill,
and look over to see if the road continues? No.
I would trust the highway department and go on
ahead even though I couldn't see the road ahead. I
would accept it on faith. So it is with saving
faith in Christ!
Do you fully trust the Lord? [Peace for
Each Day by Billy Graham]
COMMENTARY
"Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by
the word of God." Rom. 10:17. The Scriptures are
the great agency in the transformation of
character. Christ prayed, "Sanctify them through Thy
truth; Thy word is truth." John 17:17. If studied
and obeyed, the word of God works in the heart,
subduing every unholy attribute. The Holy Spirit
comes to convict of sin, and the faith that
springs up in the heart works by love to Christ,
conforming us in body, soul, and spirit to His own
image. Then God can use us to do His will. The
power given us works from within outwardly,
leading us to communicate to others the truth that
has been communicated to us.
The truths of the word of God meet man's
great practical necessity--the conversion of the
soul through faith. These grand principles are
not to be thought too pure and holy to be
brought into the daily life. They are truths which
reach to heaven and compass eternity, yet their
vital influence is to be woven into human
experience. They are to permeate all the great things
and all the little things of life
Received into the heart, the leaven of
truth will regulate the desires, purify the
thoughts, and sweeten the disposition. It quickens the
faculties of the mind and the energies of the soul. It
enlarges the capacity for feeling, for loving. {COL
100, 101}
CLOSING THOUGHT
Every day I have the honor of sitting down
with a book that contains the words of the One
who created me. Every day I have the opportunity
to let him give me a thought or two on how to
live. If I don't do what he says, he doesn't burn
the book or cancel my subscription. If I
disagree with what he says, lightning doesn't split
my swivel chair or an angel doesn't mark my
name off the holy list. If I don't understand
what he says, he doesn't call me a dummy. In
fact, he calls me "Son," and on a different page
explains what I don't understand. In the Eye of the
Storm by Max Lucado [Inspirational SB]
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY
Romans 10:17: Getting More Faith.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200811-0957.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2015/20150728-1429.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
https://abible.com/links/