Faith Comes By Hearing: Following Jesus Through the Word - Romans 10:17
INTRODUCTION — THE SOUND THAT SAVES
Imagine standing in total darkness—unable to see, unable to orient yourself. Suddenly, in the distance, you hear a voice calling your name. That sound brings direction, comfort, and hope.
In the same way, God's Word breaks into the darkness of sin and unbelief. It is through hearing that the lost are found, the dead are raised to life, and disciples are strengthened for obedience.
The apostle Paul declares this profound truth in our key verse:
Romans 10:17 (NLT): “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.”
Paul writes these words to believers in Rome—Jew and Gentile—explaining how salvation is received. Romans 10 forms part of the climactic section of his argument: righteousness does not come from the Law but through faith in Jesus Christ.
The Greek word for faith is pistis, which means trust, reliance, wholehearted belief. The term hearing is akoe, meaning attentive listening—not passive noise, but hearing with intent to respond.
The phrase Good News about Christ refers to the proclamation of Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and lordship.
Faith originates not inside us, but from God speaking through His Word. We cannot generate saving faith—God gives it through His revelation.
POINT I – GOD SPEAKS, AND FAITH BEGINS
Romans 10:14 (NLT): “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him?”
Paul presents a chain: preaching ? hearing ? believing ? calling ? salvation.
“Hear” here is again akoe—to understand and internalise.
In the first century, Scripture was heard publicly; people depended on proclamation. Today, the challenge is not lack of Bibles but lack of attention to God's voice.
Discipleship begins with hearing God. Not just reading words on a page, but receiving revelation that transforms life.
Radio Static
Have you ever tried tuning a radio and heard nothing but static? To hear the message clearly, you must tune to the right frequency. Many people today hear spiritual noise—opinions, philosophies—but unless we tune our hearts to God’s Word, we miss the message that gives faith.
Charles Stanley once said: “God speaks through His Word, and if you want to know His will, start listening.”
Stanley's words remind us that faith does not grow accidentally. Hearing is intentional; disciples must place themselves under the authority of God’s Word.
POINT II – THE WORD REVEALS JESUS AND PRODUCES FAITH IN HIM
John 20:31 (NLT): “But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.”
The verb believe again uses pisteuo—trusting, committing yourself.
Scripture is written so disciples may continue to believe—faith is ongoing.
John wrote so that future generations—like us—would hear and believe. The Word is God's ordained instrument of salvation and sanctification.
Faith grows as we meditate on Christ through Scripture. A disciple's confidence rests not in emotion but revelation.
Seeds and Soil
A seed cannot grow unless planted in fertile soil. The Gospel is the seed; faith is produced when planted in receptive hearts through hearing the Word.
John Piper wrote: "Faith feeds on Christ revealed in the Word.”
Piper reminds us that discipleship is sustained not by self-determination but by ongoing hearing of Christ through Scripture.
POINT III – HEARING THE GOOD NEWS LEADS TO SALVATION
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (NLT): “Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said.
He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.”
This is the core Gospel proclamation. Faith comes from hearing this message—the saving work of Jesus.
Christ died – substitutionary atonement
He was buried – He truly died
He was raised – victory over death, confirming His lordship
“Good News” (euangelion) literally means joyful proclamation—news announcing victory.
Disciples are called to proclaim this Gospel faithfully. Faith is awakened not through clever arguments, but through hearing Christ proclaimed.
Tim Keller: “The Gospel is not good advice but good news—news that demands response.”
Keller emphasises that the Gospel is an announcement. Hearing demands response—and discipleship begins when we respond in faith.
POINT IV – HEARING MUST LEAD TO OBEDIENCE
James 1:22 (NLT): “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”
“Listen” in Greek (akroatai) refers to hearing without obedience—a spectator mentality.
In 21st century culture, Christianity can become a podcast, livestream, or quote—consumed, but not obeyed. Disciples are marked by obedience to Jesus.
R.T. Kendall wrote: “Faith that does not lead to obedience is not faith at all.”
Kendall strikes at the heart of discipleship: hearing that does not transform behaviour is deception.
POINT V – THE HOLY SPIRIT ENABLES HEARING AND FAITH
John 16:13 (NLT): “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.”
The Spirit is the divine agent who illuminates Scripture and produces faith—He opens ears and hearts.
Before reading the Bible each day, pray: “Holy Spirit, speak. Help me hear.”
Max Lucado: “The Holy Spirit turns ink on a page into truth in the heart.”
Lucado beautifully reminds us that Scripture becomes living and active only through the Spirit's illumination.
GOSPEL PRESENTATION
Church, hear the Good News:
Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, lived a sinless life.
He willingly died on the cross for your sins.
He was buried, truly dead.
On the third day, He rose again by the power of God.
He ascended and reigns as Lord.
He offers forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life to all who repent and believe.
Faith comes by hearing this Gospel. Respond today.
INVITATION + CALL TO ACTION:
Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart.
For the unbeliever
Repent of sin. Believe that Jesus is Lord. Trust in His finished work. Receive forgiveness and eternal life.
For the believer/disciple
Commit to daily Scripture hearing and obedience.
Share the Gospel with someone this week.
Submit every area of life under Christ’s lordship.
Faith grows as we continue to hear and obey God’s Word.
CONCLUSION + BENEDICTION:
May the Lord open your ears to hear His Word, ignite faith in your heart, and empower you by His Spirit to follow Jesus in obedience.
Go forth as disciples—hearing, believing, and proclaiming the Good News about Christ.
Amen.
