March 1, 2023: Faith Comes By Hearing The Message

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." (Ro 10:17, ESV)

The Greek word for faith means to have trust or confidence in God. Peter speaks of tested faith as more precious than gold. The only way to access anything from God is to have faith. Faith touches every part of the believer's life! You cannot get saved without faith (Eph 2:8-9). It takes faith to get healed (Mark 5:34).  It takes faith to prosper (Mt. 6:30). Faith is enormous in the Christian's life. 
    
So, how do we get faith? Paul answers that question for us in Romans 10:17. He clearly says, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ." This trust and confidence in God comes from hearing the message. The Greek word for 'word' or 'message' is rhema.  It means the spoken word of Christ. Christ speaking to us is rhema. When I read the Word of God, and suddenly it is as if He is speaking to me through that Word, that is rhema. I can read the Word of God continually, but when 'the light comes on,' it is now a personal word to me from Him, and I walk away having trust or confidence in Him that I did not have just a moment ago. 
    
This is one reason why reading the Word of God is so essential to the Christian. If faith comes out of hearing the Word of God, then I want to be a person who devours the Word of God so that I might have faith in all things pertaining to life.