-October 12, 2022-
Good morning, happy Wednesday,
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
(Romans 10:17).
Twice in today’s text Paul uses the word hearing. Hearing is one of our most wonderful senses. in context it means not just the audio through one’s ears but also involves the heart and mind. Paul in speaking about Israel, asked a series of questions in Romans 10:14-15a, “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? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?
The Word of God is powerful in and of itself; and the Holy Spirit uses it to convict people of their sins, show them their need of Christ, and melt their hearts by God’s love, grace, and mercy. That being said, God has chosen us His children to speak forth the gospel and teach the Word to those who need to hear it. He could have chosen angels or even just a select few people; instead He uses every believer from the least to the greatest. It is our highest privilege as well as our greatest responsibility.
Even though Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles, he had a continual burden for the salvation of his fellow countrymen the Jews. He wrote in Romans 10:1, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.” Wherever he traveled he preached the gospel first to the Jews then to the Gentiles.” The lesson for us is to share the gospel first to our families then to others in the world.
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. The Scriptures are God’s written word and produce faith in those who hear it. Even after one is saved, our faith grows by the Word of God. Just as our bodies cannot survive without water and food, so too, our souls cannot survive without the Bible. We need to read it, study it, meditate on it, obey it, and apply it to our lives. We are so blessed to have it in written form from Genesis to Revelation. There are 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
Peter concluded in 2 Peter 3:18, “But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” The importance of the Word of cannot be overestimated. Paul told the Ephesians upon his departure from them, “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). All faith and spiritual growth hinges on the Word of God. I have given myself to the study and preaching of God’s Word over the years.
If you haven’t ever read the Bible through from Genesis to Revelation, I highly recommend it. It can be read in one year or you can take longer. It is such a blessing. I read it through every year. It takes diligence and consistency to accomplish it. So whether you read a few verses or a few chapters a day, you will be blessed. Your faith will grow. You will gain knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Let us all hear the Word daily.
Have a blessed day in God’s Word today. Stay safe and healthy.
In feeding on His Word,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 