Romans 10:17 – Our Basis for Faith

“So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” (Romans 10:17)

Discussions about faith and spirituality are big these days. People want to place their faith in so many things like themselves, for example. There are new self-help gurus popping up all the time, each promising to make us better versions of ourselves. I don’t mean to bash that industry, but shouldn’t the creator of the universe be the one we turn to if we want to be our best? This memory verse is simple yet powerful.

Context: Paul’s letter to the Romans is packed with wisdom for life. In this section of Chapter 10, he speaking about salvation and the necessary component of faith in Jesus Christ. In Paul’s day, while closer to the time Jesus lived and eyewitness accounts were still fresh, there were still plenty of people who didn’t know the good news about Jesus. Still today, people reject the truth about Jesus even when they have every opportunity to hear. This verse grounds us to understand the basis of our faith.

That basis is Jesus, more specifically hearing about Jesus as Paul suggests. How do we hear about Jesus? We read about him in God’s Word. We listen to Bible teachers and preachers. We listen for Jesus’ voice when we pray. Jesus finds the way to get his message to our ears when we’re open to listening.

If you’re feeling like your faith is being tested by something happening around you, lean into this verse. It’s one of many to help you stand firm by having faith in the right source.

The Bible is full of great verses describing faith. One that strikes a chord with me as a great complement to this memory verse is 1 Peter 1:8-9 which says, “You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.” Again we see the connection that our faith and salvation rest in Jesus. Jesus is our only way.

Let’s pray. LORD, I am humbled at your majesty and grateful for your love and mercy. My heart breaks for people who do not know you or who try to make you something you are not. Forgive me for not being more attentive to listening for your voice. Your messages to me come through loud and clear through your Word, and I look forward to spending time with you each day. Help my faith to grow each day as  I live my life for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.