Saturday, April 30, 2016

Hearing Makes a Difference

Hearing makes a difference between life and death. Hearing a fire alarm can save your life by heeding the warning. Hearing a warning sound at a railroad track can save you from disaster, if you respond. Likewise, hearing makes a difference in your relationship with God. 

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Hearing makes a difference in your faith. The written word of God in the Bible is the foundation for your faith. Hearing the word of God brings faith as the gift of God's Spirit to you. Hearing more of God's word strengthens your faith. 

Hearing words of doubt and unbelief can be an attack upon your faith. The words we hear effect us for better or worse. Spiritual warfare is most often fought through words. Jesus defended Himself from the tempter's words by countering with the words of Scripture. As a believer, your personal spiritual warfare is conducted through words you hear and words you speak.

Words in the Bible are words of the Spirit given by inspiration of God. Hearing the word of God brings faith as a gift of the Spirit of God. Faith born of the Spirit in our hearts motivates believers to action. "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22). Hear the word; do the word. Hearing makes a difference.