[Scripture Reading: Romans 10:14-17]

A. Much like faith, the wind is not a thing which can be seen, but its effects can be both seen and heard (John 3:8).

B. Furthermore, just as the source of the wind was a mystery to Nicodemus (John 3:10), the source of faith is a mystery to most.

I. There are many mistaken ideas regarding the source of faith.

A. Faith cannot be inherited (cf. 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-15).

B. Faith does not come by miracle (cf. Acts 4:4).

C. Faith does not come by listening to people.

II. Genuine faith comes only by hearing God’s Word (Romans 10:17).

A. It is little wonder then why the Gospel of Christ is referred to as the “word of faith” (Romans 10:6-11; Galatians 3:1-5).

B. The words of Jesus produced faith in many who heard them (John 4:41-42; 8:30; 2:18-22).

C. Hearing the preaching of the disciples also produced faith in Jews and Gentiles everywhere (John 17:20; Acts 15:7; 18:8).

D. Wherever the Word went, faith went with it (1 Thessalonians 1:8).

III. Why doesn’t hearing produce faith in everyone?

A. When Moses came to lead them out of captivity, not all of the Israelites believed God’s promise (Hebrews 4:1-6).

B. When Jesus came to lead them from sin, not all of the Israelites believed (Romans 10:18-21).

C. The Word will not take root in every heart as long as the devil is working (Luke 8:4-15).

God’s Word is the standard by which we will be judged (John 12:48), and if we wish to have a faith that pleases God, we must seek it here.