How do we know faith comes by hearing?

The relationship between faith and hearing is grounded in Romans 10:17, which declares, 'So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.' This verse underscores the principle that genuine faith emerges from a responsive hearing of God's Word, which is in itself a work of the Holy Spirit. The sermon elaborates that it is not simply the act of preaching that generates faith; rather, it is God's sovereign grace that enables individuals to truly hear and respond. Therefore, the ministry of preaching serves as the means through which God's life-giving message is heard, but it is ultimately God who grants the gift of hearing, independent of merely auditory experiences.