The Opposite of Faith

(Romans 10: 16-17)

The opposite of faith is not disbelief, it's disobedience.” I do not remember the first time I heard this but I do remember the conviction that came with it. Regardless of how this may cut to the heart, it is nevertheless true. In Romans 10:16-17 we read, “However they did not all heed the gospel, for Isiah says, 'Lord, who has believed our report?' So faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” In verse 16 we see the word “heed” which comes from the Greek word hoop-ak-oo'-o; meaning to conform to a command. “Obey”; this is the same word for obeyed in Hebrews 11:8 and also the word “answer” in Acts 12:13. In Romans 10:16, the Word tells us they did not all heed the gospel. Then Isiah 53:1 is quoted, “Lord, who has believed our report?” This is profound to me. The apostle Paul under the lead of Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:1-13), writes “They did not all heed the gospel then basically repeats himself asking a rhetorical question in quoting Isiah 5:31 “Lord, who has believed our report?” The question calls for the answer given in the first part of verse 16. “They did not all heed the gospel.”

The fact that they did not “heed the gospel” proves they did not “believe the report.” It is interesting, and definitely intentional, that the word “report” used at the end of verse 16 and the word hearing used in verse 17, come from the same Greek word ok-o-ay. This word has two meanings. Both we see being used here. The first meaning is (1) message or teaching. This is the context of the word “report” at the end of verse 16, but it is also the context of the second use of the word “hearing” in verse 17, “... hearing by the Word of God.” The second meaning is (2) the receiving of the message or teaching. This is the context of the first use of the word “hearing” verse 17. “So faith comes from hearing...” The first meaning places emphasis on how you hear/ A person must hear with an open heart the truth of God. (Heb. 4:7) As verse 16 illustrates, what determines if the message received is of faith with an open heart, is if the message received produces the very message received, faith/obedience. Either the hearing is by faith in the Word of God producing obedience or it is not. The word “hearing” as we have learned means more than
the mere message of hearing. It implies an interaction, or more appropriately, an “inneraction”, with the message, the Word, and a decision is always made.

The gospel is given not merely to be known and believed but to be lived and obeyed. It is not a system of ideas but a rule of practice, of exercise. The beginning (Rom. 10:17a), the progress (Rom. 10:17b 1:17), and strength (2 Thess. 1:11) of faith comes from hearing and ultimately deciding by the very Word being heard is the Word of God. To suggest that one can live by faith in God and not live by the Word of God is foolishness, an impossibility. To be obedient to the Word of God is to believe in God and His Holy Word. There is no other way to show we truly believe in the living God Jesus Christ but by being diligent in obedience, from gospel motives and for gospel purposes (Eph. 2:10) By faith , anything we do is really good, as done in obedience to God and aiming at His acceptance ; faith is the root, obedience the fruit it produces, and we must see to it we have both. (Jas. 2:14-24) Living to God, as it is the consequence of faith, which justifies and saves (Rom.10:8-11) invites us with great desire to do nothing against Him but everything for Him and to Him (Heb. 11;6).

In closing I will leave you with this. If faith is obedience to the Word of God, by which we are being transformed into the image of holiness, that is Jesus Christ, then isn't it right to assume that a life lived by faith is evidenced by a life marked by that obedience? What happened to Christians being devout? “...that we may prove ourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom we appear as lights in the world, holding fast the Word of life so that in the day of Christ we may have cause to glory because we did not run in vain nor toil in vain.” Phil 2:15-16, 1 Thess. 2:8-13; 2 Cor. 1:12 1 Pt. 1:15-16, Matt. 5:14-16; May you let Him lead you just as He desires to keep you, always! God Bless.

Romans 15:13

Song of the month: Building 429 “Where I Belong”

Kingdom Kid - DP