Faith Comes by Hearing, and Hearing by the Word of God

The inspired apostle summarizes his doctrine of the Word of God and preaching in these two verses. The word and preaching are both instrumental and indispensable in the fulfillment of the commission given to the church. This is also eloquently expressed in The Westminster Larger Catechism thus: Q. 159. How is the Word of God to be preached by those that are called thereunto? A. They that are called to labor in the ministry of the Word, are to preach sound doctrine, diligently, in season and out of season; plainly, not in the enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power; faithfully, making known the whole counsel of God; wisely, applying themselves to the necessities and capacities of the hearers; zealously, with fervent love to God and the souls of his people; sincerely, aiming at his glory, and their conversion, edification, and salvation. Q. 160. What is required of those that hear the Word preached? A. It is required of those that hear the Word preached, that they attend upon it with diligence, preparation, and prayer; examine what they hear by the Scriptures; receive the truth with faith, love, meekness, and readiness of mind, as the Word of God; meditate, and confer of it; hide it in their hearts, and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives. – Pastor Schlegel