Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Aren’t we cleaver, we intellectuals. We take our favorites verses quote them with conviction and expect everyone to understand us. It is plain, it is simple, anyone can get it. Except we don’t send the message in context that way. Verse were placed in context and not meant to be snippets.
15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
These are the two verses prior to 17.
18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.
20 But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
These are the verses that follow. They define the intent of faith, that faith does not stand alone merely because you know where to find it. It has purpose, design, intent, it serves the will of God because it is from God.
It is meant to show people the God they did not know in ways they do not expect and we, a foolish people, will show them God by faith in Christ. If we think otherwise, then what is faith without works?
James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
God wills you to have faith that demonstrates His glory, Jesus Christ, in you. What faith is without Christ?