This was my first explanation of what faith is. It was simple. Love God, have faith and believe. The concept of faith is still simple in my mind, however I have come to see that there is So much more to faith. I have put my thoughts on faith into three categories.
- Take action in faith
- Live in faith
- Test and grow in your faith
Faith is an action. Luke 18:42 is an example of taking action in faith
35As Jesus was approaching Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road begging.36Now hearing a crowd going by, he began to inquire what this was.37They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. 38And he called out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"39Those who led the way were sternly telling him to be quiet; but he kept crying out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"40And Jesus stopped and commanded that he be brought to Him; and when he came near, He questioned him,41"What do you want Me to do for you?" And he said, "Lord, I want to regain my sight!"42And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." 43Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him, glorifying God; and when all the people saw it, they gave praise to God.
Bartimaeus Had faith that Jesus could heal him, he acted on that faith and was healed. Faith is not something you merely believe its something you act out in everyday life.
James2:17
Even so faith, if it has no works(action), is dead, being by itself.
Live in Faith. Acts 11:24 for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.
People should be drawn to us because of our faith. Like Bronx said "Be a sticky person." Are you someone who people are drawn to and want to be around? Why are people drawn to you? Matthew 28:16-20 is the great commission, Christ charges us with the task of going into the world and spreading the gospel. Are we living out our faith in a way that will bring people to Christ? Romans 1:8 is somthing that We should strive to attain.
8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world.
We need to test and grow our faith. Galatians 3:23-25
23But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed.24Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.25But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
The law was our mediator, growing us and learning us. Now in V.25 we have faith/Christ and its up to us whether we're going to grow in our faith or be dead in it.
2 Cor 13:5 5Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test?
Christ motivates our actions or should. Non-believers do not have Faith to guide there actions.
1 Peter 1:6-7 6In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,7so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
We all go through trials in life, We have two choices we can preserver through it and grow in faith or we can choose not to grow from it. Its not always easy (believe me I know) but like it says in 1 Cor 10:13 Christ wont give you more than you can handle.
1 Peter 5:9 9But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.
So in conclusion I have three questions. What motivates your actions? We can all say and do right while people are watching and expecting us too but what really fuels you? Is it faith?
1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
