Welcome, dear brothers and sisters in Christ! Today, we’re diving deep into a fundamental aspect of our Christian walk – living by faith. As we explore this crucial topic, I encourage you to watch the accompanying video sermon below for a fuller understanding.
The Foundation of Our Faith
In our ongoing series on the “Foundations of Faith,” we’ve already covered salvation by faith and the cleansing power of Christ’s blood. Now, we turn our attention to a question that affects our daily lives: How do we walk by faith?
The Apostle Paul gives us a powerful reminder in 2 Corinthians 5:7:
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
But what does this really mean for us as believers? Let’s unpack this together.
Faith: More Than Just Intellectual Assent
First, we need to understand that biblical faith is not blind or based on mere feelings. It’s not about hoping for the best or being naive. True faith is a wholehearted trust and reliance on Jesus Christ.
Think of it like this: believing in a parachute while on the ground is one thing, but jumping out of a plane with that parachute is another level of trust altogether. That’s the kind of faith God calls us to have in Him.
Looking Backward to Move Forward
One way to strengthen our faith is by remembering God’s faithfulness in the past. King David understood this well. In Psalm 20:7, he says:
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
The Hebrew word for “trust” here can also mean “remember.” When we recall God’s past faithfulness, it bolsters our faith for the present and future.
The Reliability of God’s Word
Did you know that the Old Testament we read today is based on manuscripts dating back to the 11th century? Some skeptics questioned its accuracy, but the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the 20th century put those doubts to rest. The remarkable preservation of God’s Word over millennia is a testament to His faithfulness!
Faith in God’s Promises
Walking by faith also means trusting in God’s promises for the future. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 that Christ’s death and resurrection fulfilled ancient prophecies. This gives us confidence in His other promises, including our future resurrection and eternal life with Him.
Faith in Times of Hardship
Perhaps you’re going through a difficult season right now. Take heart! Even the Apostle Paul experienced moments of despair. In 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, he shares a powerful testimony of moving from desperation to dependence on God, resulting in deliverance and doxology (praise).
Remember this progression when you face trials:
- Desperation
- Dependence on God
- Deliverance
- Doxology
A Challenge to Walk by Faith
Dear friends, I want to challenge you today: How can you cultivate a lifestyle of walking by faith? Here are a few practical steps:
- Regularly recall and share testimonies of God’s faithfulness
- Meditate on God’s promises in Scripture
- Step out in obedience, even when you can’t see the outcome
- Surround yourself with a community of believers who encourage your faith
As you implement these practices, you’ll find your faith growing stronger day by day. Remember, Jesus marveled at the centurion’s great faith (Luke 7:9). Wouldn’t it be amazing if our faith caused Jesus to marvel as well?
A Closing Prayer
Let’s close with a word of prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of faith. Help us to trust You more fully each day, even when we can’t see the way ahead. Strengthen our conviction in Your promises and Your character. May our lives be a testament to the power of walking by faith, not by sight. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As you go about your week, remember: We walk by faith, not by sight. Let this truth guide your steps and shape your decisions. And don’t forget to join us next time as we continue our journey through the foundations of our faith!
How has God been challenging you to walk by faith lately? Share your experiences in the comments below – your story might be just the encouragement someone else needs to hear!