THE EFFICACIOUS NATURE OF FAITH Faith transforms everything it touches. For that very reason, a lively awareness of unseen realities is a necessity, or requisite, to newness of life. The walk of faith is one attended by many remarkable benefits. A review of some of them will serve to impress us with the power of faith – your faith, transforming faith. -- Tomorrow:
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Cor 5:7)
Devotion 6 of 24
THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF FAITH
THE JOY OF FAITH
"And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and JOY OF FAITH" (Philippians 1:25). Faith in Christ, because of the Gospel and through the Holy Spirit, produces spiritual joy. This is a joy that transcends circumstance. It comes because of what is perceived, not because of what is ignored. The joy of the world is fostered by disregarding the situations of life in this world. But it is not so with the joy of faith. The consideration of God's Person and promises produces a joyful optimism that all will ultimately be well with us, for God is working all things together for our good (Rom 8:28)!
Those who walk by faith experience a joy that is consistent and dominate. They anticipate the future, when they will be forever with the Lord, and the wicked will cease from troubling.
THE HEARING OF FAITH
"This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" (Galatians 3:2). "He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" (Galatians 3:5). The NASV translates the key phrase in these verses, "hearing WITH faith." The NIV renders it, "believing what you heard." This is an oversimplification of the phrase, requiring some elaboration.
There are different kinds of hearing. Jesus challenged mankind with these words, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear": (Matt. 11:15; 13:9). There are differing spiritual capacities in people that are determined by the tenderness of their hearts. The Spirit speaks of those who did not profit from God's Word because it was not "mixed with faith" (Heb. 4:2). The "hearing of faith" is hearing "mixed with faith." It embraces what is heard, and conforms to the demands of faith.
THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH
"But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith" (Romans 16:26). Just as unbelief is the preeminent sin (John 16:9-11), believing is the primary obedience. This is the obedience that springs forth from faith. Because the message of the Gospel is believed and embraced, a fervent desire to do what the Lord commands grips the heart. In Scripture, those who believed often cried out, "What shall we do?" or "What must I do?" (Acts 2:37; 9:6; 16:30).
The person walking by faith is noted for obedience. This is not coerced from the individual, but is willingly offered to God as a thank offering for His wonderful salvation.
THE WORK OF FAITH
"Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father" (I Thessalonians 1:3). The "work of faith" is work "produced by faith" (NIV). It is kingdom activity that has been prompted by a persuasion of the truth, and of the God who spoke it.
Those who walk by faith are intensely active in the heavenly kingdom. They have offered their bodies as a living sacrifice to God (Rom. 12:1-2), and find great delight in being a "laborer together with God" (1 Cor. 3:9).
BUILDING UP YOURSELVES ON YOUR MOST HOLY FAITH
"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit" (Jude 20). The thought of building up your own person is startling. One might suppose this to be impossible; after all, this should be a work performed by God Himself. Indeed, this is the case, for it is God that "establishes, strengthens, and settles" those in Christ (1 Pet. 5:10). However, He accomplishes this through our personal faith and the efforts it provokes.
How do you build yourself up on your most holy faith? By considering the Object of your faith! Those who walk by faith meditate upon their God, their Savior, and their inheritance. They are preoccupied with the world to come and the coming of their Lord. As they dwell upon these things, they become stronger. Believers are thus able to withstand the assaults of the devil, standing against his wiles.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant that I may possess the kind of faith of which You have spoken.