Faith is simply taking God at
His word and then acting on it.
Jesus said, “Blessed are those
who have not seen and yet have believed” (John
20:29b). These words are for you and me because we
have not seen Him in the days of His incarnation.
Jesus is not suggesting faith
without the facts, but “a satisfied faith.” It is a
faith that is satisfied with God’s provisions and
does not plead for visions, miracles or strange
experiences as evidence of God’s blessings.
Jesus is saying that a faith
without these evidences is superior because it is a
mature faith.
God’s word is full of promises
to those who by faith act on His truths. God blesses
faith in the Triune God. The Bible teaches us to
trust in Him, and not the living out of some
spectacular experience. The blessings of God are for
all believers, and are common to all who call upon
the name of Christ as God and Savior.
If we are constantly looking
for spectacular miracles, rather than walking by
faith in Christ, we will gradually become
insensitive to the thousands of normal everyday
experiences that God continually gives us.
God blesses those who live by
faith, and not by sight. The person who enjoys the
great benefits of the Christian life lives by their
faith in the character and benevolence of God and
not in the evidence of visions, miracles, or other
religious experiences.
It is by faith that we become
the children of God and enter into His family (Jn.
1:12-13). We received eternal life by simple faith
in Jesus Christ, the Son of God who gave His life
for us and rose from the dead (Jn. 3:16; 20:30-31;
11:25-26).
It is also by faith in Christ
that we grow in His likeness. We live by faith in
Him and He delivers us from spiritual darkness and
bondage (12:46). He gives us His life to enjoy
today. Jesus is the Bread of Life and He invites us
to feast upon Him by faith (6:35). All of our
spiritual longings are fulfilled as we walk by faith
in Christ.
It is by faith in Christ that
He uses us to minister to a faithless world (14:12).
When the child of God takes Him at His word He uses
us to impact a watching world. The unbelieving world
is watching to see what God is going to do in and
through your life. Do we step out by faith and trust
Him to do the impossible in our lives? This is the
only way God will be glorified in our ministry.
Without faith we are just like the heathen, who are
surrounded by the glory of God and never see it. May
God open our spiritual eyes so we can see what He is
doing all about us daily.
It is only as we put our trust
in God that our eyes are increasingly open to see
where He is at work.
The Holy Spirit works through
us so that we may point people to Jesus.
By faith we will one day see
Jesus in all the fullness of His glory (11:25-26,
40).
What is faith? Faith is our
spiritual eyes that looks away from ourselves and
focus on the Lord Jesus. Do not rest, then, on your
faith, but on the Savior Himself.
It is not the character or
degree of faith, but Christ. How much is a grain of
mustard seed? Not much. It is tiny, but that is what
God requires of us.
Faith is simply believing what
God has said regarding His Son in the Holy
Scriptures. The moment you do that you are saved.
“Whosoever that believes shall
not perish, but have everlasting life.” It is like
saying to a starving beggar, “Here, take and eat.
Here is a free gift. All you have to do is receive
it.” Faith says, “Thank you.”
Lord, increase our faith so
that we may see and obey You.
Selah!
Message by Wil Pounds (c) 2006
Anyone is free to use this material and distribute it, but it may not be sold under any circumstances whatsoever without the author's written consent.
Unless otherwise noted "Scripture quotations taken from the NASB." "Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE" © Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission." (www.Lockman.org)
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible copyright ©1996-2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://www.bible.org/. All rights reserved.
Wil is a graduate of William Carey University, B. A.; New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Th. M.; and Azusa Pacific University, M. A. He has pastored in Panama, Ecuador and the U. S, and served for over 20 years as missionary in Ecuador and Honduras. He had a daily expository Bible teaching ministry head in over 100 countries from 1972-2005. He continues to seek opportunities to be personally involved in world missions. Wil and his wife Ann have three grown daughters. He currently serves as a Baptist pastor and teaches seminary extension courses in Ecuador.
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