Gotquestions.org addresses the question, “What does it mean to Walk by Faith?” (2 Corinthians 5:6-7)
The apostle Paul reminds his readers that followers of Christ must not build their lives around things that have no eternal significance. Rather than pursuing the same things the world pursues, a Christian should focus on the unseen realities such as Jesus and heaven. Paul goes on to say, “So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Corinthians 5:9-10). Jesus instructed us to store up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20; Luke 12:33). He promised rewards to everyone who does His will (Matthew 16:27; 1 Peter 1:17; Revelation 22:12) and punishment for those who reject Him (Matthew 25:24-46; John 3:16-18).
Walking by faith means living life in light of eternal consequences. To walk by faith is to fear God more than man; to obey the Bible even when it conflicts with man’s commands; to choose righteousness over sin, no matter what the cost; to trust God in every circumstance; and to believe God rewards those who seek Him, regardless of who says otherwise (Hebrews 11:6).
Rather than loving the things of this world (1 John 2:15-16), Christians should spend their lives glorifying God in everything they do (1 Corinthians 10:31). It requires faith to live this way because we cannot see, hear, or touch anything spiritual. When we base our lives on the truth of God’s Word, rather than on the popular philosophy of our day, we are going against our natural inclinations. Our natural instinct may be to hoard money, but walking by faith says we should give to those in need (Luke 11:41; Ephesians 4:28). Society may say that sexual immorality is acceptable, but those who walk by faith base their standards on God’s unchanging Word, which says any sex outside of marriage is sin (1 Corinthians 6:18; Ephesians 5:3; Galatians 5:19). To walk by faith requires we tune our hearts to the voice of the Holy Spirit and the truth of His Word (John 10:27; 16:13). We choose to live according to what God reveals to us, rather than trust our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).
It is tempting to make decisions based solely upon what we can see. In other words, something might look to be impossible, so therefore it is. It does not look like it will ever happen, so therefore it won’t. In the natural, it looks hopeless. Our strength, our resources are insufficient to make a difference. Sometimes the unanswered questions are hard to accept.
We are to look, however, with eyes of faith, not just with our physical eyes. Your finances might be inadequate, but what can Jehovah Jireh (the LORD will provide) do to intervene on your behalf? Your physical health might be a challenge, but can the Great Physician make a difference? Your loved ones might be resistant to the Gospel, but what can our Glorious Redeemer do? Don’t just look at your need in only the natural. Instead ask, “What can Jesus do in the Supernatural?”, and let Faith rise up in your heart.
Living by faith will continue to be the case for us as long as we live on this earth. But there is coming a day when we shall see Jesus face-to-face. There will no longer be a need to live by faith. Instead, we will live by sight! Paul declares, “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). What a day that will be! Hallelujah! Even so, come Lord Jesus!
This Sunday, October 8, we will continue our teaching series, “Faith Strong!” The challenge this week? “Walk by Faith, not by Sight!” from 2 Corinthians 5:6-7. Please invite someone to join you at 10:35am either in the building or online for the Live broadcast on Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We Livestream every Sunday at 10:35am to both locations. (Note: This Sunday is Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge Sunday-BGMC.)
Save the Date: Saturday, October 21, 11:30am is “Refresh!” – a fun time of creativity, good conversation, and important connections for women and children as we prepare for our upcoming December 2nd “Christmas Lunch and Treasure Trade”. Bring a friend and one of your delicious favorite foods to add to the lunch table.
Exciting News: Sunrise Asphalt came this week and did a beautiful job of resealing and restriping the church parking lot. It looks great. Mahalo to Hunter Thompson and his crew!
Aloha ke Akua!
Comments