A Commentary On Faith Continued
gtcotr/ws080906
A few weeks ago we began a study of the subject of faith. We have covered quite a lot of ground in this series. One passage of scriptures we looked at was Romans 5.
Romans 5, verses 1-5, revealed a process of life. When we encounter trials, tests, tribulation, persecution, temptation or troubles, immediately the word and knowledge of God in our spirit lifts up a shield against our adversary and also begins to work in us.
If we hold fast to the word and true knowledge of God - which is faith - we develop patience. As our patience continues to be tried in this process, we gain experience. Each new experience in seeing our faith victorious over the temporary battles adds hope to our arsenal.
When the process is complete - we have more faith, more patience, more experience and more hope in God and His Word. This is why:
2 Corinthians 4 NKJV
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
James, the pastor of the church in Jerusalem and the half brother of Jesus said this:
James 1 KJV
2 ¶ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
How does faith work?
Three Ways Faith Works
1. Galatians 5:6 Faith works by love
This speaks to the necessity of a proper motivation.
2. Faith works by our agreement
Philemon 6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
(Note: This is one of those scriptures which needs to be studied to understand the full application of it’s truth: I believe that several translations do not strongly represent it’s core meaning.)
Faith works, (becomes effective), by acknowledging every good thing which is already in you in Christ.
Colossians 1:27 … Christ in you, the hope of glory
2 Corinthians 1
KJV
20 For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
NIV
19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No", but in him it has always been "Yes."
20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.
21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us,
22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
* God and all His promises are in Christ for sure.
* Christ is in you.
* Therefore: God and all of His promises are in you.
Philemon 6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
* This scripture details the power of right thinking.
* The man who had been given the one talent in Matthew 25:24, thought that God was a hard and unfair Master … he received what he believed.
So:
1. Faith works by love and it’s pure and unselfish motivation
2. Faith works by us knowing God and agreeing with Him
3. Faith works by working it - by application
James 2 KJV
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? …
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
