2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Why is walking by faith so hard? Because faith cannot be based on what we see – our five senses. It must be based on the Word of God.
2 Corinthians 4:18 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. (NKJ)
The devil wants us to think that if we don’t see it, it doesn’t exist and therefore we don’t have it. (Example: salvation)
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (NKJ)
Romans 8:24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? (NKJ)
Faith is as important to your spiritual man as breathing is to your physical man. Faith is required to please God.
Hebrews 11:5-7;11 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. 7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. 11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. (NKJ)
Our thinking (dwelling on the flesh and the world) keeps us in bondage. Our thinking can work for or against our faith.
Romans 8:5-8 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (NKJ)
Allowing our five senses to dictate what we believe will result in failure.
Romans 4:18-21 (Abraham) who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” 19 And not being weak in faith, (Abraham) did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced that what (God) had promised He was also able to perform. (NKJ)
We often look at these and other Scriptures and say, “Yeah, but that was Abraham (or Paul or Peter, or Jesus).” If we follow their examples, we can get what they got.
1 Corinthians 11:1 Paul says, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” (NKJ)
The word ‘imitate’ means mimic in a good sense. To copy another’s activities, to mirror another’s course of action. Appropriate or use the course set before you by someone.
Hebrews 6:11-12 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (NKJ) (sluggish = Gk = slothful; lazy, inert, listless, or lackadaisical.)
Don’t allow ‘life’ to get you down. The Bible is not just a storybook or history book. It’s an operational manual. It is a promise book!
Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. (NKJ)
Faith begins where the will of God is known. His Word is His will.
1 John 5:13-15 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will (Word*), He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. (NKJ) (*emphases mine)
Never accept the Word of God as something that happen 2000 years ago. Absolute truth doesn’t change.
John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; your Word is truth.
Hebrews 11:11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. (NKJ)
James 2:17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (NKJ) (works = corresponding actions)
