Texts: Mark 10:46-52; Hebrews 11:1-3; Romans 4:16-22
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.Hebrews 11:1
Introduction: As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, many people and things have been affected one way or the other, globally. But happily, with our cherished faith in Christ, we believe that God shall preserve us through it all. Yes, the night has been long, but as children of God, we shall continue to walk in the light of God’s Word and, in the end, we shall jubilate, in Jesus Name. Amen.
The subject of faith is an all-important subject to the Christian man. Nothing works without it: “The just shall live by his faith”. Even our gains of eternal life depend on our exercise in it: “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life ...” (1Tim. 6:12). Hence a good understanding of this subject matter is very much needful. Verily, good understanding procures favour (Prov 13:15).
WHAT IS FAITH?
Faith has been classically described in the Bible as the substance of things hoped for (Heb. 11:1). It is confidence in God and a firm expectation of the good things He has promised us. And, as long as faith is alive and active, it gives the force of reality to that which is believed.
Yes, faith is absolute trust and reliance on the integrity of God and His Word. Faith trusts God in all situations, as our dependable and never-failing God. Men and women of faith depend wholly on ‘thus saith the Lord’, and are not moved by any contrary opinion. Faith in God makes people of faith to a bold stand for God and His Word (1Kings 17:1;18:1-19). Faith is submitting our wills to God’s infallibility. True faith submits our wisdom and reasoning to truth of God’s Word.
Faith is seeing through obstacles of life to behold the glory of God. There are obstacles in life that look like the end of the road, but faith sees through them to behold light at the end of the tunnel. And, it is this quality that makes us feel and actas if unseen things are real.
Faith sees impossibilities as potential miracles that will glorify God in the end. Faith keeps us going no matter how much the enemy roars. Faith is not moved by what it sees, but by what the Word of God says. See, appearance doesn’t always tantamount to reality (Dan. 3:19-25).
Faith is a major instrument for miracles. The extent of the individual person’s faith is the extent to which he/she can draw from the blessings of the Kingdom. Hence, Jesus always says, ‘thy faith has made thee whole’ (Mark 5:34; Lk. 17:19; Mat. 8:5-13).
Faith that prevails is void of fear. Faith actually swallows fear; hence, men of faith are fearless. Even at the points of death, they stand their grounds, claiming God’s Words and promises, and God always shows up for them. Fear is an instrument in the hand of the devil. If Satan cannot get you to fear, he cannot overcome you (Judges 14:5-6; Dan. 3:19-27; 1John 4:18).
THE WORKS OF FAITH TODAY
Faith described from any angle is always pointing to actions of the Holy Spirit, performing the counsel of God and knocking down satanic counsels. And, your life truly begins to please God only when you fight to resist evil in the pursuit of God’s glory and in the power of the Holy Spirit (Deut 2:24, 31). Therefore, a robust faith in Christ Jesus fights sin, fear and low-living. It fights poverty, sickness, oppression and stagnation.
Faith is acting out God’s Words and commandments. And it is the Words that we act upon that will bring the wonders that we see. When our faith looks up to God, nothing shall be impossible to us.
Faith compels you to look around your life, and whenever you see anything that is not working as it should be, your faith gives you the spiritual latitude to force it to work: “The kingdom of God suffereth violence, the violent takes it by force.”
CONCLUSION
Friends, arise and sing excitingly: “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ ....” (2 Cor. 2:14).
Whatever kicked the ball out of your hand, never give up. Whatever appears to have gained some upper hands against you, don’t ever fail to continually rely upon God’s integrity, and at the end of it all, you will surely have reasons to jubilate, in Jesus Name. Amen.
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Bishop Taiwo Akinola,
Rhema Christian Church,
Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
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