Faith Is Something That I Actively Do

In review of James 2:15-16 it says, “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” (NIV).

Bottom Line:

Faith coupled with actions is what is needed.

What this means to me:

For me to claim to have faith, but not do things that show it, would prove that my faith is not real. For faith without good deeds is dead.

What good is it, if I say I have faith but don't show it by my actions?  Faith by itself isn't enough. It needs to produces good deeds, otherwise it is just dead and useless. I ultimately show my faith by my actions and good deeds.

Often when someone claims to have faith, what they may have is intellectual assent or agreement with a set of Christian teachings. As such that alone is incomplete faith. True faith transforms conduct as well as thoughts. If a life remains unchanged, then one doesn't truly believe what they claim.

It's important to remember that there is no way to earn salvation by only serving and obeying God. However such actions show that a commitment to God is real. Deeds of loving service are not a substitute for, but rather a verification of faith in Christ.

What I’m reminded of this morning is that faith is more than something you feel. Many people confuse emotions and feelings with faith. They come to church and they’re moved emotionally, they’re inspired, and they’re stimulated. But that doesn’t mean they’re walking in faith.

The Bible says faith is something we do, not just something we feel. In other words, faith is not mere sentimentality. Let’s say I go out on the street and see someone who is homeless and destitute. I see that this person is hungry, cold, and in need of clothing and shelter. Would I be showing great faith if I walked up and said, “Cheer up! Don’t worry; be happy! Feel good! Put on a happy face”?

It doesn’t take much faith to do that. Faith produces compassion. Faith says, “I’ll do anything I can to stop your hurt.” Throughout the New Testament, the witnesses say Jesus was moved with compassion for people. Jesus showed us that faith is practical.

When I see a need, I need to do something about it. It’s not enough for me to just toss out a quick “Well, I’ll pray for you.” The Bible says we show our faith by what we do.

It’s awesome that we have the new testament (Gospels and Letters) that give us real examples of how Jesus showed us the importance of putting faith into action. It is a model for me to follow in my life and my interactions.

My Integrity Shows My Faithfulness

In review of Luke 16:10 it says, “Whoever is faithful in small matters will be faithful in large ones; whoever is dishonest in small matters will be dishonest in large ones” (GNT).

I am to use my worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when my possessions are gone, they will welcome me to an eternal home. If I’m faithful in little things, I’ll be faithful in large ones. But if I’m dishonest in little things, I won't be honest with greater responsibilities. And if I am untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust me with the true riches of heaven? And if I'm not faithful with other people's things, why should I be trusted with things of my own?

Given this, I am to make wise use of the financial opportunities I have, not to earn heaven, but to help people find Christ. If I use my money to help those in need or to help others find Chris, my earthly investment will bring eternal benefit. When I obey God's will, the unselfish use of possessions will follow.

My integrity will often be put on the line in money matters. God calls me to be honest even in small details I could easily ignore. Heaven's riches are far more valuable than earthly wealth. But if I am not trustworthy with my money here, I will be unfit to handle the vast riches of God's Kingdom. I need to make sure that I'm maintaining my integrity in all matters, whether big or small.

A common saying today is that “what you do in your private life is nobody else’s business.” What I’m learning is that it actually is. What I do in my private life — what I do behind closed doors or out of view of other people — builds and reveals my true character. And God sees it just as clearly as the things I do in public.

In fact, the small, unseen things I do are the seeds to God’s public blessing in my life. I cannot compartmentalize my life and say, “I have integrity in my public life, just not in my private life.” There is a long list of public figures that have tried to live this way only to have their private indiscretions turn into public scandal and personal downfall. No matter what they say, any leader who is not faithful in small matters will not be faithful in large matters.

Jesus says, “If you have not been faithful with that which belongs to someone else, who will give you what belongs to you?” (Luke 16:12 GNT).

For centuries, everybody who learned a skill, trade, or vocation learned it through an apprenticeship. If I were going to be a mechanic, I’d be an apprentice to another mechanic and served in his (or her) business before I started my own.

This principle of apprenticeship applies to every area of your life. It applies to how I handle other people’s money, how I handle other people’s possessions, and even how I handle other people’s ministry before God gives me my own. In my own life God will watch how I handle what is entrusted to me; he will test my integrity. I need to prove my faithfulness in my role before God allows me to lead in greater things.

If someone loans me a car, how well do I take care of it? If a family lets me stay in their house for vacation, do you treat it as well as I treat my own home? God is watching and testing my integrity. And he will reward me accordingly.

This morning study is a great reminder for me, especially as I start in my new job role. It’s what I need to do and what I want to instill on those who work for me.  “God, I pray that you give me the guidance and reminders I need to be faithful and have integrity in the small matters as well as the larger ones. Help me to respond in humility and to be of service to others. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Learning to Do Good to Those Who Oppose Me

In review of Luke 6:27-29 it says, “Love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also” (NLT).

Bottom Line:

Do good and act on your enemies best interests.

What this means to me:

I am to love, do good and bless those who hate or are against me. I am to give them more than than they demand, acting in their best interests.

Jesus tells me to love my enemies. I’m to do good to those who hate me. Bless those who curse me. Pray for those who hurt me. If someone slaps me on one cheek, offer the other cheek as well. If someone demands from me, given them even more. When things are taken away, don't try to get it back. Essential do to others as I would like them to do to me.

What I’m learning is that Jesus wasn't talking about having affection for enemies; he was talking about an act of the will. I can't "fall into" this kind of love, it requires a conscious effort. Loving my enemies means acting in their best interests. I can pray for them, and think of ways to help them. Jesus loves the whole world, even though the whole world in in rebellion against him. Jesus asks me to follow his example by loving my enemies. Grant them the same respect and rights I desire for myself.

So, when I’m persecuted, harassed, and face opposition, I need to respond with a blessing.

Jesus says in Luke 6:27-29, “Love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also” (NLT).

Who does that?! Not many, actually. It’s what sets Christianity apart, because it’s not a natural or popular or easy response. It takes a lot of courage to do those things! Anyone can fight back. Anyone can retaliate. Anyone can respond with something mean.”

However, God wants me to love my enemies, do good to those who hate me, bless those who curse me, pray for those who hurt me, and turn the other cheek. Is not that easy. I can only do it by being filled with God’s love. But it is the most powerful form of witness.

I want to be that kind of person for Jesus. I want to be that brave. I want to have a heart of courage that won’t cave in to what’s wrong, no matter what they throw at me. And I want to respond with love.” When I refuse to retaliate and instead respond in love at work or with somebody who doesn’t like me, God will be pleased. And I’m going to be blessed.

“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven” (Matthew 5:10-12 NLT).

Jesus paid a price for me. He says there’s a price to be paid for following him. Popularity on Earth is not part of the guarantee of being a Christian, but my reward in Heaven is guaranteed.

How to Remain Faithful When Suffering

In review of 1 Peter 4:19 it says, “Those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good” (NIV).

Bottom Line:

When in trouble, continue to be faithful to God and continue to do good.

What this means to me:

When I find myself in trouble or suffering, I should commit myself to being faithful to God, my creator. More importantly I need to continue to do good.

Today’s verse reminds me to not be surprised at the trials I go through, as if it was unusual. Instead, be very glad, because these make me a partner with Christ in his suffering.  If I'm insulted because I bear his name or be associated with him, I will be blessed. It is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name. So If I'm suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust my life to the God who created me, for he will never fail me. His Word tells me that Christ will send his Spirit to strengthen those who are persecuted for their faith. God's plan for my life may include pain and hardship. When trouble comes, don't be surprised.

God’s Word counsels that I trust God, whether it be in good or bad times, during sunny or cloudy skies, when I have lots of money and when I have little. Trust works like this: (1) Trust overcomes fear. Genuine trust in God says, "Whatever mess I'm in, my heavenly father will lead me. (2) Trust overcomes depression. No matter how overwhelming the situation or how low it makes me feel, God can draw me back to the light. (3) Trust overcomes hate. When careless or cruel people hurt me, sometimes irreparably, I can hate forever or I can trust God, but I can't do both. God is there to steady even the worst situation, always with a promise, always with hope. Commit my life to him for safekeeping and rely on Him when I face my worst circumstance.

There are people out there who say God wants everybody to be a millionaire. There are some people who think following God is like having a golden ticket that guarantees you’ll be a millionaire, you’ll never get cancer, and you won’t have any problems in your life.

But the Bible says sometimes suffering is God’s will for your life. Why? Because it makes you more like Jesus. It deepens my faith. It brings me rewards in Heaven. It builds my character. It teaches me to worship instead of worry.

There are several kinds of suffering in the world. Common suffering is suffering that’s universal — it doesn’t matter if you’re Baptist or Buddhist or Muslim or atheist or whatever. Everybody suffers certain things. When a hurricane comes into town, it doesn’t just pick on Christians. There is suffering in the world that we all share in common.

The second kind of suffering is carnal suffering. That’s suffering I bring on myself from my own sin. If I choose to live an immoral life, one consequence could be a sexually transmitted disease. My choices led to that result, so it’s my fault. It’s not God’s fault. It’s not anybody else’s fault. Or if I spend more money than I make and go into debt and face bankruptcy, that’s my fault, too. I suffer because of my sin and bad decisions.

Not all suffering is from sin. The Bible says sometimes suffering is according to the will of God, because God is more interested in your character than your comfort.

The Bible says in 1 Peter 4:19, “Those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good” (NIV).

No matter what arrows are thrown at me, no matter what I suffer in this life because of my faith, God wants me to remain faithful to him and keep on doing good to others. It’s not easy to do, it requires faith. ]God is guiding me to becoming more like Jesus.

Remembering Who is the Real Source of Opposition

In review if 2 Timothy 2:25-26 it says, “Be humble when you are trying to teach those who are mixed up concerning the truth. For if you talk meekly and courteously to them, they are more likely, with God’s help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true. Then they will come to their senses and escape from Satan’s trap of slavery to sin” (2 Timothy 2:25-26 TLB).

Bottom Line:

Be humble in how you speak and deal with people. They will be more likely to listen.

What this means to me:

I am to be humble in how I speak and deal with people. I am to talk meekly and courteously to them. When I do they will be more likely to listen.

There will be time when I will face opposition because of my faith. I just need to recognize the source of that opposition.

It’s not other people. It’s not my co-workers. It’s not a political party. It’s not some other nation or religion. It’s not a competitor. The pressure I’ll feel to cave in or be quiet or sit down when you should stand up — that pressure isn’t coming from others. It’s really coming from Satan. In Revelation 12:10 Satan is called “the accuser of the Christians.” His number one job is to put me down.

I must keep in mind that there is an unseen spiritual battle going on all around me. This pressure to keep me from doing the right thing is not really coming from others. They’re just weapons. Most of the time they don’t even know they’re being used. The real issue is spiritual warfare.

Ephesians 6:12 says, “We are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world” (GNT).

Satan knows it’s stupid to attack Jesus Christ directly, so instead he attacks those who follow him (me). Satan uses the media and music and popular culture and anything he can to ridicule those who follow Jesus. He’s behind the voices saying, “Those Christians are out of date. They’re on the wrong side of history. They don’t know what they’re talking about. They’re bigots.”

Here’s what the Bible says you should do: “Don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap” (2 Timothy 2:23-26 NLT).

Without the Holy Spirit in my life, I’d have no defense against Satan. He can master my moods. He can lead me into depression. He can make me angry.

I may think I’m strong, but I’m not strong enough to fight Satan’s attacks on my own. What I need to do is recognize the source — the Devil, not the person — and treat the opposition the way Jesus did. How did Jesus treat those who opposed him? Even on the cross he said, “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they’re doing.”

The people who attack me don’t know what they’re doing. The people who put down Jesus and church and Christianity? They don’t know what they’re doing. I need to pray, too, “Father, forgive them” so that I can show love even when I’m under attack. God will fill me with his love, and I’ll have more energy to fight the real enemy.

In summary, because God will examine what kind of worker I have been for him, I should build my live on this Word and build His Word into my life. It tells me how to love and serve Him. Consistent and diligent study of God’s is vital; otherwise I can be lulled into neglecting God and my true purpose for living.

I must carefully work through any disagreements. Learning and discussion are not bad unless they keep believer constantly focusing on false doctrine or unhelpful trivialities. Don’t let anything keep me from my work and service to God.

Timothy helped those who were confused about truth. Paul’s advice to Timothy, and to myself as well, is to be kind and gentle, patiently and courteously explaining the the truth. Good teaching never promotes quarrels or foolish arguments. Remember to listen to people’s questions and treat them respectfully, while avoiding foolish debates. If I do this, those who oppose me will be more willing to hear what I have to say and perhaps turn from their error.

Step Two in Developing the Eyes of Faith

In review of Romans 6:4 it says, “By our baptism, then, we were buried with him and shared his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from death by the glorious power of the Father, so also we might live a new life” (GNT).

Bottom Line:

Baptism shows we are part of his family and have a new life

What this means to me:

My baptism shows that I’m part of God’s family, it symbolizes my death to my old ways and my resecurrection with Him in a new life.

When I was spiritually reborn, God opened my spiritual eyes, enabling me to see his work all around me and to see the many opportunities he places before me.

God also opened my spiritual ears, so I will be able to hear what people are really saying instead of what I think they are saying. When Jesus came into my life, God opened a whole set of spiritual senses that help me now see life from his point of view.

One simple example is when I read the Bible, a specific verse, just pops out and I realize that I had never seen or realized that before, even though I may have read that verse 15 times before. What happened? God just opened my spiritual eyes.

As seen from yesterday’s study there are some basic steps I must complete in order to develop the eyes of faith, in order to live life by faith, and I need to live by faith or I’ll never be able to complete the destiny God has planned out for me.

My first act of faith was inviting Jesus into my life, my whole life — all the “rooms”. The second act of faith is to publicly identify with Jesus. It is a vital step of faith that God uses to release his power in our lives.

Jesus wanted me to publicly identify with him, and he teaches that this is a very serious issue. Jesus says in Mark 8:38 that if I am ashamed to publicly identify with him, he will be ashamed of me when he returns in glory.

The Bible says, “By our baptism, then, we were buried with him and shared his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from death by the glorious power of the Father, so also we might live a new life” (Romans 6:4 GNT). So the power to live a new life — following Jesus in order to fulfill my God-given purpose — is empowered by the obedience I showed in being baptized.

Baptism alone doesn’t make me a member of God’s family; only faith in Christ does that. But baptism does show I’m part of God’s family. It’s like a wedding ring, a visible reminder of an inward commitment made in your heart.

Also it was not something to put off until I thought I was spiritually mature. The only biblical condition is that I believed. In the New Testament, people were baptized immediately — as soon as they believed. There are no delayed baptisms in the New Testament.

In addition, because I am united with Christ in his death, my evil desires and slavery to sin died with him. Now, united by faith with him in his resurrection life, we have unbroken fellowship with God and freedom from sin’s hold on us.  

The power of sin over me died with Christ on the cross. My “old sinful self,” my sin sinful nature, died once and for all, so I am freed from its power. Though I may often willingly cooperate with my sinful nature, it is not me but the sin in me that is evil. And it is this power of sin at work in my life that is defeated. God does not take me out of the world or make me a robot, I will still feel like sinning and actually do it. The difference is that before I was saved I was a slave to my sinful nature, but now I can choose to live for Christ.

The First Step in Developing the Eyes of Faith

In review of John 3:36 it says, “Whoever accepts and trusts the Son gets in on everything, life complete and forever!” (The Message).

Anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.

Bottom Line:

Accept and trust the Son to get in on eternal life.

What this means to me:

My accepting and trusting in Jesus gets me in on everything God has to offer and more importantly eternal life.

Jesus says that those who believe in him have (not will have) eternal life. To receive eternal life is to join in God’s life, which by nature is eternal. Thus, my eternal life began at the moment of my spiritual rebirth. Jesus set before me the greatest choice in life. Only I have the responsibility to decide whom I will obey, and God wanted me (and everyone else) to choose him and the eternal life he offers. God’s angry judgment refers to his final rejection of those who rejected him. So, to put off the choice is to choose not to follow Christ. Indecision is a fatal decision.

In practice, living for the glory of God requires a change in my priorities, my schedule, my relationships, and everything else.

But first, I needed to invite Jesus into every room of my life. My heart is much like a house with many rooms. I’ve got a bedroom, kitchen, family room, and workroom. I’ve got all these rooms which represent the different areas of my life. (See “My Heart, Christ’s Home”.)

Any room (or part of my life) that is filled with worry and fear is a room I have not invited Jesus into. For instance, I may not have invited Jesus into the relationship room. Or I may not have invited him into the finance room. Or I may not have invited him into the bedroom or the workroom.

Wherever I’m are worried, it means Jesus isn’t in that room because when Jesus walks into a room, he fills it with His peace. So any of my worries and fears tell me the areas that I have not turned over control to Jesus Christ.

I’m reminded this morning that this is important because Jesus says I must invite him into your life — into the rooms of my heart — in order to see life as it truly is, in order to see the Kingdom of God (John 3:36). To follow Jesus, I must decide whether I will live for myself or for God.

At times I may hesitate, wondering whether I will have strength to live for God. That’s another thing not to worry about. God will give me what I need if I will just make the choice to live for him. The Bible says, “Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God” (2 Peter 1:3 The Message).

I must believe that God loves me and made me for his purposes. I must believe that I was made to last forever. I must believe that no matter what I’ve done, God wants and will forgive me.

Remember to always receive Jesus into my life as my Lord and Savior. Receive his forgiveness for my sins. Receive his Spirit, who will give me the power to see with the eyes of faith and to fulfill my life's purpose. The Bible says, “Whoever accepts and trusts the Son gets in on everything, life complete and forever!” (John 3:36 The Message).

This morning I pray: “Dear God, I’m scared at times and unwilling to let go, but I want to continue to get to know you better each day. I admit that I don’t always understand it all, but I thank you that you love me. I thank you that you were with me even when I didn’t recognize it. I thank you that you are for me — that you didn’t send Jesus to condemn me but to save me.” Further,  “I admit I often forget that I need a Savior, but this morning I want to continue to receive the gift of your Son. I confess that I have sinned, doing things that you don’t want me to do. I thank you for sending Jesus to save me from my sins. I know he died for me and that his blood will cleanse me of my sins. I ask you to save me from my regrets and mistakes. I need you to take away any stress and fill me with your love. I need to be at peace with you, and I need you to put your peace in my heart.”   

“Also I want to know why you put me on this planet. And I want to fulfill what you made me to do. I want to learn to love you and trust you and have a relationship with you. I pray this in the name of Jesus, amen.”