Night 7: Discipline of Walking by Faith

The Discipline of Walking By Faith

Joel this evening took us through this discipline, giving us some helpful things to think through, particularly these two:

1)      Faith in What?:- God’s control, power, promises, and saving-power

2)      How to practice Faith?:- Gifted from God; Knowledge from the scriptures and belief they are true; Relationship of walking daily with God through life in faith; Experience of growing in confidence in faith from having seen God work; and finally Testing, as God does put us through situations to cause our faith to grow and become more steadfast.

Charles Finney, a 19^th century evangelist says the following about what characterises a life living by faith in Jesus Christ:

• exempt from worries because faith brings rest in God who has overcome all things
• peace with God, because of faith in the work of Christ
• a joyous and useful life
• a humble life, as emptied of pride and self-reliance
• a cheerful life that is faithfully satisfied with God and His providence
• a self-denying life as the soul is safe with God, so all other comforts of this life are petty
• a spiritual life in communion with God the Father, in the God the Son, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in the heart by faith
• a prayerful life which is expectant and confident in God
• a hopeful life that is not easily discouraged for our confidence is in mighty God
• an active and useful life, knowing the terrible peril of sinners
• a gospel liberated life, which does the spiritual disciplines not out of obligation but because we love and trust God

“These results constitute real life”

(You can read all he said in this article: http://www.gospeltruth.net/1854OE/540607_living_by_faith.htm)

These things don’t make you someone who lives by faith, as if it’s a qualification you get if you tick the right boxes.  No!  Instead, if you live by faith these things will increasingly become a reality in your life, and what a life it is.

What situations are you currently going through that need you to walk by faith:

• financial strains?
• exam and assignment deadlines competing with church and Christian involvement (even your quiet times!)?
• illness in family or friends?
• difficult emotions ranging from homesickness to depression?
• success at work and studies?  (for we need to walk by faith extra carefully when things seem to be going well!)

Take a few minutes to pray for the Lord’s help to walk by faith through the things in your life where you are at right now.

Let me let scripture have the last word: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. Now, the life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

God bless

David Nixon