Living By Faith, Not By Sight Series

Title: LIVING BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 5:7

"For we live by faith, not by sight." (NIV)

Supporting Texts: Hebrews 11:1-6; Romans 1:17; Galatians 2:20; Habakkuk 2:4; 2 Corinthians 4:18

INTRODUCTION:

Living by faith is the hallmark of a believer's life. It is a life of trust in God’s promises, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. Faith transcends the physical and connects us to the spiritual, allowing us to see things from God’s perspective. This study will explore the principles and benefits of living by faith and how to cultivate this vital lifestyle.

1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LIVE BY FAITH?

Living by faith means trusting God fully and relying on His word rather than on human understanding or circumstances.

a) Faith Is Trust in God’s Promises

Faith is believing God will do what He has said, even if it hasn’t happened yet (Hebrews 11:1).

b) Faith Goes Beyond Feelings

Faith does not rely on emotions but on God’s unchanging truth (2 Corinthians 4:18).

c) Faith Requires Obedience

True faith leads to action and obedience to God’s commands (James 2:26).

d) Faith Is Anchored in God’s Character

It is grounded in the nature of God as faithful, loving, and powerful (Numbers 23:19).

Biblical Example:

Abraham lived by faith when he left his homeland without knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8).

2. THE CHALLENGES OF WALKING BY SIGHT

Relying on what we see and feel often leads to fear, doubt, and disobedience.

a) Circumstances Can Be Deceptive

What we see in the physical may not reflect God’s plans (Isaiah 55:8-9).

b) Walking by Sight Breeds Fear

Peter sank in the water when he shifted his focus from Jesus to the storm (Matthew 14:30).

c) It Limits God’s Power

Doubt and reliance on the physical hinder God’s work in our lives (Mark 6:5-6).

d) It Leads to Discouragement

Focusing on obstacles rather than God’s promises brings despair (Numbers 13:31-33).

Biblical Example:

The Israelites, despite seeing God’s miracles, doubted His ability to give them the Promised Land (Numbers 14:1-4).

3. HOW TO LIVE BY FAITH

Living by faith requires discipline, trust, and a focus on God.

a) Meditate on God’s Word

Faith comes by hearing and studying God’s word (Romans 10:17).

b) Pray for Strength

Ask God to strengthen your faith and help you trust Him (Mark 9:24).

c) Focus on God, Not Circumstances

Keep your eyes on God’s promises, not the challenges around you (Hebrews 12:2).

d) Act in Faith

Step out and obey God’s instructions, trusting Him for the outcome (Joshua 3:13).

Biblical Example:

The widow of Zarephath acted in faith by feeding Elijah first, and God provided for her miraculously (1 Kings 17:13-16).

4. BENEFITS OF LIVING BY FAITH

Faith opens the door to God’s blessings and aligns us with His purpose.

a) Faith Pleases God

Without faith, it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6).

b) Faith Activates Miracles

Many of Jesus’ miracles were performed in response to faith (Matthew 9:22).

c) Faith Brings Peace

Trusting God removes anxiety and fear (Philippians 4:6-7).

d) Faith Guarantees Victory

Faith overcomes the world and its challenges (1 John 5:4).

Biblical Example:

David’s faith in God enabled him to defeat Goliath against all odds (1 Samuel 17:45-47).

5. THE REWARDS OF FAITHFUL LIVING

A life of faith brings eternal and temporal rewards.

a) God Rewards Faithfulness

He honours those who trust and obey Him (Hebrews 11:6).

b) Faith Leads to Righteousness

Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness (Genesis 15:6).

c) Faith Guarantees Eternal Life

Believing in Christ secures our place in eternity (John 3:16).

d) Faith Strengthens Our Witness

Living by faith inspires others to trust God (Philippians 1:12-14).

Biblical Example:

The faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace led to God’s miraculous deliverance and a testimony to the king (Daniel 3:16-28).

CONCLUSION:

Living by faith is not always easy, but it is the only way to experience the fullness of God’s plan for our lives. Faith is trusting God’s promises over our perceptions, and it requires obedience, focus, and perseverance. As we walk by faith, we will witness God’s power, receive His blessings, and inspire others to follow Him.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me to live by faith and not by sight.

2. Father, strengthen my trust in Your promises.

3. Holy Spirit, keep my focus on God and not my circumstances.

4. Lord, remove every doubt and fear from my heart.

5. Father, let my faith activate miracles in my life.