Walking By Faith, Not By Sight Series

WALKING BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 5:7

Supporting Texts: Hebrews 11:1, Romans 8:24-25, Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 40:31

INTRODUCTION:

Faith is the foundation of the Christian walk. It is what enables believers to trust God beyond what the eyes can see or the circumstances suggest. Walking by faith means living with confidence in God’s promises, even when the path ahead is unclear or difficult. This kind of faith produces peace, endurance, and victory because it focuses on God’s unchanging character rather than shifting circumstances.

The apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:7 that we are called to live by faith and not by sight. Many believers struggle with doubt and fear because they rely too much on what they can see or understand with their natural senses. However, the life of faith demands that we trust God’s unseen hand and His perfect plan even when things look impossible.

Today’s message challenges us to strengthen our faith, to walk confidently with God regardless of the challenges, and to experience His power at work in our lives as we choose faith over sight.

1. FAITH IS CONFIDENCE IN WHAT WE HOPE FOR

a) Faith gives substance to our hopes (Hebrews 11:1): Faith turns hope into assurance, making spiritual realities tangible to us.

b) Faith releases God’s power in our lives (Romans 4:20-21): Abraham’s faith unlocked God’s promise despite his old age.

c) Faith allows us to stand firm in trials (James 1:2-3): Testing of faith produces perseverance and maturity.

d) Faith sees beyond present troubles (2 Corinthians 4:18): It focuses on eternal things rather than temporary problems.

Biblical Example: Noah built the ark by faith before seeing any sign of rain, trusting God’s warning about the coming flood (Hebrews 11:7).

2. WALKING BY SIGHT LEADS TO DOUBT AND FEAR

a) Sight depends on the physical and can deceive (Jeremiah 17:9): The heart can be deceived when we rely solely on what we see.

b) Sight limits our understanding of God’s plan (Isaiah 55:8-9): God’s ways are higher than ours and often unseen.

c) Sight breeds worry over circumstances (Matthew 14:30): Peter began to sink when he focused on the waves instead of Jesus.

d) Sight can cause us to miss God’s miraculous intervention (Exodus 14:10-14): The Israelites feared the Egyptians instead of trusting God’s deliverance.

Biblical Example: Thomas doubted Jesus’ resurrection because he relied only on physical evidence until Jesus appeared to him (John 20:24-29).

3. FAITH REQUIRES OBEDIENCE WITHOUT FULL UNDERSTANDING

a) Faith trusts God’s commands even when unclear (Genesis 12:1): Abraham obeyed God’s call to leave his country without knowing his destination.

b) Faith acts in obedience despite fear (Joshua 1:9): God encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous to possess the land.

c) Faith trusts God’s timing over our impatience (Ecclesiastes 3:1): There is a proper time for everything under heaven.

d) Faith relies on God’s provision, not circumstances (Philippians 4:19): God supplies all our needs according to His riches.

Biblical Example: The Israelites crossed the Red Sea by faith, obeying God’s instruction to move forward into the unknown (Exodus 14:15-31).

4. WALKING BY FAITH BRINGS PEACE AND VICTORY

a) Faith casts out fear (1 John 4:18): Perfect love, through faith, drives out all fear.

b) Faith brings inner peace despite outer storms (John 14:27): Jesus gives us peace that the world cannot take away.

c) Faith positions us to receive God’s blessings (Hebrews 11:6): Without faith, it is impossible to please God.

d) Faith overcomes the world (1 John 5:4): Our faith is the victory that conquers the world.

Biblical Example: David faced Goliath with faith, trusting God to give him victory over a giant (1 Samuel 17).

5. STRENGTHENING YOUR WALK BY FAITH

a) Build your faith through God’s Word (Romans 10:17): Faith comes by hearing and meditating on Scripture.

b) Pray continually to keep faith alive (Luke 18:1): Persistent prayer strengthens our trust in God.

c) Surround yourself with faithful believers (Hebrews 10:24-25): Fellowship encourages growth in faith.

d) Remember past victories to fuel future faith (Psalm 77:11-12): Recalling God’s past faithfulness builds confidence.

Biblical Example: The early church grew stronger in faith through prayer, teaching, and fellowship (Acts 2:42-47).

CONCLUSION:

Walking by faith and not by sight is the pathway to living a victorious Christian life. It requires trusting God’s promises and character even when circumstances seem overwhelming or unclear. By choosing faith over doubt, obedience over fear, and focusing on eternal realities, we open the door for God’s miraculous power to manifest.

Let us commit to strengthen our faith daily through Scripture, prayer, and fellowship. As we walk boldly by faith, God will lead us, provide for us, and bring us into His peace and victory.

PRAYER POINTS:

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