A Richly Rewarding Faith

A RICHLY REWARDING FAITH

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is the Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

INTRODUCTION

In 2 Corinthians 5:7, Paul wrote “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” John writes in 1 John 5:4, “And this is the victory that has overcome the world---our faith." The Christian life is a journey of faith. Many things happen to us throughout our lives that will challenge our faith. We see bad things happening to good people and we wonder “why”. In such a time, sight will fail us but faith will triumph!

I. As the Bible begins---so must our faith begin! “In the beginning God…”

Faith in the eternal living God: “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” (Psalm 53:1). We must dare to be like Daniel when he told King Nebuchadnezzar, “But there is a God in heaven…”

Our faltering faith will suddenly be strengthened when we envision the awesome creative power of God. David said in Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God: And the firmament shows His handiwork.” John declared, “All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:3). Paul proclaimed, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” Colossians 1:15-17.

II. But faith only in the existence of God is not sufficient!

James 2:19 reads, “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe---and tremble!” Our faith in God must extend to faith in His nature, His attributes and His provision for the salvation of man through Jesus Christ.

1. Believe what the Scriptures say about His nature:

Nehemiah 9:17 reads, “But You are God, ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abundant in kindness.” I John 4:16 says, “God is love.”

2. Believe what the Scriptures say about His attributes:

Omniscient “In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:3).

Omnipotent “For with God, nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37).

Omnipresent “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3).

3. His provision:

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).

To this we would also add what many of us believe to be the single greatest verse of Scripture in the Bible, John 3:16.

III. God richly rewards all who diligently seek Him!

“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.” Lamentations 3:25. His rewards are multitudinous and incomprehensibly great. Just to name a few:

1. He rewards our faith with the gift of eternal life. Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10.

2. He further rewards our faith with the gift of inexpressible joy!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls.” I Peter 1:3-9.

3. He rewards our love for Him with a never-ending provision for every temporal need in life.

Paul declared this truth writing, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

CONCLUSION

Realizing that every aspect of our faith is a gift of God, we join with the Apostle Paul saying, “Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Philippians 4:20.