Faith’s Journey
Deut. 1:1-2, 21-46
Leaving Egypt was just the beginning of the journey for the nation of Israel. Every step taken would be determined by their faith. So it is for every Christian from the moment they experience salvation. Then begins the journey of faith and this passage is a classic example of one’s faith journey.
Mention: Romans 1:17 The just shall live by faith
Also: Hebrews 11:6 but without faith it is impossible to please Him (God)…
In fact the decisions and response of those we read of in the eleventh chapter of the book of Hebrews we are told were by faith or through faith.
This faith’s journey really involves God and us though other variables are present along the way. With that in mind let’s consider all involved.
1. A Faithful God
Deut. 7:9 know therefore the LORD thy God, He is God, the faithful God which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations;
Numbers 23:19 this is verse I especially like about God because He is not as man
• What He has promised is already set before us
See: Deut. 1:21 Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee
Mention: Joshua 1:3 The LORD told Joshua that every place that the sole of his foot would tread upon He had already given to him.
• What the LORD gives is always good and fruitful
Mention: James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift cometh from above…
Deut. 1:25 They were shown the fruit of the good land God had given them
See: Deut. 1:30-33
• God will always go before us
2. A Faithful Saint
The question for us is not whether God will be faithful, but instead will we be!
Here we are given some steps of faith:
• Claim what He has promised
Vs.21 Go up and possess it
By faith we are to claim what He has promised before we physically obtain it.
See: Romans 3:20-21 Abraham did this very thing we are told in these verses
• Do not become discouraged by opposition
See: Deut. 1:21, 28 “neither be discouraged…our brethren hath discouraged our heart…
Gal. 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap if we faint not
• Be Courageous
The opposite of discourage is to be courageous and this is what causes you and me to do in what is impossible for us, but not unto God.
• Remember the acts of God
See: Deur. 1:30-31
• Follow the LORD wholly
Vs.36 We are told that Caleb wholly followed the LORD and of Joshua also did so.
3. The Consequences of No Faith
• The lack of exercising faith is rebellion See: Vs.26 They refused to do what they were commanded by the LORD to do.
Mention: Hebrews 4:2 They did not mix the Word with faith
• To complain or grumble displays a false belief about God
Vs.27 They assumed the LORD hated them and brought them out of Egypt to destroy them
• We could ultimately forfeit the promise See: Vs.35
• We will spend our days aimlessly wandering
See: Deut. 1:40 They would wander for 40 years in the wilderness and getting nowhere.
• We will left to toiling in our own strength which will bring about defeat
See: Deut. 1:41-46 and Numbers 14:40-45
So many Christians are living defeated today because they do not live by faith. Let be a people of faith.
