Transformed by Truth: The Journey of Faith
Introduction
Today, we embark on a journey through Scripture, exploring how faith transforms our lives. Our guiding scriptures will be Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3, Romans 4:9, Galatians 3:6, Hebrews 11:8, Hebrews 11:17, and James 2:23. These passages, linked by the theme of faith, show us the life of Abraham as a powerful example of trusting and walking with God.
1. Faith Credited as Righteousness (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3, Galatians 3:6)
Genesis 15:6 (NLT): “And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.”
Romans 4:3 (NLT): “For the Scriptures tell us, ‘Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.’”
Galatians 3:6 (NLT): “In the same way, ‘Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.’”
Genesis 15:6 is foundational in understanding the concept of righteousness through faith. Abraham's belief in God's promise was credited to him as righteousness, a theme Paul echoes in Romans and Galatians to illustrate justification by faith.
The Hebrew term for "believed" (aman) signifies firmness and steadfastness. Abraham's faith was not a fleeting moment but a steady trust in God's promises. In Romans and Galatians, Paul uses this to teach that righteousness comes through faith, not works. As Martin Luther said, “Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain that a man would stake his life on it a thousand times.”
How firm is your faith in God's promises? Are you trusting in your own works, or have you fully placed your trust in Christ's righteousness? True transformation begins when we rely on God's promises rather than our own efforts.
Consider the story of George Müller, who ran orphanages on faith alone. His unwavering belief in God's provision, without ever asking for donations, mirrors Abraham's trust in God's promises.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT): “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
2. Faith in Action (Hebrews 11:8, Hebrews 11:17, James 2:23)
Hebrews 11:8 (NLT): “It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.”
Hebrews 11:17 (NLT): “It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac.”
James 2:23 (NLT): “And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: ‘Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.’ He was even called the friend of God.”
Hebrews 11 highlights Abraham's faith in action—leaving his homeland and offering Isaac. James 2:23 connects faith and works, showing that Abraham’s actions proved his faith genuine.
Faith that is alive is evidenced by obedience. Abraham’s journey to an unknown land and his willingness to sacrifice Isaac were acts of faith, demonstrating his total trust in God. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer stated, “Faith is only real when there is obedience, never without it, and faith only becomes faith in the act of obedience.”
Reflect on your life. Are there areas where God is calling you to step out in faith? Perhaps it’s a career change, a move, or a relationship decision. True faith is not passive but active and obedient.
James 2:18 (NLT): “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.”
3. Faith and the Promise (Romans 4:9)
Romans 4:9 (NLT): “Now, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for uncircumcised Gentiles? Well, we have been saying that Abraham was counted as righteous by God because of his faith.”
Romans 4:9 extends the promise of righteousness by faith to all, both Jews and Gentiles. Paul underscores that the blessing of righteousness is through faith and not through physical markers like circumcision.
Paul’s teaching in Romans 4:9 emphasizes that Abraham’s faith made him the father of all who believe, regardless of cultural or religious background. John Stott wrote, “The essence of Abraham’s faith was his confident trust in the word of God.”
This universal promise challenges us to embrace a faith that transcends boundaries. Are there biases or barriers in your heart that need to be dismantled so you can fully accept and share God’s inclusive promise?
Think about the ministry of Billy Graham, who preached to millions across the globe, transcending cultural and racial barriers, emphasizing that the gospel is for everyone.
Galatians 3:28 (NLT): “There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Conclusion and Call to Action
In closing, let us be transformed by the truth of God's Word:
Commit your faith to God: Trust in His promises like Abraham.
Live out your faith through obedience: Let your actions reflect your trust in God.
Embrace the universal promise of faith: Break down barriers and share the gospel with all.
As we leave today, let us pray for the strength to live by faith, trusting in God's promises, and boldly sharing His truth with the world. Amen.
