Introduction
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather to explore a profound biblical truth that has been a cornerstone of our faith for centuries: "The just shall live by faith." This powerful statement, found in several places throughout the Bible, encapsulates the essence of a life rooted in trust and dependence on God. Let us delve into the scriptures and understand what it means to live by faith, how it transforms our lives, and how we can apply this principle daily.
Main Scripture: Habakkuk 2:4
Our primary text is from the book of Habakkuk 2:4 (NIV): "See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright—but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness."
1. Understanding Faith: Hebrews 11:1
To comprehend what it means to live by faith, we first need to understand what faith is. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) provides a clear definition: "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Faith involves trusting in God's promises and His character, even when we cannot see the outcome. It’s about believing that God is who He says He is and that He will do what He has promised.
Illustration: The Tightrope Walker
Imagine a renowned tightrope walker preparing to cross a high wire stretched over a dangerous ravine. The crowd watches in anticipation. As he expertly walks back and forth, he then takes a wheelbarrow and asks the crowd, "Do you believe I can carry someone across in this wheelbarrow?" The crowd cheers, "Yes!" He then asks, "Who will volunteer?" Silence falls.
Faith is not just believing the tightrope walker can do it; it's being willing to get in the wheelbarrow. Similarly, living by faith means entrusting our lives fully to God, even when the path is uncertain.
2. Faith in Action: Hebrews 11:6
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) states, "And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Living by faith is not passive; it requires action. Faith without works is dead (James 2:26). Our faith should be evident in our daily lives, through our obedience to God, and our unwavering trust in His plan.
Example: Abraham's Faith
Consider Abraham, a prime example of living by faith. God called him to leave his homeland and go to a place he had never seen (Genesis 12:1-4). Abraham obeyed, not knowing where he was going. Later, he was asked to sacrifice his promised son Isaac (Genesis 22:1-18). Abraham's faith was shown through his actions. He trusted God’s promise that Isaac would be the heir, even when asked to do the unthinkable.
3. Living by Faith in Daily Life: Galatians 2:20
Galatians 2:20 (NIV) says, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Living by faith means allowing Christ to live through us. It’s a daily surrender to His will and His ways.
Practical Application
How can we live by faith in our everyday lives?
• Trust in God's Provision: Philippians 4:19 (NIV) assures us, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Trusting God with our needs, rather than worrying or striving in our strength, is living by faith.
• Obedience to God's Word: James 1:22 (NIV) encourages us, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." Faith is demonstrated through our obedience to God's commands.
• Prayer and Dependence: Philippians 4:6 (NIV) tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Bringing our concerns and desires to God in prayer shows our reliance on Him.
• Endurance through Trials: James 1:2-3 (NIV) reminds us, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." Trusting God during hardships refines our faith.
4. The Fruit of Living by Faith: Romans 1:17
Romans 1:17 (NIV) reinforces our theme: "For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'" When we live by faith, we experience God's righteousness in our lives. This righteousness is not our own but comes through faith in Jesus Christ. It transforms us from the inside out, enabling us to live in a way that honors God.
Example: The Early Church
The early Christians exemplified living by faith. Despite persecution and hardship, they trusted in God's promises and continued to spread the Gospel. Acts 4:29-31 (NIV) describes their boldness: "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
Their faith was evident in their actions and their unwavering commitment to God's mission.
5. Encouragement to Persevere: Hebrews 12:1-2
Living by faith is a journey that requires perseverance. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV) encourages us: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
We are not alone in this journey. We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses—those who have gone before us, living by faith. We are to throw off anything that hinders us and fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith. He endured the cross for the joy set before Him. Similarly, we endure, knowing that our ultimate reward is in Him.
Conclusion
Dear friends, living by faith is not just a concept but a call to action. It requires us to trust God completely, to act on our faith, and to persevere through trials. As we reflect on the examples of faith in the Bible and consider our own lives, let us be encouraged to live by faith daily.
Let us trust in God's promises, obey His Word, rely on Him in prayer, and endure trials. By doing so, we will experience the fullness of His righteousness and the joy of walking in His ways. May we, like the righteous, live by faith, bringing glory to God in all that we do.
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of faith. Help us to trust in You completely and to live out our faith in our daily lives. Strengthen us to endure through trials and to rely on Your promises. May our lives be a testament to Your faithfulness and love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
