Key dimensions of faith’s work – 1

Week 2, Part 2

Faith is foundational to the believer’s life. As we have learned ‘Without faith it is impossible to please God’ (Hebrews 11v6a). Faith is both a gift to us but also something that we are responsible to nurture.

1. Faith as a gift – “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4v7). Faith is a God-generated response to hearing the Word (message) about God in Christ, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Romans 10v17. Faith is not just ‘effort’ to be better, it comes as a response to hearing the Word of God. Abraham was an idol worshiper. God ‘called’ him (Genesis 11 and 12) out of darkness and in Genesis 15 we learn that ‘Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness‘ (Genesis 15:6). One of the massive theological debates in the world is the degree to which a person who is ‘dead in their trespasses and sins‘ (Ephesians 2:1) can respond to God’s appeal through the gospel. Those who are more Reformed in their thinking believe that it is impossible for this to happen in saving faith without regeneration (being born again) and that such regeneration is what is referred to as ‘effectual grace’. They lean into verses like “When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and all who had been appointed to eternal life believed.” (Acts 13:48) and elsewhere as their basis for this belief. Those with a more ‘Arminian’ perspective believe that God puts a capacity within ‘man’ to respond to the gospel, even though they are described as being ‘dead’ in their spiritual state. It is too complicated for this devotion to explain how it is suggested this works. However, no matter how we look at this, faith is indeed the gift of God. We need God to get God!

2. Faith as a responsibility (to be nurtured) – The parable of the sower is one of many examples that helps us to see that faith grows as the Word of God is planted in the soil of our lives. Faith is also a responsibility. We need to plant God’s Word. We also need to ensure that the ‘soil’ of our lives is receptive to the Word of God if it is to be fruitful. As such, there is also a responsibility to seeing faith cultivated in our lives! This is true of ourselves but also true of others, hence the need to share the gospel message, “How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14

Reflect: Have you noticed that when we neglect the Word of God in our lives how we drift away from closer fellowship and discipleship? We need God to have more of God!

Ask God for help today to be INTENTIONAL to see faith nurtured and cultivated in your life. Make a plan otherwise this won’t just magically happen! Spend some time in prayer and use the Word of God in your prayers. Faith grows as we stand on, proclaim and pray the word of God.

Have you reached a stage where reading (hearing) the Word has slipped badly? Why not make a plan to take this back! Faith and assurance awaits!