Key dimensions of faith’s work – 2

Week 2, Part 3

A framework for faith’s work

1. Saving faith (initial faith) – 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Romans 4:3 (this is foundational for how the gospel operates – See Galatians 3:16, 29)

This is faith that opens the door for salvation in Jesus. Faith doesn’t save us, faith in Jesus and His atoning sacrifice does!

2. Faith for growth as a believer (sanctification and maturity)– “Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God,” Hebrews 6v1

Faith is absolutely foundational to how we grow and mature in the faith. Unbelief is not optional in the Bible. The word of God planted in our lives enables us to grow, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:15

3. Faith for inheritance – “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:17

“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” Hebrews 6:12

Faith and grace work together. We do not earn breakthroughs for inheritance as such. However, faith is a condition for progress as a Kingdom citizen who wants to make a difference. Unbelief takes us on the wrong path, away from God’s plan and inheritance (reward of faith).

Between the promise and the provision we often meet the problem. As such, faith for inheritance is tested. Inheritance is taking hold of God’s plan and promises to use us and even bless us in His kingdom plan. Abraham was TESTED severely. Genesis 22 is the ultimate testing of faith! If you get time to read the chapter (Genesis 22) check out the ‘oath’ that God swears over Abraham and His descendants after passing this test of faith! This is an often overlooked but important chapter!

Reflect: This 3 step framework helps us to understand how God works in our lives to a. save us, b. grow us and c. use us.

Can you identify any areas of your own life that need the working of faith to ‘unstick you’ from the web of life’s discouragements and satan’s schemes? Remember this simple framework too as you move forward in order to understand the different operations of God’s Word and grace in your life.