The Journey of Faith

Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

Hebrews 11: 6 NASB

Paul’s purpose for writing to Timothy was to encourage him and to remind him never to give up. The early church faced all kinds of trials and temptations. There were many who challenged Paul’s teaching and challenged Timothy’s leadership. Religious teachers then, just like many today, sought to weaken God’s Word and truth. Paul writes,

God did not give us a spirit of timidity; but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life.

2 Timothy 1: 7–9

Today, some Christians are afraid to speak God’s truth, especially on moral and spiritual issues, because society has become increasingly more secular. Either the world shapes us or God shapes us. Paul reminds Timothy to be strong, firm in his faith and steadfast in devotion to God. Paul tells us not to conform to the ways of this world:

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12: 2

In 2 Timothy 3: 12 we are reminded, ‘In fact everyone, who wants to live a godly life in Jesus Christ will be persecuted.’ John Calvin said, ‘It is in vain to try to detach Christ from His cross and it is only natural that the world should hate Christ, even in His members.’ Although followers of Jesus, i.e. the disciples and others, ultimately sacrificed their lives; their physical death meant entry into God’s presence. Jesus said, ‘Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.’ (Luke 17: 33) Michael Youssef comments, ‘When we refuse to compromise our convictions, we experience a God-given strength throughout our lives; but when we waver between what we know is right and wrong, we become unstable in all we do.’

Hebrews chapter 11 gives a moving account of faithful Old Testament saints (men and women) often referred to as ‘Heroes of the Faith’. The chapter opens in verse 1 with a definition of ‘faith’. ‘Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.’ The writer provides numerous examples (verses 4–40) of those who lived by faith. He seemed to be saying: in order for faith to be faith, it must be lived faith, walked out one step at a time, one day at a time. The examples also show the faith which the saints had in God’s Promises; when introducing each person the writer begins with the words ’By faith’; for example ‘By faith’ Abraham said yes to God’s call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home (verse 8). The chapter presents many others who acted by faith, namely: Enoch, Noah, Moses, Joseph, Gideon, Barak, Samson, David, etc. Faith works in obedience to God and ‘we walk by faith, not by sight’ (2 Corinthians 5: 7).

Reflection

How do we avoid becoming fearful and doubtful?

• Begin by refusing to compromise our convictions. Let us not sell out to the world’s deception, so that we will remain strong in our faith. If Timothy had taken his eyes off Jesus Christ, he would have weakened and his ministry would have been ineffective.
• Let us not dilute the truth of the Gospel in order to fit in, and appear to be politically correct.
• Let us not be ashamed of God’s Word. It is important for us to be committed to reading and meditating so that we will become more like Christ, and God’s Word will be a light to our path. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5: 16 NIV®)
• What does non-conformity mean in today’s world, in our context? It means standing firm in our faith-no matter what it costs.

If your life were broken down into acts of faith, instead of, say, academic degrees or professional titles, how would you complete the following sentences?

By an act of faith, I have—-
By an act of faith, I have—–
By an act of faith, I have —-

Which of those acts posed the greatest personal risk? Which provided the greatest reward?

Let us pray:

Dear Lord, thank you for the faith of those who have gone before who lived by faith, which distinguished them above the crowd. Grant me bold acts of faith that are worthy of such a heritage; help me to realise that act by act, I am building a life. Make it a good one Lord, so it might withstand the storms of life. This day by an act of faith, I will.

Amen

Excerpts from The Message Study Bible by Eugene Peterson

O Lord, grant us in all our doubts and uncertainties the grace to ask what you would have us do; that the spirit of wisdom may save us from false choices; and that in your light we may see light – we ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

William Bright 1824–1901

Grant O Lord, that in the written Word, and through the spoken word, we may behold the Living Word, through our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen

Simon H. Baynes

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
consider all the worlds thy hands have made;
I see the stars I hear the rolling thunder,
thy power throughout the universe displayed:
then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee,
how great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to thee,
how great thou art! How great thou art!

And when I think that God, his Son not sparing;
sent him to die- I scarce can take it in;
that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
he bled and died to take away my sin:
then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee,
how great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to thee,
how great thou art! How great thou art!

Carl Gustaf Boberg (1859–1940)

Church family, today is a brand-new day and his mercies are new every morning. May God bless, guide and protect you every step of your journey as you strengthen your faith and draw closer to him.

Glynne Gordon-Carter