Living by Faith

Last year I led our church through the book By Faith: Living in the Certainty of God’s Reality by John Franklin and Lonnie Riley.

In the life of Paul, you can see a process of faith development.

I. God Initiates: God initiates a faith relationship.

Jesus radically intersected the life of Paul on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:1-9 ).

II. God Relates: God develops fellowship for a consistent walk of faith.

Paul spent 3 years in Arabia growing in his faith. His first missionary journey was possibly 14 years after his conversion (Gal. 1:17-18).

III. God Shows: God requires a faith response to the unveiling of His will.

II Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.

God wanted to reach gentiles. So, he worked through visions to Peter. He worked with Barnabas. Paul responded to an invitation to spend time with Barnabas. Paul and Barnabas went on their first Missionary Journey (Acts 13:1-3).

IV. God Grows: God matures faith through waiting.

Paul’s first missionary journey was 14 years after conversion.
Noah waited perhaps 120 years before the flood.
Abraham waited 25 years before Sarah bore Isaac.
Moses saw 40 years pass before his people were delivered.
David was anointed king, but had to wait many years before taking the throne.

V. God Bestows: God rewards completed faith.

Paul was used by God.

II Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Where are you in your walk of faith?
Has God radically intersected your life through circumstances to get your attention?
Are you spending time with God in order to develop a deeper fellowship with Him?
Is there a "faith response" God is waiting to have from you?
Can you see spiritual growth in your life? Are you closer to God than you were at this time last year?

God will bless a consistent life of faith. My prayer is that you will begin a more intentional walk of faith today.