Romans 1:17 says, “The righteous will live by faith.” Is that even possible? According to the Bible, it is, and we’re going to look at five aspects of faith that enable us to live by it.
Faith Hears By The Word Of God – Romans 10:17 says, “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”
Did you notice it says hearing and hearing? A double emphasis, that tells us we need to continually have the Word of God coming into our hearts and minds. We do this by immersing ourselves in God’s Word on a daily basis One way to hear the Word of God is to read the Bible out loud. Faith rises when we hear God’s promises coming out of our own mouths. When we need healing, we hear, “Jesus healed them all.” When we need finances, “My God will supply my every need according to His riches in glory.” When we have problems, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord will solve them all.” It’s amazing to see God answer our prayers because we heard the Word of God and believed.
Faith Believes The Word Of God – Mark 11; 22- 23 “Jesus answered them. Have faith in God. For truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be removed and be thrown into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says.
It’s clear that faith and doubt cannot coexist together. To live my faith we must keep doubt out. And we must be diligent in our efforts. Have you ever questioned yourself: What if my faith isn’t strong enough? Maybe God didn’t hear my prayer this time? What if things don’t work out? Those kind of thoughts come to all of us, and we know the devil is the one who placed them there. The good news is those thoughts don’t become ours unless we entertain them. Whenever thoughts come that are contrary to God’s Word, acknowledge it by saying, “Satan, you’re a liar, I rebuke you in the Name of Jesus.” Meditating on God’s promises found in the Bible will build our faith to believe for whatever we’re in need of. Doubt will be kicked out of our heart and mouth when we speak the Word of God.
Faith Speaks The Word Of God – Mark 11:22, 23 “Jesus answered them. “Have faith in God, whoever believes that what he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says”
Jesus tells us that we will have what we say, when believe what we say will come to pass. Isn’t that amazing? For this to work we must develop confidence in our words. That we will have what we say when we speak God’s promises found in the Bible. When we catch ourselves saying something contrary to God’s Word, we can quickly say, “I cancel that thought in the Name of Jesus!” and declare the Bible promise that applicable to our situation. God knows we’re trying and He will give us grace to say what is right.
Faith Takes What’s Promised In The Word Of God – Mark 11:24 – “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you will receive them and you will have them”.
Another word for receive is take which has a stronger meaning: to claim or procure for oneself and not let go; to seize or apprehend. When we pray we don’t just hope we will receive what’s we’re asking for. No; we pray and receive by faith, by reaching out to take what God has promised us. For example, if a job is needed, say: Heavenly Father, You promised to supply my every need and I believe it. So I’m asking You for a job and I take it by faith right now.” With confidence in God’s Word say, ““Thank You, Lord, that I have it, the job is mine.” Our faith may be tested as we wait for whatever we asked for to materialize. Contend with the faith by saying, “I have it – thank You Jesus.” Faith always win – we can be sure of that!
Faith Fights With The Word Of God – John 10:10 – The thief does not come, except to steal and skill and destroy. I came that they have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Faith victories belong to us because Jesus came that we have may life and have it more abundantly. Jesus also tells us that the thief (satan) came to do the opposite: to kill, steal, and destroy. Satan is cunning and very persistent. He will do his utmost to put doubt and discouragement in our minds, and do everything in his power to thwart God’s plan for our lives. God’s Word is the best weapon available; it will defeat satan every time.
People of faith don’t quit in times of adversity, nor do we give in to saran’s tactics. No, we stick with the faith program until what we’re believing for comes to pass. To live by faith may not always be easy – but well worth the time and effort required to attain it.
If God said, “The righteous will live by faith”, we can believe that whatever we need to do so is found in the Bible. Let’s keep on living by faith until Jesus returns. Won’t it be marvelous to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”