Every time we have missionaries preach or present their work, I am impressed with the faith they obviously exercise to do the work that must be one of the most challenging in God’s book of job descriptions. It’s especially true for people who go where the culture and language are so very different from ours. We have friends who were missionaries in Africa for a few years, then in Jamaica. The wife said she cried every day the first year they were in Africa – the culture shock was so great. I don’t think I have what it takes to do that work, so I have great respect for those who do.
Bottom line, it’s about faith. Whether we’re in Africa, the Islands, or here in the USA, the Christian life is about faith. So, let’s examine a familiar, simply-stated, yet profound scripture on the subject: “Now the just shall live by faith.” (Hebrews 10:38 KJV) Let’s think about the multiple truths in that statement.
Now the just shall live by faith. We don’t have to wait for tomorrow, old age or Eternity. Today – this minute – and every minute – the just shall live by faith.
Now the just shall live by faith. “The” is the definite article. “The” defines specifically who is living by faith. It is definitely the just – and definitely not anyone else.
Now the just shall live by faith. Who are the just? It is not some group who think they have achieved some imaginary state of sinless perfection. It is the just, the justified, the saved, the redeemed, the sinners whose sins have been forgiven by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus. They are the ones who live by faith.
Now the just shall live by faith. The words do not give the just a choice in the matter. It is required that the just live by faith. In government documents the word “shall” is used to establish a requirement from which a deviation is not allowed. The same is true in God’s Word as in “thou shall” and “thou shall not.” (Where do you suppose the government got the idea?) The Bible also says, “…whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23 KJV) Thus, the requirement follows that the just – without exception – must live by faith.
Now the just shall live by faith. The just don’t have to simply exist, just get by, or live a half-hearted existence. Au contraire – the just can and should experience the abundant life, the joyous life, the victorious life. There was a Bible teacher some years ago who referred to the life of faith as the “faith-rest life.” He meant, of course, that a believer can and should exercise faith in God’s promises, and then rest in the assurance that those promises will be kept. Therein is the secret of living by faith. It’s like the old Gospel song says, “I’m living by faith…and feel no alarm.”
Now the just shall live by faith. The Christian life is lived by faith and by faith alone. It is not lived by dependence upon ourselves, our parents, our friends or our good works. It is by the exercise of faith that we approach the Christian life.
Now the just shall live by faith. Faith is the complete trust, the total dependence, the absolute confidence, the unqualified reliance and the all-out belief in the truth, accuracy and authority of every part – as well as the sum of the parts – of God’s Word. The more we exercise faith, the stronger it becomes. It would follow that the point at which our faith approaches its ultimate strength is the point at which we would be least dependent upon our own strength. That’s the direction in which you and I need to be heading. How do we do that? We can start by praying the same prayer that Jesus’ disciples prayed on the subject: “And the apostles said unto the Lord, increase our faith.” (Luke 17:5 KJV) Our Guide/Comforter/Teacher will take it from there.