Scripture Reading
Romans 1:8-17 NIV [8] First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. [9] God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you [10] in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you. [11] I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— [12] that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. [13] I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles. [14] I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. [15] That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. [16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. [17] For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
Introduction
Today, we're going to explore a profound concept – walking by faith. It's a journey that every Christian walks, it’s a path that often feels uncertain. Walking by faith is not about blind leaps in the dark. It's about trusting in an unseen but unwavering hand, a God who promises to be with us every step of the way.
Text
2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV For we live by faith, not by sight.
II Corinthians 5:7 NKJV For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Imagine a blind person, their hand securely clasped in the hand of a trusted guide. They cannot see the path ahead, the obstacles, or the beauty of the surroundings. Yet, they walk with confidence, knowing that their guide will not lead them astray. I have a friend who is blind. I fill out her deposit slips, I read her mail to her, I often take her to the bank, I have even taken her to get her COVID vaccinations. She trusts me that I am leading her around obstacles, that I am reading her mail exactly as it is, that I am filling out her deposits and withdrawal correctly and that when I give her the balance in her accounts it is really what’s there. This, in essence, is what it means to walk by faith. It's about trusting God, our ultimate guide, even when we cannot fully comprehend His plan or see the destination.
Our text today, 2 Corinthians 5:7, declares, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." This powerful statement challenges us to live our lives grounded in trust, not in the fleeting evidence of our senses. It's a call to embrace the unknown, to step out in obedience, even when fear whispers doubts and uncertainty.
Faith, as defined in Hebrews 11:1, is "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." It's not blind belief, but a confident reliance on God's character and His promises. It's the assurance that even when circumstances seem bleak, God is working all things together for good for those who love Him.
Romans 8:28-30 NIV [28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
Throughout Scripture, we see countless examples of individuals who walked by faith. Abraham, called to leave his homeland for an unknown land, obeyed without hesitation.
Genesis 12:1-4 NIV [1] The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. [2] “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. [3] I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” [4] So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran.
Moses, facing the daunting task of leading the Israelites out of Egypt, trusted God to part the Red Sea
Exodus 14:15-22 NIV [15] Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. [16] Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. [17] I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. [18] The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I gain glory through Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen.” [19] Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, [20] coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so neither went near the other all night long. [21] Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, [22] and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.
David, a young shepherd boy, faced Goliath, not with superior strength or weaponry, but with unwavering faith in the God of Israel.
1 Samuel 17:45-50 NIV [45] David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. [46] This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. [47] All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” [48] As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. [49] Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. [50] So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.
And Jesus Himself, our ultimate example, walked in complete submission to the Father's will, even when it meant facing the cross.
Matthew 26:36-39 NIV [36] Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” [37] He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. [38] Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” [39] Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV [1] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, [2] fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
However, for us today, walking by faith is not without its challenges. Fear, that insidious enemy, that we talked about last week, often tries to grip our hearts, whispering doubts and anxieties.
"What if I make the wrong decision?" "What if my prayers go unanswered?" "What if I fail?" These are the questions that can paralyze us, hindering our ability to trust God.
Distractions also abound. The world, with its allurements and temptations, constantly competes for our attention, pulling us away from the path of faith. Material possessions, fleeting pleasures, and the insatiable desire for approval can easily derail our focus on God.
And let's not forget the discouragement that inevitably arises when we face trials and tribulations. When prayers seem unanswered, when suffering lingers, and when hope feels like a distant memory, it's easy for our faith to weaken. We may even question God's love, His faithfulness, and His promises.
But despite the challenges, walking by faith brings immeasurable rewards. It brings a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that only God can provide. When we relinquish control and place our trust in Him, a profound sense of calm washes over us.
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV [4] Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Furthermore, walking by faith fosters spiritual growth. Stepping out in obedience, even when it's uncomfortable, strengthens our reliance on God. It deepens our relationship with Him as we learn to hear His voice and discern His will. James 1:2-4 reminds us that trials test our faith, producing perseverance and maturity.
James 1:2-4 NIV [2] Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. [4] Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
And perhaps most importantly, walking by faith provides a sure hope for the future. 1 Peter 1:3-9 reminds us that our inheritance is eternal, a hope that sustains us through life's darkest moments.
1 Peter 1:3-9 NIV [3] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, [5] who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. [6] In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. [7] These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. [8] Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, [9] for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Where in your life are you being called to walk by faith? Is it in forgiving someone who has deeply hurt you? Is it in obeying God's call to serve others, even when it's inconvenient? Is it in trusting God's provision during a time of financial hardship?
Let me give you an example from my life. Accsus example.
In conclusion, walking by faith is not always easy. It requires courage, humility, and a willingness to surrender our own will to God's. But the rewards are immeasurable – peace, growth, and a hope that transcends all earthly limitations. Let us, therefore, strive to live our lives grounded in faith, trusting in the God who loves us and who promises to be with us always.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Psalms 23:1-6 NIV [1] The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, [3] he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. [4] Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. [6] Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV [6] Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. [7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Let us pray for the courage to step out in faith, to trust God even when we cannot see the path ahead. Let us seek guidance from His Word and the Holy Spirit, and let us cultivate a deeper relationship with Him through prayer and meditation on scripture.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We acknowledge that walking by faith is not always easy, and doubts and fears often creep in.
We pray for the grace to trust in You completely, even when we cannot see the path ahead. Help us to silence the voice of doubt and replace it with Your unwavering promises. Grant us the courage to step out in faith, knowing that You are always with us, guiding and sustaining us every step of the way.
We pray for strength to overcome the obstacles that come our way, and for the wisdom to discern Your will in every situation. May we live lives that reflect our unwavering trust in You, and may our actions be a testimony to the power of faith.
We thank You for Your love, mercy, and the assurance of Your presence. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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