Active Faith
Art Nelson
Our last issue
dealt with the consequences of sin and the impact that it could have on future
generations. We mentioned three problem areas created by sin and that it takes
active faith to deal with them. In this issue we will look at what it means to
have active faith.
The most basic
level of faith is given to us in Hebrews:
Hebrews 11:6 NASB And
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.
The beginning of faith is believing that God
is, the He exists, and that He rewards those who seek Him; that is, that there
is value to us in seeking God. Faith require both aspects of this verse. Just
believing in God is not enough because
“You
believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
“James 2:19
NKJV. Faith
also requires that we believe that there is value in seeking God.
I am going to
attempt to categorize faith into various areas. I am only doing this to help us
understand. Faith is faith and in its operation is not subject to
differentiation as I am about to do.
The first area has
to do with specific faith. You have probably heard someone say “I am
believing God for ______” This is specific faith that relates to a specific
problem or provision. It only focuses on whatever we put in the blank for which
we are believing God. This type of faith usually relates to our needs, wants, or
desires and is self-centered most of the time.
The second area has
to do with crises faith. We have all been in sudden crises situations
where we cry out “O God, help me!” or “rescue me!” or something similar. We are
on the verge of catastrophe and, except God intervenes, we will be overcome.
This is faith that is born of desperation. We have exhausted our abilities or
resources and can only call upon God. This type of faith relates to our
situation or circumstances.
The third area has
to do with the fruit of faith or what I call experiential faith. As we
have walked with the Lord we have had various experiences in which we have seen
the provision or deliverance of the Lord. This is exemplified by David's words
to Saul concerning Goliath.
1 Samuel 17:36-37 NASB "Your servant has killed
both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one
of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God."
(37) And David said, "The LORD who delivered me
from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from
the hand of this Philistine." And Saul said to David, "Go, and may the LORD be
with you."
Experiential faith
grows from previous experience with the Lord. It expects the Lord to continue to
do that which He has done in the past. This area of faith always relates to our
walk with the Lord in the past—our experience with Him.
The next area of
faith is what I can word faith. It is based on what God has said
concerning various things. It is believing that God means what He says and will
accomplish His word in the earth. This becomes functional faith when the Holy
Spirit speaks God's word to you. It becomes a “rhema” word; that is, a fresh
spoken word to you. This is exemplified by Abraham who believed that God would
accomplish His word. Even if he killed Isaac, God would raise him from the dead
in order to fulfill His promised word.
Hebrews 11:17-19 NASB By faith Abraham, when he was
tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up
his only begotten son;
(18) it was he to whom it was said,
"IN ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE CALLED." (19)
He considered that God is able to raise people
even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type.
This type of faith
always relates to God's word and His ability to fulfill His word.
All of these areas
of faith comprise aspects of general faith. Faith is believing God. Believing
Him for His actions; believing Him to accomplish His purpose; believing Him
according to His character.
Active faith is
walking moment by moment believing that God has a plan and purpose for you and
that He is working to accomplish this by changing your character, thoughts, and
motivations to conform to His Son in order that you might be a son of God.
Active faith always relates to God's plan and purpose and our place in it. It is
rooted in four key facts.
-
God redeemed us for a purpose (and it
wasn't to just to save us from Hell or that we go to Heaven when we die.) (2
Timothy 1:9)
-
God gave us the Holy Spirit so that we
might have the power to accomplish His purpose. (Acts 1:4-8)
-
God leads us by His Spirit so that we
might be able to function as His sons. (Romans 8:14)
-
God causes all things to work together
for our good because we love Him and are called according
to His purpose. (Romans 8”28)
Active faith
involves knowing that we have received grace and mercy from God. It is knowing
that the past is past and is now forgiven through the blood of Jesus. We confess
our sins as we boldly enter His throne room through the veil of the flesh of
Jesus. We know that we are His sons and that we have purpose in Him both now and
in the future.
Active faith knows
that God is at work in us and in our circumstances to bring us into the fulness
of our inheritance and our purpose, Nothing happens to us by “accident”. All
things are orchestrated by the Lord to work for our good in the end.
Active faith
doesn't just cry out for healing; but, believes God for health and strength. It
doesn't just fight resistance and rebuke the Devil; but, expects to overcome
through the power of the Spirit. It doesn't believe God for comfort and
prosperity; but, believes the Lord will do His work through us and provide the
necessary resources to accomplish it.
Active faith is not
centered in us and our needs, desires, goals, ambitions, comforts, or lifestyle.
It is centered in the plans and purposes of the Lord and our part in them. It is
not dependent on our circumstances or feelings but only on the word and the work
of the Lord.
Active faith always
produces the work of the Lord in us and our circumstances.
James 2:20 NASB But are you willing to recognize,
you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?
James 2:22 NASB You see that faith was working with
his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected;
James 2:24 NASB You see that a man is justified by
works and not by faith alone.
Let us believe God
and let us live our lives in such a way that our belief is reflected in our
works. Let the world and our fellow believers see our active faith for we serve
the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings.
©
2003-2010 by Art Nelson and
Lifestream Teaching
Ministries
Previous issues of Present Truth are on the website: www.Lifestreamteaching.com
For comments or questions contact Art Nelson at this address:
artnelson@lifestreamteaching.com
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