Walk

by

Faith

Introduction

2 Corinthians 5:7

We walk/live by faith
and not by sight

Truth vs Perception
A contrast between truth and perception
What we know to be true and what we perceive to be
true

Truth
Truth is that which is consistent with the mind,
will, character, glory, and being of God. Even
more to the point:Truth is the self-expression of
God.
-John McCarthy, 2008
Perception
Perception is the ability to see, hear, or become
aware of something through the senses.

The Struggle
Lack of faith finds its basis
Following our perception of what is
truth rather than what we know to
be true.
Situation: you lost your job
- Perception: God doesnt care; consider
gambling
- Truth: God does care. Seek Him He
provides options and direction

Faith
Is faith belief without proof?
Faith is complete trust in
someone or something.
N.B That trust or confidence we
have in God is built up over time as
He proves himself faithful time and
time again.

Faith
Christianity is faith based
Faith in the finished work of Christ revealed
in the Word of God. His Life, death, burial
and resurrection (salvation).
We are called to believe in the Word of God
Romans 10:10
For it is with your heart that you believe and are
justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your
faith and are saved.

The Conflict
It does not match up to our perception
of reality
How does faith in Jesus make us righteous before
God?
Am I truly born again? If yes, why has not there be
any physical changes to this new life?

Do our lives reflect our belief in God?

Do you think the way we live, tells
others of our faith in God?
N.B. 2 Corinthians 3:2, you yourselves are
our letters, written on our hearts and read by
everybody

Contributing Factors
We dont know the God we
profess
we may know of Him

Daniel 11:32, With flattery he will

corrupt those who have violated the
covenant, but the people who know
their God will firmly resist him.
King James Version will do great
exploits

Daniel 6
Darius king of Medes conquered the Babylonians
and killed Belshazzar (Daniel 5:30)
Daniel was appointed as one of the three
administrators over the satraps (Daniel 6:1-2)
He was blameless (Daniel 6:4)
120 satraps along with the other 2 administrators
stood against Daniel (Daniel 6: 4-6)
Daniel took a stand
N.B In order to take a stand for a cause; it
takes faith in something or someone
(Prince Sano)

Lessons from Daniels

Stance
Continue believing God, or give into fear
Use the opportunity to experience Gods
deliverance, or become a mockery of the
faith he knew
Walk by faith of live by sight

Contributing factors
1. We dont know the God we profess
2. Distraction from the world, the
devil and the flesh

The world
By the world is meant the accepted wisdom of the
unbelieving world and the culture in which we find
ourselves. In other words they are anti God
Naturalism everything arises from natural
properties
Materialism matter is the fundamental substance in
nature. All phenomena ( including mental and
consciousness) are as a result of material interactions.
Skepticism - applying critical reason and thinking to
determine validity most dont believe in miracles
Atheism disbelief or lack belief in the existence of
God or gods
Relativism, agnosticism etc.

The Devil
The devil refers to satan and his horde of
evil spirits who excite and entice us
through the world and our senses.

N.B These things all afflict us and cause us

to struggle with faith.

Developing Faith
1. The need for constant reminder
Faith builds up when we continuously hear the word
of God (Gods revelation) (Romans 10:17)

2. The need for constant prayer

The more time spent with God in prayer is the more
we learn to hear his voice. (John 10:27)

3. The need for constant worship

Acknowledging who God is and respond to him
according to his worth (Isaiah 6:1-5).

4. The need for constant witnessing

helps in reminding us of our purpose (Acts 1:8)
To make Christ known

Demonstrates our faith/belief in God

You believe and that is why you want to share it