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"That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, that you, being rooted and grounded in love…"

Text: Ephesians 3:17

THE EXERCISING OF OUR FAITH

The subject of “faith” is another major theme in Paul’s theological vocabulary. To Paul, the concept of faith is a dynamic one. Let us consider how faith actually works.

1. Faith as a body of objective knowledge

a) Knowledge of God’s blessings through redemption in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14)

b) Knowledge of salvation by grace in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-17)

c) Access to God through salvation in Christ (Ephesians 2:18-22)

i) All sins are forgiven.

ii) Redemption is made a reality in Christ.

d) Revelation of God’s plan for all believers (Ephesians 3:1-12)

i) Gentiles are on par with Jews.

ii) There is genuine equality before God.

2. Faith as a subjective response to the revelation of God

a) One has to believe in the blessings of God promise.

b) One has to exercise faith in order to find salvation in Christ.

c) One has to exercise faith to enjoy the means of access to God made available.

d) One has to exult in God’s revealed plan (as Paul did).

3. Faith as a continuing instrument of relating to God

Faith was ever meant to be exercised! It was never meant to be static or dormant. One must continue to exercise faith in life and ministry.

a) This faith is exercised through dwelling on the Word of God.

b) It is exercised again in prayer.

c) It continues to be exercised as we live out our belief in life.

It is through this dynamic understanding of faith that we appreciate what it means to have Christ dwell in our hearts through faith.