Young Adults' Group

A Lifestyle Of Faith

by Pastor Mark
May 12, 2016

The application of faith

Faith is an important part of our life. We should see faith as something not only for our understanding but that must be applied into the context of our life.

If we have a faith that is not applied to our life, then that faith is only theoretical and does not help us very much.

A genuine and sound faith is one that can be applied into our life. This is where faith becomes real and alive. Let us seek to apply our faith into our life.

The specific application of faith

“By faith” (Hebrews 11:4-31)

From our study of Hebrews 11, we learn about how these heroes of faith applied their faith. A constant refrain that we read is the phrase “by faith”. The Greek word is “pistei”. There is the use of the dative case which would indicate that faith was being used instrumentally. It is by means of faith that these great heroes were able to do what they did.

“By faith” would also indicate that there is the specific application of faith. There are different events or occasions in which each person was able to apply their faith. The author of Hebrews listed for us the specific points in each person’s life where they were able to apply faith. They may not have been able to apply faith all the time as there were times of unbelief but in these specific occasions that were listed down, they were able to do so. Let us seek to apply our faith at those specific times of challenges in our life.

The application of faith as a lifestyle

“We walk by faith” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

For the Apostle Paul, he sought to apply faith in a more significant manner. He applied faith as a lifestyle. In his letter to the Corinthian church, he declared, “We walk by faith.” In this instance, Paul used a different Greek phrase “dia pisteos” which means through faith. The application of faith is seen as a constant. From the beginning through to the end, faith is being applied. Paul is not looking at specific situations to apply our faith. He was looking at faith as a manner of life.

This was Paul’s understanding as to how we should walk in this life. It is to walk by faith throughout our entire life. Faith should be our consistent way of life rather than just for specific moments of life. Let us be challenged to apply faith as a lifestyle.

The challenge to have a lifestyle of faith

How are we applying our faith? For many of us, we may be applying faith on different occasions…in moments here and there.

But Paul’s challenge is for us to apply our faith in all aspects of our life. Faith becomes part and parcel of our lifestyle. Whether it is in life or in death, faith is being applied. Whether it is in good or bad times, faith continues to be applied.

Let us be challenged to choose to apply our faith throughout our life. Let us make faith a real part of our life and ministry.

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