Young Adults' Group

The Rich Faith Of Our Lord Jesus

by Pastor Mark
May 25, 2017

Understanding the faith of our Lord Jesus

This week, the pastoral team was in India for the Youth Camp. The theme of the camp was “The faith of our Lord Jesus.” The author James wrote to challenge the brethren concerning the faith of our Lord Jesus, “My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.” (James 2:1) What does the faith of our Lord Jesus mean? It is a reference to the teachings of the Lord Jesus concerning this faith. It is the faith that the Lord Jesus exemplified in His life and ministry. This faith is also meant for us to have personally. James sought to practically apply this faith of our Lord Jesus to the brethren whom he was writing to. Let us be challenged to have the same faith as our Lord Jesus had.

A rich faith

What is this faith like? James wrote, “Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?” (James 2:5) What can we appreciate about this faith?

1. God chose us to be rich in faith

We have been specially chosen by the Lord. He chose us to become rich in faith. Even if we are poor physically, we can be rich in faith.

2. God made us to be heirs of the Kingdom

One aspect of the riches of our faith in that we are heirs. Through Christ, we become joint heirs with Him. (Rom 8:17) We have an inheritance in the Kingdom of God. Let us appreciate how rich we really are in having a spiritual inheritance in the Kingdom.

The example of a rich faith

Pastor Charles used the example of blind Bartimaeus to exemplify a faith that is rich.

1. Recognising Jesus

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47)

Bartimaeus was a poor and blind beggar. When he heard that Jesus was coming, he cried out calling Jesus the Son of David. He recognised that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of David. He knew that Jesus would be able to show mercy to him and to heal him.

2. Real faith

When Bartmaeus cried out, the people told him to keep quiet. But he cried out even more. (Mark 10:48) His little but real faith caused him to reach out to Jesus. When Jesus stopped and asked for him to be brought to Him, Bartimaeus threw aside his garment. He believed that he was going to be healed by Jesus and he would not need his old garments anymore.

3. Rich faith

When Bartimaeus addressed Jesus, he used the word “Rabboni”. (Mark 10:51) This was a title of endearment. This title was used by Mary when she saw Jesus after His resurrection. This title expresses love for Jesus. Bartimaeus had a rich faith as he loved the Lord.

4. Reward of faith

There was a special reward given. The Lord gave Bartimaeus his sight. (Mark 10:52) It was because of his faith that made him well. This was the special reward that the Lord gave for his faith. Let us understand the faith of our Lord Jesus and how rich it is. Let us appreciate how rich our faith is and to practically apply it in our life and ministry.

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