Young Adults' Group

Walking In The Steps Of Faith

by Pastor Mark
May 27, 2016

The concept of the steps of faith

One way for us to understand our faith is to see it as “steps”. There are definite steps that we can take as we learn to walk in faith.

This was a concept that the Apostle Paul wrote to the brethren in Rome about, “But who also walk in the steps of the faith,” (Rom 4:12) The Greek word for “steps” is “ichnos” which means “footsteps” rather than the steps of a staircase. The use of the article before faith indicates that this faith is something that is objective…the kind of faith that Paul had been writing about in his epistle. This objective faith has certain definite steps that we should walk according to. Let us be challenged to walk in these faith steps.

The example of Abraham

In order to understand what these steps of the faith are, Paul used the example of Abraham, “But who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.” (Rom 4:12)

What were some of the steps of faith that Abraham took? He understood God and the promises that were given to him. He was able to believe in those promises…even though he may not have received them totally. Abraham was able to apply his faith in the context of his life such as the sacrificing of his son when God asked him to.

Yet we recognise that Abraham was not a perfect example. He still had struggles and difficulties in his life and in the context of his family. He took definite steps of faith which we may appreciate that were significant enough for Paul to highlight as an example.

The example of the Lord Jesus

The Apostle Peter also wrote of these steps of faith. But the example that he highlighted was a far more significant one. It was the Lord Jesus Himself, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” (1 Peter 2:21)

The word “example” in Greek is “hypogrammos”. It literally means “a person who writes under”. Teachers used to write dotted guidelines for students to practise writing letters. The Lord Jesus is seen as the guideline for us to follow. What were the footsteps of the Lord Jesus that we should follow?

1. The Lord Jesus cultivated a deep and close relationship with His Father.
2. He had the knowledge of God’s will which He fulfilled completely.
3. He sought to serve as One who was sent to be the Servant of the Lord.
4. He had great purpose in His life which He sought to pursue.
5. He suffered much pain and sacrificed His life to the point of death.

These were some outstanding steps of faith that the Lord Jesus took in His life and ministry…of which suffering was one step of faith. Let us be challenged to emulate the “steps” that the Lord Jesus has exemplified to us. Let us be challenged to follow closely the Lord Jesus in His steps.

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