As we mention in our previous article, faith has become an esoteric concept for many in the church. You either have it or you don’t. In some respect, this is understandable. Faith is a gift, right? And the answer is, “Yes, faith is a gift? The Bible says so.”
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God… Ephesians 2:8
But even gifts have to be open…
And used, according to the instructions…
And taken care of (again, according to the instructions).
Imagine someone gave you a car; all you had to do was come down to the dealership and pick it up. Is this wonderful gift yours? Of course. But does it do you any good sitting on the lot? Will it get you to work or take you across the country?
Sitting on the lot, that wonderful gift would be totally ineffectual in taking your friends to church or delivering meals-on-wheels.
What if you went to pick it up without any driving instruction? The wonderful gift would become a dangerous one the minute you put the transmission in drive and let off the emergency brake (assuming you knew how).
And what happens if you failed to maintain your wonderful gift? Eventually, it will become worthless (at least for its intended use) and even dangerous to operate.
As it is with cars, faith comes with an instruction manual for its use – a way, or process, described by God in three basic phases: the hearing of faith, obedience to the faith, and the work of faith. We will search out each of these in this and subsequent articles. But, before we do, allow me to make one additional point:
Salvation is impossible without faith. Grace is God’s part, and He gives us the faith for ours. But faith must be exercised for God’s grace to effectually save someone.
One might argue that this comes naturally to the chosen and elect of God, like something implanted when we are born-again. While that has not been my experience, God’s children are unique. So, read the following with eyes and ears open. The Holy Spirit, as our Teacher and Counselor, will guide us into all truth.
NOTE: The following is adapted from our latest publication, An Enemy Lies Within. Consequently, you will notice quite a bit of attention given to the carnal mind’s opposition to the process, and for good reason: God gave us the process of faith as a weapon against our carnal mind’s deceptions and distractions.
The process of faith includes eight critical steps; each one used by God to edify and empower the person surrendered to Him; each one opposed by our carnal mind. These steps are like links in a chain; each one must be guarded and reinforced.
A word of encouragement to those who would prefer a less analytical approach: force your mind to think; stick with it; dig deeper. You will be blessed.
As we explore the following together, consider the carnal mind’s active resistance in each step. Driven by its enmity with God, it aggressively works to distract us from hearing (steps 1 – 3), to reject or confuse our obedience (4 – 5), and to resist or subvert God’s work towards, in, and through us (6 – 8).
The Hearing of Faith
This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Galatians 3:2
Step One: The Word of God
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
The process of faith begins with the word of God, His rhema: that which is or has been uttered by the living voice, [the] thing spoken (Blueletterbible.org). This includes and transcends the written word of God.
The Bible contains an important subset of the word of God spoken in times past to the prophets and apostles. But that is not the end of God’s word. He still speaks today, that faith may come to those with ears to hear.
We do harm to ourselves and to those we disciple when we limit the sources of God’s word. The Bible records Him speaking through men, women, children, and donkeys. Even the inanimate objects of His creation speak of His majesty and wonder. The wise counsel we are encouraged to seek is not the counsel of men, but of God, spoken (rhema) through an instrument of His righteousness – the mouth of another person.
God’s word will accomplish what He intends (Isaiah 55:11). Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). The Living Word is food for the spiritual health of God’s children (John 6:51). It is only reasonable that we should hunger and thirst after it (Matthew 5:6).
The carnal mind fears the word of God. Consequently, it distracts us during prayer and study and encourages us to “balance” God’s word with reason derived from carnal sources. The carnal mind has stored up a vast library of worldly wisdom, clichés, and anecdotes – all interjected at opportune times to inhibit our spiritual growth.
Action Step: Meditate on the verses referenced here. Listen for the word of God – a distinct word that will become faith to you. Write it down.
Step Two: Ears to Hear
He who has ears to hear, let him hear! Matthew 11:15
Hearing – even for those blessed with ears to hear – is not a passive exercise. As with any conversation, the hearer must give attention to the one speaking (Mark 4:24). Perhaps we do not hear more from God because we fail in this area. Who would continue speaking to someone that is obviously disinterested or unaffected by what is being said?
Hearing God’s voice has been compared to listening to the radio, as if God is continually talking to us, waiting for us to “tune in”. The comparison is preposterous; an insult to the Living God. He is far too relational to communicate in this way. He waits for us to turn a listening ear and attentive mind to His words of faith.
Consequently, the carnal mind seeks to distract, discourage, and discredit. It distracts us with a thousand other thoughts, discourages us when we fail to hear, and discredits God for seemingly ignoring our pleas for attention and asking impossible things of us. The carnal mind seeks to convince us that investment in hearing from our Creator is a waste of time and energy.
Action Step: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the distractions and deceptions of your carnal mind. Ask Him to help you overcome your mutual enemy (Galatians 5:17).
Step Three: Faith Finds a Home
For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10
Faith that comes by hearing must find fertile soil in the heart of a believer. Otherwise, it will be eaten, burned up, or choked out (Matthew 13:18-23). The carnal mind would have us neglect our heart – as so many have. Neglected fields become hardened, produce choking weeds, and invite opportunistic birds.
Hearts left unattended develop doubts. The carnal mind feeds these until they become a mass of brambles and briers, difficult to navigate and seemingly impossible to exterminate (something the carnal mind would have us accept). Many lose hope and settle for soil that yields little kingdom value.
This is a tragic surrender; for God is the Master Gardener (John 15:1-2). He knows how to till and dress a field for the highest yield possible. It is something of an irony (and mystery) that He does so with the word He has already planted there, and the faith it has produced.
If we will but listen to His word, He will remind us of the things He has done (John 16:4). Faith will grow; and He will be glorified.
By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. John 15:8
Action Step: Set aside at least one day to spend alone with God. Separate yourself from the world, as necessary. Take your Bible, a devotional book, and your journal. Force yourself to listen. Don’t allow your carnal mind to discourage your efforts.
The hearing of faith requires discipline. Several spiritual disciplines are encouraged in An Enemy Lies Within
and in an article on the subject. As you might imagine, they include relational prayer and Bible study. Others, such as surrender and worship are also important.
In closing, let me remind you that our heavenly Father enjoys speaking with His children. He has given us ears to hear, and He is waiting for our attention. Go to Him. He is a good, good Father.
God bless you with time to relate to your heavenly Father.
Humbly yours and forever His,
Rob
#iamjustthepen