Live by Faith

 

 

For I say, through the grace given to me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.

—Romans 12:3 (AKJV)

 

God has given every believer “the measure of faith.” There are no different measures of faith. God doesn’t give one believer greater faith than another believer. When we were saved, we all received an equal amount of faith. The problem many believers have is not that they lack faith. They just haven’t allowed the Word to renew their minds until they believe what is theirs (Romans 12:2). They don’t know how to exercise the measure of faith they have been given.

 

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

—Galatians 2:20 (KJV)

 

Paul said that he lived his life by the faith of the Son of God. Since each believer has been given the same measure of faith as Paul, then we all have the faith of the Son of God. The life we live is meant to be lived by the faith of Christ that is ours—not by our human feelings. His faith is full of God’s power and grace. When we live out of our feelings, we are hindered by the emotions of what we experience in this life. When fear robs us of peace, it is not from a lack of faith. We experience the result of our minds not being renewed to understand the faith that is ours in Christ. 

 

We have to “sober” up and be “clear-headed” about the measure of faith we have been given—not thinking more highly or lowly of ourselves than another Christian. God wants us to have a correct understanding of who we are in Christ. The faith we have is a gift that every believer has. Some experience greater benefit from their faith than others because they have exercised it and allowed God’s truth to renew their minds. They believe in the promises God has given them in His Word, and they also realize it is only the grace of God that makes it possible for them to receive anything.

 

I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

—Romans 12:1-2 (AKJV)

 

In the same way that a switch allows electricity to flow, our minds choose to allow the measure of faith that is ours to renew our thoughts and attitudes. If we don’t allow our minds to be renewed by the truth of what is ours in Christ, we won’t exercise the faith Christ has given us. Paul lived by the faith of the Son of God. Like Paul, we have the faith of the Son of God, but that faith won’t benefit our lives until we renew our minds with the Word. 

 

Don’t conform to the world’s understanding. It is not grounded in truth. Be transformed to believe what the Word says is true so you will live what is the good, perfect, and acceptable will of God.

 

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

—Romans 10:17 (NKJV)

 

Hear the Word of God. Be renewed in your mind with its truth until you believe in your heart that you are who Christ says you are. You have the faith of Christ living in you. 

 

Lord, I may say I am not my own but I must believe I am yours. Keep convincing me. Keep renewing my mind to believe the faith you have given me. I don’t live what my feelings declare. I walk by faith and not by sight. The life I now live I live by the faith of the Son of God who gave His life for me. 

 

© 2022 Lynn Lacher

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