Title: Living by Faith (1)
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Psalm 1:1-6
1. Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.
2. But those who delight in the law of the LORD, and meditate on it day and night.
3. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither, and all its events prosper.
4. The wicked are not like that; they are like chaff that the wind blows.
5. Therefore the wicked shall not stand judgment, nor the sinners into the congregation of the righteous.
6. For the way of the righteous is approved by the LORD, but the way of the wicked will be destroyed.
Hebrews 11:1-6
1. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2. The forefathers obtained evidence from this.
3. By faith we know that the whole world was created by the word of God; for what is seen was not made out of things that are seen
4. By faith Abel offered a better sacrifice to God than that of Cain, and received evidence that he was righteous, for God testified of that gift. He died, but by his faith he speaks.
5. By faith Enoch was transferred so that he could not see death, and he was not seen again, because God had removed him.
6. Without faith it is impossible to please him, for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.
Content
Subject: Living by Faith
Text: Psalm 1:1-6, Hebrews 11:1-6
Those who have realized the true love of God only want to live a life that glorifies God. It is to live a life pleasing to God. The old poet sang this as “a life that brings glory to the name of the Lord” (Psalm 29:2; 96:8). The condition is a life lived by faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). The attitude toward worship must be faith. The sacrifice you offer must also be a sacrifice of faith. It is reminiscent of the first sacrifices of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-7). The condition of acceptance (悅納) and rejection (拒否) was this faith (Hebrews 11:4). The condition of Enoch, who walked with God and moved without seeing death, was faith (Hebrews 11:5).
Theologian James Moffett expressed faith in two ways in his book Yesterday. First, he said that the religious life is a crazy life. It is because “the love of Christ is a constraint” (2 Corinthians 5:14). The Apostle Paul also called himself “a man mad for God” (2 Corinthians 5:13). Jesus was also told that he was crazy (Mark 3:21). It's not about losing your temper and becoming a psychopath. It means to be passionate. For a person to be happy, he needs to be zealous enough to entrust himself to something. He pointed out that the second life of faith is a dream. It means concrete hope, not fantasy. Happiness in life also comes to those who have such a dream. A dream view of life is a view of life that looks far ahead without clinging to reality. It is a step toward eternity. We follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit step by step.
There is a saying, “I am as happy as I believe!” When the Lord was on the earth, He was pleased to see people with extraordinary faith. And he blessed that faith. “According to your faith let it be done” (Matthew 9:29). “Daughter, your faith has saved you; go in peace. Be released from your sickness and be well” (Mark 5:34). “Do not be afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:36). “Woman, great is your faith. It shall be done as you wish” (Matthew 15:28). “I have not found such faith in Israel” (Luke 7:9). What will the Lord say when he sees our faith now? Jesus Christ is in us (2 Corinthians 13:5). What are you talking about? Like the saints of old, let's strengthen our faith by receiving the Word of God as the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
The poet who sang ‘The Life of the Blessed One’ points out three things to avoid. It is the counsel of the wicked, the way of sinners, and the seat of the scornful (Psalm 1:1). It is reminiscent of the three trials that Jesus also went through (Matthew 4:1-11). It is a three-time test. It's a pretty rough test. The identity of evil has no surrender. This is because activities were allowed until the judgment of the abyss (Revelation 20:1,3). You must always prepare the shield of faith through the Word (Ephesians 6:16) and the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). This is the only reason we should enjoy the law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night (Psalm 1:2). You will live a life like a tree planted by a stream (Psalm 1:3). This faith comes and grows by hearing (reading) the words of Christ (Romans 10:17). If you confess with your mouth, you will live according to your faith (Romans 10:10). With the mouth, the poet can represent himself with hymns and prayers. The life we live by faith works together for good (Romans 8:28). No matter what you encounter, everything will go well. Hallelujah!