FIRM FAITH IN CHRIST - PART 2

FRIDAY 20 MAY 2022

When I think about a Christian who has a firm faith in Christ, what comes to mind is that they've developed their faith to a solid level, certain and unyielding in demonstration, resolution and character. A firm faith is a reliable faith in Christ and a sure-fire means of prevailing in trials and sustaining divine attention in any situation. The Bible reported the same about Abraham: "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God" (Romans 4:20 KJV).

Notice that the book of Romans was specific about the quality or texture of Abraham's faith: "strong in faith." The Scripture didn't just say, "he was in faith." Of course there are many Christians who are in faith, but not strong in faith. 'Strong in faith' denotes - firm faith in Christ. If you are not strong in faith in any situation you face in life, it means that you could resign yourself to any outcome being determined by fate.

Reference: Colossians 2:6-7 New International Version (NIV) "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

In part one of this very topic, I shared about how to be rooted and built up in Christ, pointing out through the Scriptures, the broad distinction between 'being rooted' and 'being built up' in Christ. Today I will continue by careful remarks, on how we get strengthened in the faith, according to our referenced Scripture.

The phrase, "To be strengthened in the faith" suggests an intensified confidence in Christ and the process by which it is secured, which give rise to firm conviction or strong faith. Our faith in Christ can be challenged by sickness, hard and uncertain times, trouble, crisis, persecution and all manner of circumstances. However, with the process of such challenges, comes the opportunity to strengthen our faith in Christ. Also note that we're strengthened in the faith as "we were taught", which means, "according to the truth we receive from the Word."

In fact, here's what the Bible says: "So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world" (1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT). Simply put, strong faith is a product of variety of trials, which was faced and overcome.

Do you think you have a weak faith? Is your faith wavering? Are you concerned or troubled about it? Here's what to do: Get to the Word and fill yourself with God's truth. Romans 10:17 reads, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (NKJV). God's Word will feed and nourish your faith and also build you up on the basis of your identity in Christ. Moreover, in the act of feeding on the Word, your faith will get tested and its certain, except you're not living or walking by faith. But here's the benefit of the test, if you remain faithful to the end: "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast" (1 Peter 5:10 NIV). Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Matthew 21:21; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Colossians 3:16; 2 Thessalonians 2:15.

Guided Prayer: Heavenly Father, my heart is full of joyous expressions because I have received and developed a strong faith in Christ, which has higher capacity for higher life, gifts and possessions. I'm strengthened in my inner man by the Word of grace and my faith actions effectively induce a positive change in any unfavourable situation. I'm grateful for lavishing your Spirit on me, who empowers me to grasp the Word and comply with your will, thereby fulfilling my glorious destiny with firm faith in Christ in Jesus' Name, Amen!