What does "faith in the Lord Jesus" mean in your daily life? Setting the Scene: Faith the Apostles Could Hear About Ephesians 1:15 records, “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.” Paul speaks of a faith so evident it echoes through Asia Minor. That same faith is meant to ring out from everyday believers today. Defining Faith in the Lord Jesus • Trusting completely in who Jesus is—fully God, fully man, risen Lord (John 20:28; Colossians 2:9). • Relying on what He has accomplished—substitutionary death and bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Submitting to His ongoing authority—He is “Lord” (Romans 10:9) and directs every arena of life. • Expecting His promises to hold firm—His presence, provision, and return (Hebrews 10:23). Daily Expressions of a Living Faith 1. Continual Dependence • Beginning each task conscious that “apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). • Leaning on prayer instead of self-confidence (Philippians 4:6-7). 2. Obedient Choices • Measuring decisions by Jesus’ teaching (Luke 6:46-48). • Turning from sin quickly, trusting His cleansing (1 John 1:9). 3. Joy under Pressure • Viewing trials as arenas for proven faith (James 1:2-4). • Resting in Christ’s peace rather than circumstances (John 14:27). 4. Active Love • Serving fellow believers sacrificially (Galatians 5:13). • Guarding words and attitudes to build up others (Ephesians 4:29). 5. Courageous Witness • Speaking of the gospel with confidence that Jesus saves (Acts 4:12, 29-31). • Living distinctively so deeds match words (Matthew 5:16). 6. Ongoing Growth • Feeding on Scripture as daily bread (Matthew 4:4). • Yielding to the Spirit, producing His fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). Faith and Love: Inseparable Partners Paul links “faith … and love for all the saints.” Genuine trust in Jesus produces love because: • We share His nature (2 Peter 1:4). • Love completes faith’s purpose (Galatians 5:6). • The world recognizes disciples by this love (John 13:35). Fuel for Perseverance • Faith shields against fiery darts (Ephesians 6:16). • It anchors hope in unseen realities (Hebrews 11:1). • It readies believers for Christ’s reward (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Practical Rhythms to Cultivate Faith • Begin mornings with Scripture meditation, fixing eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). • Pause throughout the day for brief acknowledgments of His presence (Proverbs 3:5-6). • End evenings recounting evidences of His faithfulness (Psalm 92:1-2). • Engage weekly in corporate worship, strengthening shared faith (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Serve intentionally, letting love for saints stretch comfort zones (1 Peter 4:10-11). Faith in the Lord Jesus is far more than mental assent; it is a vibrant, observable reliance that shapes priorities, attitudes, and relationships every single day. |
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