Topical Bible: Faith by It Saints: Walk

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Introduction

The concept of "walking by faith" is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing a life lived in trust and obedience to God. This entry explores the biblical foundation of walking by faith, highlighting the examples of saints who exemplified this principle. The Berean Standard Bible provides the scriptural basis for this exploration.

Biblical Foundation

The phrase "walk by faith" is derived from 2 Corinthians 5:7, where the Apostle Paul writes, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." This verse encapsulates the essence of living a life that relies on spiritual conviction rather than physical evidence. Walking by faith involves trusting in God's promises and His character, even when circumstances are uncertain or challenging.

Old Testament Examples

1. Abraham: Known as the "father of faith," Abraham's life is a testament to walking by faith. In Genesis 12:1-4, God calls Abraham to leave his homeland and go to a land He would show him. Despite not knowing the destination, Abraham obeys, demonstrating his trust in God's promise. Hebrews 11:8-10 further commends Abraham's faith, stating, "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place he would later receive as an inheritance."

2. Moses: Moses' leadership of the Israelites out of Egypt is another profound example. Hebrews 11:24-27 highlights Moses' faith, noting that "by faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible." Moses' reliance on God's guidance, despite the daunting challenges, exemplifies walking by faith.

3. David: King David's life, particularly his confrontation with Goliath, illustrates faith in action. In 1 Samuel 17:45-47, David declares his trust in the Lord's deliverance, saying, "I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts." David's confidence in God's power, rather than his own strength, underscores his faith-driven walk.

New Testament Examples

1. The Apostles: The early apostles, including Peter and John, demonstrated walking by faith through their ministry and witness. In Acts 4:19-20, when commanded to stop preaching about Jesus, Peter and John respond, "We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard." Their unwavering commitment to their mission, despite persecution, reflects their faith.

2. Paul: The Apostle Paul is a quintessential example of walking by faith. His missionary journeys, chronicled in the Book of Acts, reveal a life dedicated to spreading the Gospel despite immense hardships. In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul writes, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God's heavenly calling in Christ Jesus," showcasing his forward-looking faith.

3. The Early Church: The early Christian community, as described in Acts 2:42-47, lived by faith through their devotion to teaching, fellowship, and prayer. Their communal life, marked by generosity and unity, was a testament to their faith in Christ's teachings and promises.

Theological Implications

Walking by faith is not merely an abstract concept but a practical, daily commitment to live according to God's will. It involves a continual reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength. As Hebrews 11:1 states, "Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This assurance and certainty empower believers to navigate life's uncertainties with confidence in God's sovereignty.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, walking by faith means trusting God in every aspect of life, from personal decisions to broader societal challenges. It requires a deep, personal relationship with God, nurtured through prayer, scripture study, and community fellowship. By emulating the examples of biblical saints, Christians are encouraged to live lives marked by faith, hope, and love, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 4:12
And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 5:7
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Saints and Faithful
... Only remember if the 'saints in Ephesus' are to be 'in ... Walk straight up, with your
head erect, looking to the ... Keep in the fortress by loyal faith, by humble ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/saints and faithful.htm

The Perseverance of the Saints
... always feel this full assurance of faith and certainty ... testimonies of Scripture and
the examples of the saints. ... He has ordained, that they who walk therein may ...
/.../anonymous/synod of dort/the perseverance of the saints.htm

Hooker -- the Activity of Faith; Or, Abraham's Imitators
... faith of Abraham, that man that followeth the footsteps of the faith of Abraham ... shall
be but a word or two; that if all the saints of God must walk in the ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/hooker the activity of.htm

Prayer and Faith (Continued)
... Christ in heaven, the preparation for His saints which He ... But they, who in unswerving
faith and unceasing prayer, wait ... run, and are not weary, do walk, and not ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ii prayer and faith continued.htm

The Communion of Saints.
... For if all Saints have Communion with God, it follows that ... are all the children of
God by faith in Christ ... say we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter x the communion of.htm

Waiting Faith Rewarded and Strengthened by New Revelations
... to make us perfect if we will walk before Him ... The world is fond of laughing at 'saints,'
but Christians ... though they were'; and it is wisdom, faith, and humility ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture k/waiting faith rewarded and strengthened.htm

All who Walk According to Truth are Children of God.
... Instructor: Book I Chapter V."All Who Walk According to ... to Christ," [1071] whether
as children or saints, but to ... all attain to the unity of the faith, and of ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter v all who walk according.htm

The Communion of Saints.
... of the excellencies of Christ, or with Comrie walk in the ... it is evident that the
activity of faith must have ... result: that there is in all God's saints but one ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxv the communion of saints.htm

Concerning the Honour Due to the Saints and their Remains.
... For I will dwell in them, said God, and walk in them ... power of God and the honour
which He accords His saints. ... in the hope of the resurrection and in faith on Him ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xv concerning the honour due.htm

The Eleventh Chapter: the Body of Christ and Sacred Scripture are ...
... shall come by Your grace. Meanwhile I will walk in faith, strengthened
by the example of the saints. I shall have, besides, for ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the eleventh chapter the body.htm