As the children of God and the followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to “live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Phil 1:27). This is indeed a high calling toward an exciting life of “stardom” (Phil 2:15b). One of dangers of living with this goal in mind is that many of us gradually tend to focus on our outward behaviors and to measure our relationship with God according our accomplishments.
But the Bible teaches us a markedly different way of relating to God and of being His children. This way is to believe in what God says and trust in God’s goodness. This is the way of faith. Abraham is the primary example of faith, as Paul presents in Romans 4:
1 What then shall we say that Abraham, the forefather of us Jews, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to anyone who works, their wages are not credited to them as a gift, but as an obligation. 5 However, to anyone who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.
13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.
God promised to make Abraham great, to give him countless descendants, and to make him a blessing to the whole world (Gen 12:1-3; 15:1-5). Abraham believed God’s promise (Gen 12:4a; 15:6). Beyond that, Abraham didn't do anything special for God. He didn’t have to keep God’s law, since the law came 400 years later. He was not even circumcised (Gen 17).
Yet, God considered Abraham righteous. It means that Abraham had a right standing before God or a right relationship with God. He was considered righteous (justified) simply because of his faith (v3 & Gen 15:6).
To be religious, to be spiritual, to have a right relationship with God, is to believe in God’s promises and to trust in God’s goodness in this journey of ours called life.
What are God’s promises to us?
We are promised an abundant life when we accept Jesus (Jn 10:10).
We are promised forgiveness if we confess our sins (1Jn 1:7-9).
We are promised a life of peace, joy, love … if we are guided by the Spirit (Gal 5:16-23).
We are promised _____________ (so many more examples in Scripture)
How can we trust in God’s goodness rather than relying on our own accomplishments?
Only those who are secure in love can live a trusting life. We need to remain in the love of Christ (Jn 15:9). To do so, we need to know God’s promises from His Word and to hear from God afresh until we are 100% sure of our identity as a child of the gracious heavenly Father (no longer living as an orphan, not relating to God as though we were employees of a demanding boss).
Those who are trusting God will give up control and follow and obey God’s commands. And this is the way of faith.
Take a minute to pray to God, ask Him to reveal His love clearly to you, and obey His leading for today.
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