Explaining Loss (Part 3) - Dynamic Faith
We've been looking at “explaining loss”. That is, why do some people appear to be in the faith, and in church, and then they disappear? They no longer express interest in participating in the things of God. Did they have something, and then they lost it? Or did they never have it all? We've cited the apostle John's conclusion on the matter is that they never had it all (1 John 2:19). This then drives the question, can we know? The apostle Paul challenges believes to “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?(2 Cor 13:5)” Therefore, this is very important to consider. We previously looked at “dead faith” (James 2:14-17) and also what we've termed “demonic faith” (James 2:18,19) which was illustrated by the demons, and their belief, which we noted was accompanied by an “emotional” response -- “shuddered”. Demonic faith could also be coined “emotional” faith.
Now, we want to make it clear that while we can and need to examine our own faith, it is not appropriate or possible to determine what is in another's heart. This is God's Holy task (1 Samuel 16:7). However, The New Testament writers challenge us to carefully consider if our lives reflect a genuine encounter with Jesus Christ. Such an encounter will result in a dynamic and genuine faith that will clearly testify to the in dwelling of the living Christ and the active work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.
James says, “ Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? (James 2:20)” and also “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.(James 2:26)”. What he is saying is that a complete and genuine faith will be demonstrated by actions that prove the reality of the a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. James illustrates this concept with Abraham and Rahab, who when tested, responded with acts of faith. This enables us to see that indeed they believed God. It could be said that our faith justifies us before God, but our works justify us before men. Works are required for a mature, as James says “Do you see how faith worked with his works, and from the works faith was made complete?(2:23)”
We have already stated that to enter into genuine faith requires belief in the truth and the work of the Holy Spirit (2 Thes 2:13). What specifically can we expect if the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives? Let's make a partial list that can be studied personally in further detail:
Another way the work of God is proven in our lives is through adversity. God allows problems and pressures into our lives, so that we can realize His provision, which verifies the reality of His promises. The thorn in Paul's flesh (2 Corinthians 12:8-10) was an opportunity for him to further realize the abundant, powerful, and sufficient provision of Christ's grace. Peter teaches us that trials reveal the genuineness of our faith (1 Peter 1:6,7). Paul echoes a similar idea that our adversaries affirm that we belong to God (Phil 1:28). How we view, cope, and respond to life's difficulties is an opportunity to reveal the inward reality of Christ with works (actions) that prove a genuine and dynamic faith. Our trust in God is on display to a watching world. How is our witness? What is our testimony?
So, a genuine, dynamic faith believes the Gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-5), has the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:2) (with out which one can not say “Jesus is Lord” (1 Cor 12:3)), and exhibits actions consistent with such belief, which are an out working of the Holy Spirit. A True, Genuine, Dynamic Faith will bear the fruit of Good Works in the most diverse situations. Will you trust Him to manifest His promises and provisions in your life, and prove the reality of dynamic faith?