FAITH IS ACTIVE

Pastor Mark referenced Hebrews 11:1 this past Sunday: (ESV) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  Having faith is not only internally passive to one’s life. The conviction mentioned here creates actions which manifest the presence of faith.  Believing and applying the Word of God changes your life.  James says as much in James 2:17-18 (ESV) So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.  But someone will say “You have faith and I have works.”  Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 

Similarly, Paul recognizes the believer’s actions, which are created by faith.  These actions affect people with whom the believer interacts and he says as much in his first letter to the Thessalonians in chapter 1 (ESV): 6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.

Faith is not merely belief; it is something that changes you. Faith makes you turn from what is wrong to what is right.  Faith will turn you from the worship of idols (whatever yours may be) to God.  What happens is that there is a discovery of the beauty, the glory and greatness of God, and seeing it, wanting it, and recognizing how cheap and shallow are the idols, one quickly becomes willing to forsake those things with which he/she has been trying to satisfy a deep yearning within but to no avail.

That is how people are changed by faith. Idols are cast aside and a new life begins.