Faith as a Relationship

.... Faith is an indispensable, core element of our walk with God, without which we will never be able to please Him (Hebrews 11:6). But unfortunately, today's version of 'faith' has degenerated into a substitute that tragically misses the Lord's intention, and even frets against it (Luke18:8; 2 Timothy 3:5). So in this article let's return to two basic points that will explain His intention clearly. First, that our faith must have a definite focus; and second, that this focus will turn our faith into a relationship with God.
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.... Let's begin by discussing our focus. When we exercise our faith, we are not simply having confidence in our own ability to believe (faith in our faith, as though our 'faith' itself is a creative force); nor should we be fixated on an expected outcome (which is an attemt to direct God's Spirit -- Isaiah 40:13). It even understates the truth to say that we are having faith in God’s promises. But rather, we are to have faith in God Himself, the One who has promised:

.... "Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments."

(Deuteronomy 7:9)

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.... "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful."

(Hebrews 10:23)
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.... "For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us."

(2 Corinthians 1:20)

.... So the true understanding of faith will always place our focus directly on the the Lord Himself, with a dependance on Him for an outcome that is in harmony with His will. And this illuminates our second point about faith:

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.... True faith should always be understood in the context of a relationship. The very meaning of the Greek word ‘faith’ envisions a relationship, just as we might hear the English word ‘marriage’ and understand a relationship to be involved. In fact, the Greek word for faith (pistis) can also be translated ‘fidelity’ if that helps us see the connection more clearly (see Titus 2:10). And the negative application, based on the same root word (apistou) can be translated ‘infidelity ‘ (2 Corinthians 6:15, 1 Timothy 5:8).

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.... Therefore our faith in God should resemble the intimate, loyal, trusting relationship of a wife toward her husband who loves her dearly:

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.... "For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."

(2 Corinthians 11:2)

.... Thus also, true faith is a response to God, allowing Him to be the leader of our relationship as we submit, trust and follow Him. But when we get this backwards and try to lead Him by our 'faith', it is called presumption. We will discuss this further in our next posting.

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Daily Bible Reading: Romans 10