ACTIVATED FAITH ROSS SMITH
(REFERENCES USE AMPLIFIED BIBLE)
Galatians 5:6 FOR [ IF WE ARE] IN CHRIST JESUS, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only FAITH ACTIVATED AND ENERGIZED AND EXPRESSED AND WORKING THROUGH LOVE.
The question often arises as to why we don’t have enough faith to see and do those things scripture portrays as an attending phenomena of the Christian experience. Paul asks the question “IF WE ARE.” Faith is not working for some Christians because they do not have a full understanding of what the Word of God says about faith.
For Faith to be active, the love of God needs to ooze out of us so much that when we walk into a room, people will know we are living in love, it will be like a “sweet smelling savor” And what can then follow will confirm that our faith is in action, for we are all “given a measure of faith” (Romans 12:3) but as yet it would seem to lie dormant, inactive, ineffective, worthless, awaiting our demonstration of the Character of Whom we like to be identified, as “Being in Christ Jesus”.
James 2:20 Are you willing to be shown [proof], you foolish (unproductive, spiritually deficient) fellow, that faith apart from [good] works is inactive and ineffective and worthless?
Since active love energizes faith, the opposite must also be true. The opposite of love is hate, and hate drains faith. Hate, or resentment will sap the strength out of faith. This is what Jesus taught in Mark chapter eleven, “”And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins” (v. 25).” It also is relevant to the participation around The Lord’s Table at communion time. Improper participation, that condition spelt out in Mark 11:25, prohibits the effectiveness of The Table, and in fact has serious deleterious effects on people’s health, if we do not have unity within the body.
Galatians begins to give some clarity on the matter and raises two points which we must confidently demonstrate before we can expect to see the hand of God manifest as it should be.
The first question is, “IF WE ARE IN CHRIST JESUS?” We would be highly indignant if it was suggested otherwise, so maybe I need to have a look at what this involves, to make any adjustments to my life style or behaviour patterns, or dedication/commitment etc. In so doing I will need to debunk some “theologies” that provide excuse for poor performance of Christian dedication and performance.
I am frequently alarmed by those who subscribe to the theory of “Eternal Security” whereby they claim that having been “sealed” they are therefore secure. The evidence of their “Being in Christ Jesus” is clouded or muddied either by their communications, their behaviour, or their lack of fruit.
“DEDICATION IS MEASURED IN RESULTS”
This is the scripture upon which this flawed premise is based.
Ephesians 4:30 “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin). “
Ephesians reinforces this principle in: –
Ephesians 3:17 “That Christ may dwell in your hearts BY FAITH; that ye, being ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN LOVE”.
It is increasingly clear that Faith and Love are inseparable and as such there issues forth an ability to truly represent the Lord Jesus as our “vital necessity” and if we are able to do this then all other matters come down the priority list. And if we persist in our own pursuits, neglecting the “Rooting and grounding”, then we are disqualified.
If we go to Ephesians 1:13 it sets a criterion for our relationship to the Lord,
Ephesians 1:13 “In whom ye also trusted”.
This is a two-way street, not only do we trust God but He must be able to trust us. If our pattern of living does not line up with scriptural principles, then we must ask, “How can He trust us?” And if He cannot trust us then that “seal” is corrupted and questionable as to our eternal destiny.
The expression, “In Christ”, or “In Whom”, or “In Him” forms the very basis for this Epistle. It occurs repeatedly, denoting the intimate vital union through faith between Christ and his true believers the relationship between the members to the head, in virtue of which they not only get the benefit of his atonement, but share His vital influences, and live by faith in the Son of God.
I see the “seal” as referred to above is “The seal of His promise”, not an irreversible insurance policy no matter what I do, and every promise is conditional, like this:-
CONDITION PROMISE
Believe on Jesus Christ You will be saved (John 3:16)
Having faith and [really] believing, Whatever you ask for in prayer
You will receive (Matthew 11:24)
Ask and keep asking It shall be given you (Luke 11:9)
Through the righteousness of faith Promise to Abraham (Romans 4:13)
The outcome of faith and depends Inheriting the promise (Romans 4:16)
[entirely] on faith
Ask and it shall be done If you live in Me (John 15:7)
The book of Hebrews makes it even clearer, and spells out that the deviation from the truth can be either blatant or selfish, see what Hebrews 10:26-27 says and then consider the implications.
Hebrews 10:26-27 For if we go on deliberately (“Blatant” in my terms) and willingly (“Selfish” in my terms) sinning after once acquiring the knowledge of the Truth, THERE IS NO LONGER ANY SACRIFICE LEFT TO ATONE for [our] sins [no further offering to which to look forward]. [There is nothing left for us then] but a kind of awful and fearful prospect and expectation of divine judgment and the fury of burning wrath and indignation which will consume those who put themselves in opposition [to God]
Needless to say, there are so many more examples that you will unearth as you study this principle and have scripture confirm that we are to be totally grounded and absorbed in Christ Jesus if we wish to participate in the enormity of the grace He affords “FOR [IF WE ARE] IN CHRIST JESUS”. It is probably advantageous to revise what this now entails, and this will require your personal evaluation, as it is our own, singular responsibility as to the way we live.
Acts 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
The expression “In Him “means “By Him”; by His initially creating us, and continually sustaining us, our “continued existence” is owing to Him. No words can better express our constant dependence on God. He is the original fountain of life, and he upholds us each and every moment.
The continuance of our lives is owing to Him and the constant influence of His providence, He is our life, and the length of our days. It is not only owing to His patience and pity that our forfeited lives are not cut off, but it is owing to His power, and goodness, and Fatherly care, that we continue to exist. And if we neglect or despise or reject God’s invitation to maintain the profession of our faith then this seal is also broken, the behaviour patterns are in fact another attempt to shame the Christ.
Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
When we are “IN CHRIST JESUS” there is a rejuvenating effect, not just because our faith will have the fuel or energy to be activated, but living in this realm will eradicate “spots and wrinkles”, a necessary qualification for those He is coming back for. A “wrinkle” is simply excess flesh, and this is particularly true in the spiritual sense. The Apostle Paul said, “I die daily”, and so he perpetually crucified any “wrinkle”, or fleshly habit that would hinder his relationship with Christ. And so, the fallacy of “Eternal Security” is further eroded by Hebrews 6.
The Word of God sets the platform for the activation of our faith, it gives us that insight required so that we can operate within the parameters that will on every occasion “Glorify God”.
James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
So much emphasis is misplaced on having faith. We do not have “a measure of faith” (Romans 12:3) to flaunt or gain notoriety, we have faith to believe that even though we are such insignificant individuals that if we align with God’s Word then He will become obvious to the “troops”. Those ministries that major on “deliverance and healing” may attract attention for those seeking the spectacular, but lack the evidence that it is God who is at work, or some other cause, they gratify the senses but fail to glorify God.
Similarly, when we comply with Galatians 5:6 it will not be a “hit and miss” situation, Jesus “healed them all”. But let us not confine our “works of faith” to the “popular and spectacular”, realising that when we function in this dimension WE BECOME RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OUTCOME. We will not “remove mountains” unless there is a God given reason to move that mountain. In “Activated Faith” there is not a trace of “what a good boy am I”.
There would be a lot less call for miracles of healing if we responded positively to the injunctions of scripture. The bible says that “we should be in health and prosper even as our soul prospers” (3 John 1:2). Our participation around the Lord’s table also provides health if we follow the directions of God’s Word, we know “By His stripes we were healed”.
3 John 1:2 (KJV) Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, EVEN AS THY SOUL PROSPERETH.
John did not intend that we misconstrue this verse, his concern “above all things” was that we be prosperous in our soul, then the rest would follow. Jesus loved me enough to die for me, so why should I not love that surrendered and redeemed aspect of my life, and as a consequence use my place in Christ for His glory.
I like the term used by the writers of scripture, such as “ABOVE ALL THINGS”, and I like it for more than one reason. So often our gaze and concentration is on “ALL THINGS” and this leads to detours and disappointments. If we live with anticipation of things “earthly” then we will be restricted to things earthly. If we want to see God work in new ways, then we must be willing to do new things.
Galatians gives four components that are related to “Faith”, and applies a caveat that they are all BASED upon, FOUNDED in, DEPENDENT upon, LOVE.
- ACTIVATED )
- ENERGISED ) BY LOVE
- EXPRESSED )
- WORKING )
“ACTIVATION”, this is like flicking the switch. We can walk around in the dark, but if we want to walk in the light then we have to “activate” the switch. This is a conscious decision that we want more of God, we want light, and we have been given adequate instruction in how to implement the process of drawing near to God. Anyone who will read God’s Word with even a trace of sincerity will be left in no doubt as how to flick the switch.
You may recall the study “ENABLEMENT” and this is a similar function, but in another application, and thoughts from that study seem to parallel Galatians 5:6. The bible says, “If you love Me keep My commandments”, a relatively simple statement with incomprehensible results. KJV Bible uses the word “worketh” for activation, and the original Greek (G1754) MEANS “TO BE ACTIVE, EFFICIENT, EFFECTUAL, FERVENT, BE MIGHTY IN, WORK EFFECTIVELY IN”.
The Word of God living in us provides much of the activation required as seen in: –
Hebrews 4:12 “For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective”
THIS IS THE ENABLEMENT OR ACTIVATION WE NEED TODAY, THE ANIMATION, THE EXCITEMENT, THE ENCOURAGEMENT, THE STRENGTH ……. ALL BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE ENABLEMENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AS WE ACTIVATE OUR FAITH, BY THE ENABLEMENT OF LOVE
“ENERGISED”,
Philippians 4:13 says “I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me”.
That is real energisation, it is not something that can be learned as a procedure, it comes from the intimacy of LOVE which underpins FAITH, and proceeds as the providence of God to faithful servants who are totally committed to honour their Lord.
1 Corinthians 12:1 says it like this, “spiritual gifts (the special endowments of supernatural energy)”.
Paul goes further in Colossians 1:29 stating,
“striving with all the superhuman energy which He so mightily enkindles and works within me”.
Every man needs strength, but nobody has within himself the strength equal to the demands that are made upon him. The Apostle Paul is no exception to this rule but knew that it was Christ Who empowered him. His ministry did not assist Paul’s personal experience but it rendered that experience more difficult and more arduous. Paul, the amazing Paul, was equal to all things only by Christ strengthening him or ENERGISING him.
“EXPRESSED” I am quite confident that the action here is not one of vocal expression, for I see that scripture says: –
James 2:18 But someone will say [to you then], You [say you] have faith, and I have [good] works. Now you show me your [alleged] faith apart from any [good] works [if you can], and I by [good] works [of obedience] will show you my faith.
“Expressed” here can be translated “Evidenced”, and no matter how eloquently we can “bang on” about how much faith we have, the criteria is the “EVIDENCE”. Peter did not simply, or profoundly walk upon the water, rather he walked on “substance.” He had a word – “come.” In faith, he stepped out and walked on this word. He was safe so long as he looked at the Lord, and evidenced his faith in the Word of Jesus.
This is the real “EXPRESSION” of Faith, and again it is not by some great philanthropic largesse, or good works of the flesh, but GOOD WORKS OF OBEDIENCE.
I like the attributes of the “Wisdom from Above” (James 3:17) as expressions of faith, those eight characteristics we are adjured to “EXPRESS” and yet find so alarmingly elusive at the times we are tested. Each one will be startlingly obvious when we can “EXPRESS” the very nature of God as contained in this, the Ethos of God, or God’s character.
It requires the application of Galatians 5:16 which says we have to “walk and live HABITUALLY in the holy Spirit, and if we do this we will surely “EXPRESS” the nature of God.
“WORKING”
Faith, where it is true, is a working grace, it works by love, love to God and love to our brethren. Faith, working by love, is all in all in our Christian experience. Faith has to work, but faith is different to “works” as frequently purported by some. Ephesians 2:9 puts this into perspective, because often what a man accomplishes he requires recognition for, he wants to boast about his achievements. But Matthew clarifies it further in Matthew 6:1, “TAKE CARE not to do your good deeds publicly or before men, in order to be seen by t
So “FAITH WORKING” is that absolute trust and confidence in the Lord, not just mental assent but an unswerving dependence on God. It is the fulfilment of God’s purpose for our lives, and the carrying out of His directions without question. It cannot be more clearly defined than in Ephesians 2:10 “that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us.” It requires obedient implementation of what He has already planned.
This walk is precise, demanding, rewarding, exhilarating, illuminating, reputable, and has a result.
Matthew 5:16 LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE (This is part of the EXPRESSION” … comments mine) before men that they may SEE (1) your moral excellence and your (2) praiseworthy, (3) noble, and (4) good deeds and RECOGNIZE and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.
This is our light shining with such attendant beauty that men will firstly “SEE” but then also “RECOGNISE” that our character is aligned with that of our Lord, they see our moral excellence, which should be an undeniable trait of those who are “IN CHRIST JESUS”, but then the “Working faith” characterised by “praiseworthy, noble, good deeds” will bring these men to a place of acknowledgement of the sovereignty of our Father in Heaven.
A SHINING LIGHT EVIDENCES NO EFFORT, BUT EXPENDS ENERGY.
“Faith working” is “Obedience”, and if we are saved, or as we started out “IF WE ARE IN CHRIST JESUS” then obedience should be as natural as God is supernatural.
Good actions will be seen, and will lead people to honour God. If we have no other way of doing good – if we are poor, and unlearned, and unknown yet we can do good by our lives. No sincere and humble Christian lives in vain. The weakest light at midnight is of use to find our way.
Ephesians 5:11B says “let your lives be so in contrast as to] expose and reprove and convict them.
So, we must address the real foundation for our “Activated Faith”, and that is “LOVE”. This sort of love is not the tacky, feel good, smarmy love, it is deep and hard working love. It has to start in us first, for if we are unable to love ourselves then we will have difficulty loving others. Again, this is not an egotistical appreciation of my good looks and talents, but a realisation that despite my “humanity” God loves me, and then why should I contradict His appraisal.
Now in so saying, He loves the eternal part of me, the part which Jesus redeemed, but in so doing He also cares about my natural state. His providence for my health and well being is rampant throughout scripture, but again is conditional.
And now the crunch comes, none of the above is worth anything if it is not conceived in LOVE. The world’s religions at large have failed to make the impression and imprint upon mankind as Father intended because of the error in the Garden of Eden, the church has functioned mainly as an organisation, not an organism, but in the times we live we have the opportunity and the incentive to rekindle the flame of love into a furnace that will draw men and women to not only recognise God, but want God.
Romans 12:11 Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavour; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord
I can conclude this study by posting a rephrase of 1 Corinthians 13 penned by a lady some years ago, and is the very foundation for our “ACTIVATED FAITH”.: –
1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-8
I will be tolerant…… giving you generous respect
I will be patient with you
I will be kind to you
I will not be envious of you, your achievements, what you have
I will not become jealous
I will not boast of, or exhibit, an exaggerated opinion of my own importance or ability
I will not be conceited or proud or act arrogantly
I will not be rude or act unmannerly towards you
I will not act unbecomingly
I will not insist on my own rights or insist on my own ways, for I will not be selfish
I will not be touchy, fretful or upset
I will not resent anything you do or say
I will take no account and pay no attention to anything you do against me
I will not support you or condone or hold with you in any unrighteous or unjust speaking or doing, but I will rejoice and encourage you when you choose the truth and live uprightly
I will overlook and forgive and cover with silence any and every one of your shortcomings
I will have faith and believe in you
I will pray, hope for, expect and anticipate the very best for you in all circumstances
I will not waiver in my support for you
I will not let you down….. you can count on me (Linda Jeanneret)
Ross Smith 