Introduction
“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13, ESV)
In 1 Corinthians 13:13, we read that there are three that remain. These are faith, hope, and love. 1 Corinthians 13 is known as the great Bible chapter on love. There is hardly a wedding I officiate where this chapter is not read. While the chapter is all about love, the Apostle Paul says that faith and hope also remain.
As we talk about 40 Things NOT to Give up for Lent, it would appear that these three (faith, hope, and love) are ideal candidates to top of the list. During this first half week of Lent, we will take a deeper look at these three. We will start off with faith.
“He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”” (Matthew 17:20, ESV)
Jump
“Jump! You can do it! Daddy will catch you!” I tried to convince my son to jump into the pool. But fear had seized him. He would not do it.
I negotiated some more. I told him I would not let him sink. I talked about the fun he would have. He just needed a little faith.
Then that daring moment came. He screamed. He jumped. He made a splash. I caught him. It was scary. It was thrilling. It was exhilarating.
Almost as soon as he jumped into the water, he was back out of the pool ready to jump in again. All it took was a little faith, and he was hooked.
Jesus says, ‘with a little faith you can move the mountains.’ It might seem impossible to move a mountain. There may be many things holding you back from moving a mountain, but at the top of the list is lack of faith. Without faith it is impossible.
Faith makes possible the impossible. It opens the door to possibility. It was impossible for my son to jump into the pool without faith. As soon as he mustered the faith, it became possible. And he did it! The truth is that you can accomplish so much more when you believe.
Leap Beyond Knowledge and Belief
If we are to jump, it is important to understand the difference between knowledge, belief, and faith. Knowledge, belief, and faith are related, but faith is a leap beyond.
I can have knowledge of God, but not believe in God. You may have knowledge of the Boogie Man, but the does not mean you believe he exists. Many people with knowledge of the Bible, but don't believe it to be true. Knowledge is foundational for belief, but it does not guarantee belief.
Neither is belief the same as faith. I may believe in God, but that is not the same as trusting in God. I may believe that God exists. I may believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. But I still may live in fear. Before he jumped, my son believed I would catch him, but he did not have the faith to take the leap. He was too afraid before he found faith.
Faith has an Object
Faith always has an object. The object of Christian faith is Jesus. It is more than faith in faith itself. Christian faith is more than believing that if I think happy thoughts that everything is going to be okay.
I trust that Jesus is all I need. I put my life and salvation in his hands. I live obedient to his Word because I trust that God’s way is the best way. I am convinced I will not sink because I am convinced he will catch me.
It was not blind optimism that eventually led my son to take the leap. He jumped because he had faith in his dad. His faith had an object. And Jesus desires to be the object of your faith.
Are you ready to jump? Do you believe God will catch you? Faith may seem like a dangerous business. But when you finally jump, you will wonder what you were waiting for. I believe God is inviting you to jump today. What are you waiting for? You can do it. Jump!
Reflection
- How is faith in God evident in your life? Where do you lack faith?
- What builds faith?
- Where is God inviting you to jump? A new business? Asking her to marry you? Volunteering for that leadership position at church?
- Pray to ask God to increase your faith. Share your comments.
Susan Marcinko says
Absolutely love your General email posts and your 40 things NOT to give up. God has been telling me literally to “Jump” and the first item on your list today is Faith. I pray I can understand what the Lord is asking me to do and where to “jump”. I’ve been praying for discernment on this for many weeks. Have a blessed day! Thank you!
Michelle K says
Pastor Phil, thank you for sharing both “40 Things”. A friend recommended to me last year and I completed the other series last year. I am excited to begin your “Not” and love that the first day is faith. In time with Jesus, he has told me to “Jump!” before. He helped heal major heart wounds of my past and it has been a great journey to trust in him. I must surrender every day to Him and trust Him each day for manna only lasts for a day at a time. Have a very awesome Lent season.