Day 6 – Faith, Anchored In The Unseen Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1) Faith has its anchor in the unseen realm. It lives from the invisible toward the visible. Faith actualises what it realises. The Scriptures contrast the life of faith with the limitations of natural sight (see 2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith provides eyes for the heart. Jesus expects people to see from the heart. He once called a group of religious leaders hypocrites because they could discern the weather but couldn’t discern the times. It’s obvious why Jesus would prefer people to recognise the times (spiritual climate and seasons) over natural weather conditions, but it’s not quite so apparent why He would consider them hypocrites if they didn’t. Many of us have thought that the ability to see into the spiritual realm is more the result of a special gift than an unused potential of everyone. I remind you that Jesus addresses this charge to the Pharisees and Sadducees. The very fact that they, of all people, were required to see is evidence that everyone has been given this ability. They became blind to His dominion because of their own corrupted hearts and were judged for their unfulfilled potential. ... Faith ... is the nature of life in this family. Faith sees. It brings His Kingdom into focus. All of the Father’s resources, all of His benefits, are accessible through faith. (Quote from When Heaven Invades Earth, pages 43-44) QUESTIONS 1. Due to the fact that faith has its anchor in the unseen realm, how do you describe faith to an unbeliever? 2. What do you think the author means when he says, “Faith actualises what it realises”? What does this statement have to do with how you approach matters that you face in your daily life? 3. How does a person “see from the heart”? What spiritual gifts do we use when we recognise the times and seasons in our lives? 4. How would you rate your ability to see into the spiritual realm? What can uyou do to stimulate the unused potential you still possess? 5. What types of corruption do you face that can make you blind to Jesus’ dominion? What steps might you take to avoid and/or divert from that corruption when it comes your way? 6. If “faith is the nature of life in this family”, as a member of the family, what must you do to cultivate the culture of faith? What kind of commitment do you need to make? MEDITATION “Jesus told us that He only did what He saw His Father do. Such an insight is vital for those who want more. The power of His actions – for instance, the mud in the eye of the blind – is rooted in His ability to see” (When Heaven Invades Earth, page 44). Look up several Scriptures that speak of the focus of our spiritual eyes – Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:2; 2 Corinthians 4:18. Pray that the principles of these verses would be like corrective laser surgery to your spiritual eyes.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 16:40:38 +0000
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