I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
What does it really mean to “live by faith”? Is it trying really hard not to sin? Is it getting all the rituals, prayers, and sayings correct every day? What is ‘faith’? Trust? Belief? Or is it something else or more? The Greek word for faith here is pistis. The word comes from peitho meaning persuasion, i.e. Credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself — assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity. Faith is always a gift from God, and never something that can be produced by people. In short, faith for the believer is “God’s divine persuasion” – and therefore distinct from human belief (confidence), yet involving it. The Lord continuously births faith in the yielded believer so they can know what He prefers, i.e. the persuasion of His will.
Faith is ALWAYS A GIFT FROM God. Faith is NOT something you can generate on your own. So how does one live by faith? It comes in the surrender to it. Recognizing what He has placed in you and asking Him to help you surrender to His will and plan for your day, week, month, and life … each day. It is about relationship and communication NOT ritual or rules. It isn’t really about anything man made. Pistis is PLACED within you by God! It truly is a GIFT and a fruit of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:9. Galatians 5:22)
Faith REQUIRES hearing and relationship.
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17
Does He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— Galatians 4:5
What is the Word of Christ? Here the word “Word” is rhema. This is the ‘spoken’ Word by the living ‘Voice’ of God to your heart / your inner person. It is usually scripture being ‘enlightened’ by the Holy Spirit – to your heart and mind. Revelation. Inspiration. Understanding. This is done THROUGH the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit. Are you hearing Him? Are you taking the time to even ‘listen’ to Him? When He speaks to your heart that is when ‘faith’ is implanted. What are you supposed to do then? Trust Him, believe Him, surrender to Him, and step out and DO what He is asking you to do. That is by the ‘persuasion of His will’. You will know His will for you through the personal prompting and direction of the Holy Spirit. Relationship NOT ritual.
Living by faith each day now is the way we should be living and moving throughout our day. Listening to Him. Obeying His small prompts. Praying WITH Him. Being ever aware of His voice within you. Having a heart and attitude of surrender to Him at all times.
Father… thank you. Thank you… Jesus. Thank You… Holy Spirit. Thank you for your Word (Logos AND Rhema). Help me hear You even more clearly today. I love You Lord!