FAITH: Comes by Hearing the Word of God
Romans 10:2: For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
FAITH: Comes by Studying the Word of God
Ever since Israel returned to their land from Babylonian Captivity, the nation had been cured of idolatry. In the temple and the local synagogues, only the true God was worshiped and served, and only the true Law was taught. So zealous were the Jews that they even “improved upon God’s Law” and added their own traditions, making them equal to the Law. But their zeal was not based on knowledge; it was heat without light. Sad to say, many religious people today are making the same mistake. They think that their good works and religious deeds will save them, when actually these practices are keeping them from being saved. 1
FAITH: Comes by Obeying the Word of God
Galatians 1:14: And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
You can advance in your career. You can advance in your community position. You can advance in your character qualities. Your resume can be filled with zealous accomplishments. But if you do not know the heart of God, and if you have not surrendered to his will, what eternal profit is there for all your earthly advancements?
FAITH: Comes by Experiencing the Transforming Work of God
You can be sincerely devoted to God, but remain sincerely unsaved.
FAITH: Comes by Praying with the Word of God
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment. Philippians 1:9
Dear Father, I pray for more of Your love to abound in me. In Jesus Name, Amen.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, pp. 546–547). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
