FAITH: Comes by Hearing the Word of God
Romans 7:19–21: For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good.
FAITH: Comes by Studying the Word of God
The seventh chapter of Romans is a passionate piece of writing. Paul wants us to feel the emotion he experiences in trying to live up to God’s standards in his own strength. And here we have the third pillar of wisdom defined: A believer who tries to please God in his or her own strength will always come to disheartening, aching frustration—always! Moreover, this will happen to “good Christians”—even super-Christians. Paul was perhaps the greatest Christian ever, and this was his experience. He had more theology and passion in his little finger than most of us have in our entire life. Despite this, he sometimes tried to live up to God’s standards on his own. It would be naive to say that after Paul came to an understanding of how sin defeats us through the Law, he never came under bondage again. I personally believe that with time he came less and less under bondage, but he never came to perfection. 1
FAITH: Comes by Obeying the Word of God
Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me. Psalm 119:133
Please teach me to die to myself and to live for You, in Your power and strength.
FAITH: Comes by Experiencing the Transforming Work of God
All my good intentions must be purified in the goodness of His holiness.
FAITH: Comes by Praying with the Word of God
Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. Luke 4:1
Dear Father, I pray now for Your filling and Your leading…in Jesus Name. Amen.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven (pp. 143–144). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
