- Key Verse
- As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. When he heard the noise of the crowd going past, he asked what was happening. They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by. So he began shouting, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" "Be quiet!" the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder... Jesus said, "All right, you can see! Your faith has healed you." (Luke18:35-42 NLT)
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Central Truth
It is not enough to simply believe in the promises of God, faith requires action.
Reflections
In Luke 18:35-42 the Bible documents the miraculous healing of the blind beggar. There is an important principle that was followed here which allowed the beggar to receive his sight. Not only did he believe that Jesus could heal him, but he also acted on that belief by desperately calling out for Jesus' attention as he passed by. It is evident that the beggar knew who Jesus was when he called out "Son of David," a title for the Messiah. It is obvious he believed that Jesus could heal him. But his faith propelled him into action.Faith is confidence or assurance, while belief is something accepted as truth. If there is one area that Satan will attack in the life of a believer, it is your confidence. What you do not have in confidence, you will never have in reality. Faith comes out of hearing and reading the word of God. No word, no faith. Little word, little faith. Much word, much faith! In Proverbs 4 it says "Attend to my word, let not that word depart from before your eyes." How can we develop confidence in something or someone we don't spend time with?
Just to believe though is not enough. Faith is acting out on the word of God that you believe. These two principles must both be present in order to receive from God. It's like a person who is thirsty believing that if they drink some water they will not die. That belief is true. But the belief will not save them, it is only when it is partnered with the action of actually drinking the water. The blind beggar believed that Jesus could heal him and then acted in faith on that belief by calling out to Jesus as he was passing by. (See also Matt. 17:20) And so the Bible is just like a bag of seed. Once planted, the seed must be continually watered by speaking the promise over it until the harvest is ready. Activate your faith today by speaking the promises of God out loud with your mouth!
Discussion Questions
1. What are you believing God for today?2. Do you know what God's word has promised you in relation to your need?
3. Have you both believed and acted in faith regarding this need?
If not, what steps can you take today to partner both belief and faith?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Trinity Assembly.
March 29, 2010 07:56 PM
This scripture and questions were the needed combination of faith and works, combined together. This scripture and devotion should encourage and promote a spirit of expectation in every christian. Faith is the key to improving your relationship with God, as well as; seeing God do above and beyond our expectant.