Order of Faith

John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

Now that we have establish a priority in having a relationship with God the Father it seems fair to ask what is next. If we are seeking to walk by faith and faith is in question, then how did Jesus demonstrate faith? I believe that His method is outlined here in John 5:30.

Perhaps the second step is shown in setting aside self-interest in favor of God’s will. Our life before Christ was filled with self-interest. What’s in it for me? How do I get what I want? How do I get ahead? How can I survive in this competitive world? How can I succeed?

If this is true, and I believe it is true, faith is to be used to seek God, please God, and to do His will. Note that this is about kingdom living and allowing this life with Christ and faith to come first before the things of this world. We still live in this world but to live for worldly things endangers our relationship with God.

So the order of faith might be defined as hearing, judging, right conclusions, and to act on those conclusions.

I know my father’s voice because I grew up with him. I saw him nearly every day. I learned who he was by observation, and listened to his instructions in how to live a life he meant for me. Is Father God any different?

John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Replace worship with the word love. My human father I knew in the flesh. I loved him in the flesh. I knew nothing else. When it comes to knowing and loving God, worshipping God, it begins in the spirit.

God of Order

John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

I proved the first part true. I could do nothing right on my own. I need help.

This is where we left off yesterday. This is how Jesus made His Way in a life lived in perfect harmony with the Father and in perfect obedience. If we are to try and understand what faith is and how it works perhaps looking at the life Jesus led might give us better understanding.

He first had a relationship. He knew who He was and the Father acknowledge Him. God announced Him to the world that was listening at a particular moment.

Matthew 3:16-17 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

There cannot be a relationship unless both parties acknowledge one another. Without this acceptance it does not matter what you call faith. Has God made Himself known to you?

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Acknowledge God and He will acknowledge you. We must believe that God is real in order to seek Him and His will. Your first reward is God acknowledging you. We must become sons and daughters in this relationship.

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