Is Our Faith in Works or Words?
Finding True Faith: Trusting God's Word Over His Works
The resurrection of Jesus Christ remains one of the most powerful demonstrations of God's promise
fulfilled. Yet even those closest to Jesus - his disciples - struggled to truly believe His words about rising
from the dead, despite witnessing His many miraculous works firsthand.
Why Didn't the Disciples Believe Jesus Would Rise?
Despite Jesus clearly telling His disciples multiple times that He would die and rise again after three days,
none of them were waiting expectantly at the tomb on that third morning. Instead, women came bringing burial spices, expecting to find a dead body. The disciples dismissed reports of the resurrection as "idle tales."
The Difference Between Faith in Works vs. Faith in Words
The disciples had witnessed Jesus perform countless miracles - feeding thousands, healing the sick, walking on water. Yet they put their faith more in these visible works than in His spoken promises. They followed Him expecting a political deliverer who would overthrow Roman rule, not fully grasping His spiritual mission.
How Do We Develop True Biblical Faith?
Romans 10:17 tells us that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." True faith isn't based on seeing miracles or receiving blessings - it's taking God at His word even when we can't see the outcome. Like little children who naturally trust their parents, we're called to simply believe what God says.
Are We Ready for Christ's Return?
Just as Jesus promised His resurrection, He has promised to return. Yet many Christians today, like the disciples then, may not truly be living in expectation of His coming. Our daily choices reveal whether our faith rests more in God's works or His words.
Life Application
This week, examine your own faith:
• Do you require "signs and wonders" to believe God's promises?
• Are you taking God at His word, or waiting for proof?
• How would your life look different if you truly believed everything God says in Scripture?
Challenge: Choose one promise from God's Word that you struggle to believe. Commit to acting on it in faith this week, regardless of what you can see or feel. Remember - without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
The resurrection of Jesus Christ remains one of the most powerful demonstrations of God's promise
fulfilled. Yet even those closest to Jesus - his disciples - struggled to truly believe His words about rising
from the dead, despite witnessing His many miraculous works firsthand.
Why Didn't the Disciples Believe Jesus Would Rise?
Despite Jesus clearly telling His disciples multiple times that He would die and rise again after three days,
none of them were waiting expectantly at the tomb on that third morning. Instead, women came bringing burial spices, expecting to find a dead body. The disciples dismissed reports of the resurrection as "idle tales."
The Difference Between Faith in Works vs. Faith in Words
The disciples had witnessed Jesus perform countless miracles - feeding thousands, healing the sick, walking on water. Yet they put their faith more in these visible works than in His spoken promises. They followed Him expecting a political deliverer who would overthrow Roman rule, not fully grasping His spiritual mission.
How Do We Develop True Biblical Faith?
Romans 10:17 tells us that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." True faith isn't based on seeing miracles or receiving blessings - it's taking God at His word even when we can't see the outcome. Like little children who naturally trust their parents, we're called to simply believe what God says.
Are We Ready for Christ's Return?
Just as Jesus promised His resurrection, He has promised to return. Yet many Christians today, like the disciples then, may not truly be living in expectation of His coming. Our daily choices reveal whether our faith rests more in God's works or His words.
Life Application
This week, examine your own faith:
• Do you require "signs and wonders" to believe God's promises?
• Are you taking God at His word, or waiting for proof?
• How would your life look different if you truly believed everything God says in Scripture?
Challenge: Choose one promise from God's Word that you struggle to believe. Commit to acting on it in faith this week, regardless of what you can see or feel. Remember - without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
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