Live By FAITH

Based On Romans 3:1-5

”To whom much is given, much is expected.” Luke 12:48

Paul addresses the advantages of being born Jewish...They were entrusted with the Holy Word of God and they had ancestors that modeled for them what it looked like to live it out.  

The gentiles were new to the game and had to play catch up...they did not have the rich history or examples to learn or pull from.  

The DISadvantage of coming from the Jewish culture is that they had been raised to value and set their hope on the law, and now they were being asked to set their hope on FAITH!  (Big Difference)

Law=Rules To Be Obeyed

Faith=Holy Spirit Belief

“Now FAITH is the confidence in what we hope for and the assurance of what we do NOT see.”—Hebrews 11:1

For a Jewish person in that day they had to switch gears and go from being the teacher to being the student.  They had  to start all over again.  It was humbling.  I totally see how pride would be a logical response when asked to give up the privilege of having all the answers and to instead being mixed in with the newcomers.  

APPLICATION #1:  Now that you have the privilege and gift to live your life by FAITH are you walking in it?  What big things are you praying about CONFIDENTLY?  What are you hoping for, but cannot see right now?  Are you walking by FAITH or are you walking by what your human mind can conceive.

APPLICATION #2:  Do I have heart that is teachable.  Do I listen and learn from those that God brings into my life...or do I need to share my perspective and opinions.  Teach me to lay down ME and pick up YOU!