Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
Romans 15 teaches us to walk in hope, love, and the truth of the Word—not in legalism, our feelings, or overemphasizing differences that divide the body of Christ.
Hope Through the Word
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4 (KJV)
Here is the twofold purpose of the Word of God: First, for our learning and understanding of God. Secondly, that we, through the patience and the comfort of the Scriptures, might have hope. The Scriptures reveal His nature, His character, His faithfulness, so that we need not despair in times of trouble. How quickly we forget that God reigns. We don’t need to get upset, discouraged, or be in turmoil, for He is our hope.
Be Patient & Likeminded
Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5 (KJV)
Isn’t God so patient with us? I live in seconds, minutes, hours, and days. God lives in eternity. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day (2 Peter 3:8, KJV). We feel, “Lord, it has been so long. When is Jesus coming back?” In eternity, it has only been a couple of days. God is outside of time, so patiently bringing to pass His kingdom upon the Earth. Likewise, as He is the God of patience and consolation, so we are to be patient and console one another.
Receive One Another in Love
That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God. … Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Romans 15:6-7 (KJV)
Now, as we glorify God through this life of love, consolation, and patience, we are to receive one another as Christ received us. Now, how did Christ receive you? Did He say, “Go out and clean up your act, and then I will accept you?” No, He received us with all our imperfections. Isn't it amazing how blind we are to our own faults, yet how astute in picking out the flaws of others? Jesus said, “First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye” (Luke 6:42b).
But why is it so hard to see the 4-by-6 in my own eye, when I can see so clearly that splinter in your eye? It is all a matter of love. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). If I love you as I love myself, then I won't be picking at all your little flaws. I will receive you as Christ received me.
It was interesting during the counter-culture revolution—the Jesus Movement—there were churches willing to receive the hippies if they would get a haircut, suit, and tie. “You will be welcome; come on in. Now you look like us.”
But it was amazing how many were unwilling to receive them with their long hair, dirty jeans, and hippie attire. “Conform to my standards, live like me, and I will accept you.” But that is not how we are to be. We are to receive each other with our differences. The love we have in Christ should be greater than any differences we have; it should be the unifying power in the body of Christ.
Walk by Faith, Not Feelings
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing. Romans 15:13a
Hope in God fills us with a joy and peace in believing. In believing what? The Word of God. Our belief is based upon the fact that God said it. The result of that belief is joy and peace—not the other way around.
Sometimes people put their faith in joy and peace, or in a feeling. “Are you a child of God?” “Oh, yes.” “How do you know?” “Oh, I feel such peace in my heart. I know I'm saved because I have never felt such joy.” Wait a minute. Faith isn't believing in the joy and the peace; it is believing in the Word of God. You see, you may wake up some morning and feel horrible or irritable. What does that say? “Oh, I am not saved today, because I don't have the joy.” Our faith is not in the feeling. It is in the Word of God.
His Word never changes, and so my relationship with God never changes. Believing in His Word brings me peace and joy. God's Word declares: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Romans 10:9, KJV). I know I am saved because God said it. His truth doesn't change with my feelings.
The Spirit Brings Hope
Paul gets right to the heart of the matter: That ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost (Romans 15:13b, KJV). It is the Holy Spirit who makes the Word of God real to my heart. As the Spirit works through the Word in my life, hope abounds. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3). We have a blessed, living hope in the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ as we await His return.
SPONSOR MESSAGE: Learn about a full-service travel agency with over 40 years of arranging unforgettable experiences to all of your favorite Biblical destinations for missions and ministry, Inspired Travel
© 2023 Calvary Chapel Magazine (CCM). All rights reserved. Articles or photographs may not be reproduced without the written permission of CCM. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.® Used by permission.
