What does it mean to live by faith?

Question

"The just shall live by faith...the evidence of things not seen...without faith it is impossible to please Him (God)." (Romans 11:17, Hebrews 11:1,6) The life of faith seems vital for a Christian, but how can we be sure that we're not just wearing the label?

Answer 1

It means stepping out into the darkness knowing that there will be light with Christ. It means taking that step off the edge knowing He is there to catch you. 2 examples just in my life: Years ago I started nursing school. No money, no car, husband didn't have a job. I prayed wholeheartedly and asked the Lord to open or close the door according to His will. I was awarded a scholarship, we bought a cheap car that lasted a whole year and my husband found a job that week. Ex2: I was pregnant with one of my daughters when they told me she had down's syndrome undoubtedly. Would I like to murder her. I cried and prayed night and day for the next several months. My daughter was born completely normal. I could go on and on and on. You believe in rain because you see it. No big deal. You don't need faith to do that. But you do need faith to believe in it if you've never seen or felt it.

Answer 2

From the Christian standpoint, to "live by faith" means that we are making a conscious choice to not allow our outward circumstances to dictate our reactions. Yes, we obey the laws of our city, state, and country (cf. we "render unto Caesar"), but those often have very little to say about our inward selves, not just how we treat others but how we regard others in our heart, as children of God too. Because God can't be seen by our human senses, to regard Him and His law as our standard of conduct through life IS an act of faith. It's each act, it's each moment, that makes us capable of living by faith and not by sight.

Our being just in God's eyes, our living by faith, comes from our no longer being needed to be motivated by a fear of punishment but rather a reverence for God, an active desire to model our lives after His. That's how we can be sure we're not just wearing the label -- oh, you'll encounter people who don't understand or don't care, but we're not motivated by the need for their (re: the world's) approval anymore. We're motivated by faith, our need for God's approval, the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. And that is the most real thing in our experience.

Answer 3

living by faith means trusting God even when you don't have all the details.

Example: I, along w/ 5 other kids, sponsor a child thru compassion international. We don't always know where the money's coming from, but we know that God will not let us down. We;ve never missed a payment yet.

Living by faith is trusting God even when things go wrong.

Example: I had some bad med conditions that got worse and ended up pulling me out of sports. But in the end, it worked out for good; i met some new friends, started a bible study, and did all kinds of things that i didn't have time for before.
'For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.'

Living by faith is doing what's right even when it costs you, cuz you know that heaven will outstrip any earthly reward.

Example: A girl refused to deny Jesus, even when a gun was held to her head.


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Answer 4

See Hebrews 11 foe examples.

Living by faith is loving, believing and trusting God enough to do what God's word says to do, in the way God says to do it.

Hebrews 11 is full of examples that say "by faith" this person did an certain action. One example is Noah. Genesis records, "Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did." (Genesis 6:22) "And Noah did according to all that the LORD commanded him." (Genesis 7:5)

Faith is believing, trusting and loving God enough to do what God says to do, in the way God said to do it. Faith without such action is "dead, being alone". (James 2)

Answer 5

What a smart question! In the bible, we are told that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God". Speaking for myself, my faith has increased because of ongoing and diligent study of God's word. Seeing what He has said proven true day in and day out, for years and years.

I think one of the most touching things about faith was what Jesus said to Thomas. Thomas refused to believe in the risen Lord unless he could touch the wounds from the cross. When Jesus allowed Thomas to do that, and Thomas responded "my Lord and my God", Jesus answered "you see and believe, but blessed are they that do not see, and yet believe".

People say, oh faith is blind. Oh no! I have studied nothing in life as thoroughly as I have the bible. I have seen and heard and witnessed all that God has promised come true, I believe all He has said will be performed. That kind of faith is given to all who seek Him, with a true heart.

Answer 6

It means to blindly follow traditions and ideas/rules set down over the ages without questioning them and their validity. It also means to not have science to advance the cause of humanity..for without questions to be answered there is no need for science. PEACE!

Answer 7

To believe and trust in God and in God's word. Knowledge is power.

Answer 8

its self explanatory to me. live by faith...the evidence of things not seen...
thats what it means. to blieve and trust Him even though you cannot physically see Him.

Answer 9

It means to live in ignorance.

Answer 10

I prefer trust.

Just like you can't see the wind, but you can feel it.
You can't see air but you can breath it.