FAITH BEGETS FAITH – Romans 1:16-17
Sunday, October 30th, 2005Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith.
Are you ashamed of the gospel of Christ? You are a Christian and thus you replied that you are not ashamed. However, you can say that you are not ashamed with your mouth but your actions will always speak louder then your words. Do your actions demonstrate that you are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ?
When you have the gospel of Christ within you, the power of God is evident to all who see you. Those who look at you know that there is something different. They should see something different because the righteousness of God should radiate in you.
Abraham had faith and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Abraham understood that God was calling him to live a different life. Abraham strove to obey God and live a life pleasing unto HIM. God blessed Abraham�s life. God not only protected Abraham from harm but HE also caused kings to give Abraham great wealth.
Because you have accepted Christ’s gospel, the power of God resides in you. You now have the authority to do things in faith that the world believes is impossible. Your faith is not some magic trick that causes everyone to admire you. Your faith is a power that causes those around you to look towards God. The power of God attracts others to desire what you have. Your faith should result in others living by faith. If you live a life full of the power of God those around should desire to live by faith.
Have you ever noticed that when there is an individual who has done great things how often there is created a family dynasty in that particular profession? For example, John Q. Adams followed in his father’s footsteps and severed this country for over 70 years including one term as president of the United States. The reason for this is that children grow up seeing the power and influence of their parent’s profession. Since children are around their parent’s profession, they learn it at a young age and thus they have a natural tendency to accept similar employment.
Just as children are very impressionable and learn to desire the things that their parent’s have, so too do those who God allows you to influence by your faith desire to demonstrate the same level of faith. If your faith is fake those whom you influence will recognize the fact and will soon stumble in the faith and forsake the truth. However, if you have faith and the power of God resides within you, then those who are of you will see the power of God and will desire to see God work in their lives in the same manner.
It is time for a spiritual checkup in your life. Does your life demonstrate the power of God? Are you living by faith so that it causes others to see and desire to obtain what you have obtained? How much spiritual fruit has your life produce? As you live by faith the righteousness of God is revealed. Power begets power and faith begets faith. Do not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Instead, live by faith and watch and see how God turns you and your ministry into a fruitful work for HIM.