Colossians 3:5-17, Faith vs. presumption (9)

“Character traits” should help us in live in this sinful world.  But you may have noticed that “faith” has been totally about our relationship with God.  People often will try to encourage someone by saying, “I believe in you!  You can do what you want to do and succeed and prosper.”  The Bible does not encourage that approach.  The only passage I remember on this subject is John 2:24 where Jesus did not trust those who believed in Him “because He knew all men.”  If you know the truth about mankind, you know that all are sinners.  All fall short of the glory of God. 

What are we to do?  Are we to be suspicious of everyone?  Do we remove ourselves from any relationship that demands trust in someone else?  The answer is what we have been saying all along: we trust in God!  We trust in His word.  We have noted that applications to “faith” are all over the Bible.  It’s the basics of the old hymn, “Trust and Obey.”  We read the Bible, we trust in God, and so we do what He calls us to do, even if it is not popular or easy.  And in that we have the answer as to how we are to live in this world.

Let’s have a few illustrations.   

·       Prov. 12:19,22: There is no specific situation here; it applies to all situations.  And what is God’s will?  It is to be honest, to have integrity, to keep our word, to tell the truth.  Do you think that might have a bearing on our relationships?  Or on our ability to hold a job and see God provide for our family?  Of course!

·       2 Tim. 1:7-8: Here, the situation has to do with God’s people.  If you are a believer in Christ then we are called to testify to that truth as God gives us opportunity.  Timothy, like many, may have struggled with this being fearful.  But if my faith is in God, then I will know that He has left me here on this earth to fulfill the commission of Christ.  Do you think this might have a bearing on our conversations?  Of course!

·       2 Cor.  9:6-9: Here the issue is our money.  The world encourages us to make and keep as much money as we can.  It’s a key to happiness.  But God calls us to be generous with Him!  He says that is the key to His provision in your life.

·       Matt. 6:33-34: This is similar to the previous, but it has to do with all our material needs.  It is simple.  Seek first God and His program and His righteousness and He will care for you.

·       Col. 3:12-14: Here the primary issue is relationships.  And the list is long, including humility, patience, forgiveness and overall, love.  Again, if my faith is in Christ, I am a follower of His, a disciple.  This is the life He lived and it is the life He calls me to.  Will this not deeply effect my relationships?  Yes, it will.

So it should be clear to us that “faith” in God is a fundamental Character Trait.  What we need to learn, and teach our children, and model in the world, is “trust and obey.”  Like Jesus, we will increase “in favor with God and men” (Lk. 2:52).