“Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” (Matthew 11:6) 

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to Part 3 of our series, “Faith in Christ Jesus: Insights for Today’s Generation.” In this part, we will explore the scriptures of Matthew 11:1-6 and 2 Samuel 7:1-16. A few weeks back, we began our journey with “Understanding Faith in Christ Jesus.” In Parts 1 and 2, we delved into:

• Faith in Christ Jesus: Examining steadfast faith in Jesus. The focus is on Matthew 11:6. We also consider Jesus’ response to John the Baptist.
• Davidic Covenant: Exploring 2 Samuel 7:1-16, where God promises to establish a lasting dynasty for David, foreshadowing Jesus Christ.
• Zoë Life: Understanding how Jesus brings the zoë life of God. This life is the essence of eternal life. Jesus aims to establish the Kingdom of God through this divine life.

This Faith in Christ Jesus 

The Church is currently in turmoil, struggling to understand and define its faith. It is trying to discern the true identity of Christ Jesus. It is wrestling with the fundamental question: Who is Christ Jesus? In many ways, the Church is failing in how it worships and follows God. How did we arrive at this point? The pressing questions on everyone’s mind are: How did we become followers of Christ? Who are we as Christians, and what does Christianity truly mean? Christ is the head of the Church—what does this faith in Christ Jesus really entail? 

The church is in turmoil, struggling with its faith, and many believers seem lost in their walk with God. What is happening to the world that God established through His Word, Jesus Christ? What is happening to the church as we await the second coming of Christ? Are we failing in our walk with God? Is history revealing something different from what we have always known? It’s as though we are losing our understanding of the world around us. We seem to be losing our hope in God’s Word—a hope that once anchored us. The world feels twisted and directionless, a place where hope in God has slipped away. We have no hope in God. What has happened to our faith? Where is our hope?  

This faith in Christ Jesus, what is it?  

 We are talking about the Christian faith—our belief in Christ Jesus. What is it? 

In Part 3, we will delve deeper into our understanding of living in faith. we will also explore why faith is so crucial in the Word of God. Today, we’ll focus on Matthew 11:1-6.

In Matthew 11:6, Jesus answers John the Baptist’s question. He uses a beatitude: “Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” Here, Jesus encourages John and his followers not to stumble or be offended by Him. This beatitude encourages steadfast faith in the Messiah, even in challenging times. It reminds us not to be offended by Him.

Understanding Faith

What is faith? Faith is best defined as “belief and trust in and loyalty to God.”

Faith:

Today, there are thousands of religions around the world, with estimates indicating there are over 4,000 distinct faiths.

The major world religions include Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism. Within Christianity itself, there are numerous denominations, with some estimates suggesting there are around 45,000 different Christian denominations globally.

What makes faith so important in the word of God? Without faith we can’t believe. Faith is an extraordinary word because it causes us to think further than we usually do. Faith brings restoration and restoration brings peace. Faith can’t be exercised without the word of God and faith can’t be seen without the spirit of God.

Faith itself is not visible; it resides in the heart and can’t be seen directly. However, its effects manifest in a person’s actions, words, attitude, and behaviour. When someone lives out their faith, it becomes evident through their deeds and interactions with others.

Faith Always Has an Object. It is always directed towards something or someone. As Christians, we build our faith in Jesus Christ through His works on the cross. By believing in Him, we strengthen our trust and faith in Him. While believing in Jesus is essential, accepting Him as your Saviour is another concept. To truly have faith in Him, we must first believe in Him and the works He has done.

As we progress through our faith, we develop love for Jesus Christ because of who He is; He is love. God is love and all those who come to Him must come showing love. Faith alone cannot do it without love. We must love God to please Him.

Faith and the Heart:

And faith comes by hearing the word of God. The more we hear or listen to the word of God, the more we understand it. Consequently, we develop faith in Him. Without hearing and understanding, there is no faith.

Understanding is an issue of the heart. To have faith in God according to Romans 10:17, one must hear and understand the message of Jesus. This is akin to the seed scattered by the farmer in the parable of the sower.

To truly grasp the message of the Son of God, our hearts must be pure. Just as seeds need good soil to grow, the message of Christ requires a receptive heart. Without hearing and understanding His message, how can people develop faith in Christ Jesus?

Understanding Christ

In the Bible, “Christ” is a title for Jesus derived from the Greek word christos, meaning “anointed one.” The sequence of the names Jesus and Christ does not change His identity but highlights different aspects of Him. “Jesus Christ” emphasizes His humanity and earthly life, while “Christ Jesus” underscores His role as the Messiah and coming King. This distinction signifies Jesus’ mission as the Saviour and Redeemer.

The passage of Colossians 1:15-20 emphasizes the supremacy and divinity of Christ. Here are the key points:

• Visible Likeness of God: Christ embodies the invisible God, revealing God’s nature to us.
• Creator and Sustainer: Through Christ, everything was created, both visible and invisible, and He holds all things together.
• Head of the Church: Christ is the head of the church. He is the source of its life. He was the first to rise from the dead, ensuring His pre-eminence in all things.
• Reconciliation through Christ: God reconciled the entire universe to Himself through Christ’s sacrifice, making peace through His blood on the cross.

Living in Faith 

What makes living in faith essential for us?

Living in faith requires patience and endurance. 

To exercise faith, we need the Spirit of God in our lives. Only through the Spirit can we understand the invisible things of God. Christ reveals to us who God is, making it essential to understand Jesus’ role in our lives. He is the Son of God, the one who brings us closer to God (2 Samuel 7). Without Jesus, our understanding of God remains limited. He is Christ. Through Him, we become sons of God and inherit His kingdom. Wealth cannot buy access to God’s kingdom; it is only through Christ Jesus that we gain this access.  

Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:24) 

Understanding God Through Christ:  

To truly understand God, we must embrace the presence of Christ. Without a clear understanding of what we hope for, as described in Hebrews 11:1-3, our hopes lack foundation. We perceive Christ through the lens of Jesus (John 3:14-15; John 11). To have hope, it is essential to embrace Jesus, and understanding the Word of God is key to embracing Jesus.  

Christ addresses our unseen challenges and provides us with hope in God (Hebrews 11:6). He is our beacon of hope, guiding us towards God. As we place our faith in Him, He reveals the path to God, for God is His Father. Jesus shows us the way to God (John 14:6) and helps us understand who God truly is. 

Understanding the Body of Christ:  

Living in Christ can bring complexities to the body of Christ—the church. This concept is rooted in God’s intention to build a house for Himself, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 7. God’s statement about building a house referred to the Ark of the Covenant. This Ark would be housed within the body of Christ, Jesus.  

The body of Jesus embodies God. It serves as the Ark of the Covenant where God resides and meets with His people. Thus, the body of Christ, which is the church, has Jesus as its head. Building a house for God was essentially the establishment of Jesus Christ on earth.  

Understanding Christ is crucial to comprehending the kingdom of God. Christ represents the kingdom, with Jesus as its head and His followers as its citizens. Without living in Christ Jesus, one cannot be part of the kingdom of God.  

To inherit the kingdom of God, one must understand Christ. Jesus embodies Christ, and Christ lives within us. While living in Christ may seem complex, loving God is straightforward. 

Matthew 19:24 states, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” This verse highlights the challenges faced by those who prioritize wealth over God. A rich man, with his privileges, often undermines God’s work. He finds it harder to enter heaven than a camel passing through a needle’s eye. 

Justice always prevails. Self-preservation does not grant entry into God’s kingdom. It is only through God’s word that we can navigate life’s struggles. The eye of a needle symbolizes these earthly challenges. Like a camel manoeuvring through it, we must rely on God’s word. We must live according to His expectations. Remember, God is good. 

Do We Believe in Jesus?

To have faith in Jesus, we must believe in His Word and understand the position of His message. However, many of us struggle to grasp His message. What does this say about our faith as believers in Him as Christ Jesus? 

 “Because you have kept my command to endure, I will also keep you safe from the time of trouble which is coming upon the world to test all the people on earth.” (Revelation 3:10 )

“If your faith is not enduring, you will not endure.”  (Isaiah 7:9 )

Your faith is the key to endurance. What is your faith or belief based on? Is it rooted in love (God) or in worldly things (hatred, envy)? Hatred is the work of the enemy. If your faith, based on love, does not endure during times of testing, you will not withstand the trials. By keeping your faith—staying vigilant, calm, and unafraid—God will protect you from the coming troubles that will affect everyone on earth. Your unwavering faith in Jesus Christ—the New Testament, ensues His divine protection. 

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20) 

How can we share the message of Christ with a world that does not understand Him? The message of Christ must be preached to all corners of the earth. But how will people receive it if they do not understand Him in their hearts? 

Faith is a vital part of our lives, but where do you channel yours? Is it directed toward the works of God or the fruitlessness of the enemy? Faith is essential, but how do we channel it effectively? Channelling faith involves directing and focusing our belief, trust, and confidence. Faith in Christ Jesus is crucial because it makes us sufficient in Him. Faith in Christ Jesus never fails, and if it does, then it is not of Christ. Christ never fails. He may modify your request to meet your needs, but He never fails. Faith is essential in times of need when you do not know what to do or which path to take. Faith in Christ Jesus is important because it creates us in Him (Ephesians 2:10). 

What does John 3:16 say about our faith in Jesus Christ as followers? ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.’ This passage highlights God’s profound love for humanity. It also promises eternal life for those who believe in Jesus Christ.

Key Points: 

Living in faith in Christ Jesus is a journey that requires steadfast belief, understanding, and love. The church today faces challenges in maintaining its faith and understanding of Christ. However, believers can strengthen their faith by focusing on the scriptures and the teachings of Jesus. Faith is not just a concept but a way of life that manifests through actions, words, and behaviour. It is essential to hear and understand the word of God to develop a deep and meaningful faith. Jesus Christ is the head of the church. He embodies God’s love. He plays a crucial role in guiding believers towards a closer relationship with God. Through patience, endurance, and the Spirit of God, living in faith changes believers profoundly. It brings them closer to God. It also helps them navigate the complexities of the modern world. 

Call-to-Action 

Embrace the Journey of Faith: 

Discover the transformative power of living in faith through Christ Jesus. Dive deep into understanding His role as the Messiah and the profound impact He has on our lives. Let His teachings guide you towards a closer relationship with God, filled with patience, endurance, and unwavering belief. 

🌟 Join Us in Faith 🌟 

• Read the Word: Immerse yourself in the scriptures to strengthen your faith and understanding. 
• Live by Example: Let your actions, words, and behaviour reflect your faith in Christ. 
• Share the Message: Spread the love and teachings of Jesus to those around you. 

Take the first step today and experience the peace and fulfilment that comes from living in faith. Together, we can navigate life’s challenges and grow closer to God. 

I’ll share with you in the next post “Navigating the Land of Shadows: Understanding the Shadow of Death through Psalms.” Join us next week for a deeper exploration into the essence of faith. We will explore how we can articulate the presence of Jesus in our daily lives. Don’t miss out on these insightful discussions! 

Subscribe to our blog for more insights. Join a community that seeks to understand and live out faith in Christ Jesus. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. 

Let’s journey together in understanding and living our faith in Christ Jesus! 🙏 

Written by Eunice Forson 

Stay tuned for post #4 in our series next Monday. 

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In case you missed any of the previous posts in this series… 

During our Faith in Christ Jesus: Insights for Today’s Generation blog series over the past 4 weeks, we’ve covered… 

Introduction to Series: “Faith in Christ Jesus: Insights for Today’s Generation.”

Part 1.0: “Understanding Faith in Christ Jesus.”

Part 1.1: “Bridge Between Testament: Understanding Christ.”

Part 2.0: “Discovering Jesus: Who is He in Our Lives?“