New Testament Church Series Pt. 6: Living by Faith

2 Corinthians 5:1-10 NLT

1 For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2 We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. 3 For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. 4 While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it's not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. 5 God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit. 6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. 7 For we live by believing and not by seeing (We walk by faith, not by sight KJV). 8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. 10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

1. Are we truly pleasing God?

Hebrews 11:1, 6 ESV

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. ... 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Faith – (Pistis) – conviction of the truth of anything, belief.

• Relating to God:

  the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ.

• Relating to Christ: a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God.

How do I increase my faith?

Romans 10:17 ESV

17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

2. What are we allowing in our spirit?

Are we speaking Life or Death?

Proverbs 18:21 CSB

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Are we seeking God or are we seeking wealth/fame?

Matthew 6:33-34 ESV

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Are we praying or are we complaining?

Philippians 2:14-15 NLT

14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

Are we submitting to his word or are we cherry picking from his word?

Revelation 3:15-16 NLT

15 "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!

Galatians 5:7-9 ESV

7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.