While studying and preparing to preach on the doctrine of salvation by faith alone, I have been slowly reading through Romans in my own devotional time. There is much overlap between what I ultimately preached and what I had spent time meditating on.
The reality of faith being a gift which is grown and strengthened through worship (Romans 4) was an observation from one such morning. It is indeed a tremendous gift which the Lord gives to his people.
It is tremendous because it is through faith alone that we are saved. Our works do not contribute. And so the very fact that anyone would have faith is itself a demonstration of God’s grace. This is a faith which will increase and be of great help as life goes on.
Yet, there is also a tremendous challenge to be found in Romans regarding faith.
For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. (Rom. 14:23b)
Though there is much to be said about the immediate context of this verse, for today, let me offer two ways that this is a challenge for us.
So much of life is spent running on autopilot. Often, the rhythm and routine becomes something which is self-sustaining. Wake, eat, work, sleep, repeat, etc. In such a state, we lose sight of the God who made us for his own glory and to enjoy him forever.
So much of life is scary. At the other end of the scale, when things are not routine, when things are irregular, there is much to be anxious about. What if this all goes wrong? It doesn’t look like this pay-check is going to make it through to the next one. The sudden need of emergency medical care… Because we live in a fallen world, there is much that seeks to threaten our security and our faith.
But there is help. There is a gift in the rhythm and the routine. In his word, God lays out a pattern for a life spent recognising him and trusting in him. Evening and morning (Gen. 1). Six days of work in seven (Ex. 16), remembering to keep the Sabbath holy (Ex. 20:8-11). Treasuring God’s word in your hear (Proverbs 7).
In the ordinary life of the church, we have access to these things together (Acts 2:42). May God, at work through Word and sacrament, increase your faith in him so that you will trust him in turbulent times.
Notices
At Tuesday Night Prayer, we will gather for prayer, singing, and the reading of God’s word. At the moment, we are reading through the Sermon On The Mount. Join us in the Side Hall from 7:30pm!
In addition to our regular prayer meeting, we will have a special prayer gathering on Good Friday (3 April) at 7pm. We are in a world which is full of turmoil and trouble and we know that the reason for this was dealt with on the cross of Christ. So come out for an opportunity to pray together in thankfulness for what God has done and also for those who might be attending church for the first time on Resurrection Day.
Lastly, this coming Sunday is Resurrection Day and we will be finishing up our All Together series, The Big Five. We’ll be thinking about why all of creation exists, why Jesus willingly went to the cross, and why eternity with God is such good news.
