Faithful: Profiles of Faith #2

By faith Enoch was taken up so that he didn’t see death, and he wasn’t found because God took him up. He was given approval for having pleased God before he was taken up. It’s impossible to please God without faith because the one who draws near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards people who try to find him.

Hebrews 11:5–6 (CEB)

7 ESSENTIALS OF WALKING BY FAITH LIKE ENOCH

I MUST UNDERSTAND WALKING WITH GOD IS A LIFE OF CONTINUAL ORIENTATION, NOT OCCASIONAL DEVOTION

Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. Genesis 5:24 (NIV) 

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Colossians 3:2 (NIV)

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)

2. I MUST PURSUE GOD’S APPROVAL ABOVE ALL ELSE, BECAUSE PLEASING GOD IS THE AIM OF EXISTENCE

He was given approval for having pleased God...

Hebrews 11:5 (CEB)

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? 

Galatians 1:10a (NIV)

… for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 

1 Chronicles 28:9b (NIV)

So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 

2 Corinthians 5:9 (NIV)

3. I MUST RECOGNIZE THAT FAITH IS NOT MENTAL AGREEMENT BUT RELATIONAL DEPENDENCE

It’s impossible to please God without faith...

Hebrews 11:6 (CEB)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)

4. I MUST DRAW NEAR TO GOD WITH INTENTIONAL PURSUIT, NOT PASSIVE INTEREST

The one who draws near to God... Hebrews 11:6 (CEB)

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

Come near to God and he will come near to you.

James 4:8 (NIV)

My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.

Psalm 63:8 (NKJV)

5. I MUST BELIEVE THAT GOD HIMSELF IS THE REWARD, NOT JUST WHAT HE GIVES

… who draws near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards people who try to find him.

Hebrews 11:6 (CEB)

“...I am your shield, your very great reward.”

Genesis 15:1b (NIV)

Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

Psalm 73:25 (NIV)

6. I MUST WALK WITH GOD THROUGH THE ORDINARY, BECAUSE FAITHFULNESS IS FORGED IN THE EVERYDAY

Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much…

Luke 16:10b (NIV)

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 

Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

7. I MUST REALIZE THAT A LIFE WALKED WITH GOD ENDS IN GOD

For we live by faith, not by sight.

2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)

And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Exodus 25:8 (ESV)

… And so we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:17b (NIV)

CLOSING TRUTH

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