We all want the type of faith that can move mountains, but are we willing to work for it? I saw a quote the other day and it rings true, “Don’t be upset by the results you didn’t get with the work you didn’t do.” There is a whole chapter in the book of Hebrews dedicated to people who “by faith” accomplished great things for God. Without faith, Noah would have never built the ark, or Moses would have never led God’s people into the wilderness. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. (Heb. 11:6)
Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. 1 Timothy 1:19 NLT
Paul tells Timothy in this passage, “cling to your faith in Christ.” The word cling here in the original greek language is simply the word, have, so what Paul is saying is, “have faith.” Have faith, it’s an action, we actively need to have, or to cling to our trust in the Gospel, our trust and confidence that Jesus is who he said he is and that he will do as he said he will do. In Hebrews 11:6 we are told, “it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”, this is what it means to have faith.
Cling to your faith and keep your conscience clear or follow your moral compass. We know right from wrong but do we always do what we know is right to do? This is what Paul is referring to here, when our consciences tell us not to do something because it is the wrong thing to do, obey your conscience, that is how you keep your conscience clear. But Paul goes on to say, some people have made a mess of their faith because they didn’t listen to their consciences. James tells us, “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” (James 4:17) When we deliberately sin in a sense we are exposing our lack of faith in Jesus. The old saying is true, “Sin will keep you from God, but God will keep you from sin.” If we cling to our faith in Jesus we will have clear consciences, because the more we spend time with Jesus the less of a pull sin will have on our lives.
If you want a faith that can move mountains, cling to your faith in Jesus. If you want to see the mighty works of God, hold onto your faith. Don’t give in to sin when your conscience is telling you otherwise, cling to your faith in Jesus. Don’t shipwreck your faith simply for some momentary pleasure, hold onto your faith in Jesus. Cling to your faith which is far more precious than gold. And when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ returns.
0 Comments