Strength of Faith in Light of His Word

In the beginning [before all time] was the Word ([a]Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself

He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it]. (John 1:1-5) Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes]. It was of His own will that He gave us birth [as His children] by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits of His creatures [a prime example of what He created to be set apart to Himself--sanctified, made holy for His divine purposes]. (James 1:17-18) When we were children (spiritually immature), were kept like slaves under the elementary [man-made religious or philosophical] teachings of the world. But when [in God’s plan] the proper time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the [regulations of the] Law, so that He might redeem and liberate those who were under the Law, that we [who believe] might be adopted as sons [as God’s children with all rights as fully grown members of a family]. And because you [really] are [His] sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, [a]“Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave (bond-servant), but a son; and if a son, then also an heir through [the gracious act of] God [through Christ]. For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman [Hagar] and one by the free woman [Sarah]. But the child of the slave woman was born according to the flesh and had an ordinary birth, while the son of the free woman was born in fulfillment of the promise. Now these facts are about to be used [by me] as an allegory [that is, I will illustrate by using them]: for these women can represent two covenants: one [covenant originated] from Mount Sinai [where the Law was given] that bears children [destined] for slavery; she is Hagar. Now Hagar is (represents) Mount Sinai in Arabia and she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above [that is, the way of faith, represented by Sarah] is free; she is our mother. For it is written [in the Scriptures].

“REJOICE, O BARREN WOMAN WHO HAS NOT GIVEN BIRTH;

BREAK FORTH INTO A [joyful] SHOUT, YOU WHO ARE NOT IN LABOR;

FOR THE DESOLATE WOMAN HAS MANY MORE CHILDREN

THAN SHE WHO HAS A HUSBAND.” And we, [believing] brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children [not merely of physical descent, like Ishmael, but are children born] of promise [born miraculously]. So then, believers, we [who are born again--reborn from above--spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose] are not children of a slave woman [the natural], but of the free woman [the supernatural]. (Galatians 4:3-7,22-28,31) He who looks carefully into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and faithfully abides by it, not having become a [careless] listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he will be blessed and favored by God in what he does [in his life of obedience]. (James 1:28) How blessed and favored by God are those whose way is blameless [those with personal integrity, the upright, the guileless],

Who walk in the law [and who are guided by the precepts and revealed will] of the LORD. Blessed and favored by God are those who keep His testimonies,

And who [consistently] seek Him and long for Him with all their heart.

They do no unrighteousness;

They walk in His ways.

You have ordained Your precepts,

That we should follow them with [careful] diligence.

Oh, that my ways may be established

To observe and keep Your statutes [obediently accepting and honoring them].

Your word is a lamp to my feet

And a light to my path. (Psalm 119:1-5,105) By maintaining our faith and living according to God's word. A doer of the word demonstrates a genuine relationship with God, personal growth; with a deeper understanding we experience His grace and favor along with His transformative power by aligning our lives with His word, will and ways.