Walking with God: Not Walking by Sight, But by Faith
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Introduction

Walking with God is a central theme in the Christian faith, emphasizing a life lived in close relationship with the Creator. This walk is characterized by faith rather than sight, as believers are called to trust in God's promises and guidance, even when circumstances are unclear or challenging. The concept of walking by faith is deeply rooted in Scripture and is exemplified by numerous biblical figures who demonstrated unwavering trust in God.

Biblical Foundation

The principle of walking by faith is succinctly captured in 2 Corinthians 5:7, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." This verse underscores the Christian's reliance on faith in God's promises rather than on visible circumstances. Faith, as described in Hebrews 11:1, is "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This assurance and certainty are foundational to the believer's journey with God.

Old Testament Examples

1. Enoch: Enoch is one of the earliest examples of walking with God. Genesis 5:24 states, "Enoch walked with God, and then he was no more, because God took him away." Enoch's life is a testament to a deep, personal relationship with God, characterized by faith and obedience.

2. Noah: In a world filled with corruption, Noah stood out as a man who walked with God. Genesis 6:9 describes him as "a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God." Noah's faith was demonstrated through his obedience in building the ark, despite the absence of visible evidence of the impending flood.

3. Abraham: Known as the father of faith, Abraham's life exemplifies walking by faith. Hebrews 11:8-10 recounts how Abraham obeyed God's call to leave his homeland, "not knowing where he was going." His faith was further tested when he was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac, trusting in God's promise that through Isaac, his offspring would be reckoned (Genesis 22).

New Testament Teachings

1. Jesus Christ: Jesus is the ultimate example of walking by faith. He lived in perfect obedience to the Father, often retreating to pray and seek God's will (Luke 5:16). His life and ministry were marked by complete trust in God's plan, even unto death on the cross.

2. The Apostles: The early apostles, including Paul, exemplified walking by faith. Paul, in particular, faced numerous trials and persecutions, yet he remained steadfast in his mission. In 2 Corinthians 4:18, he writes, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

3. Hebrews 11: Often referred to as the "Faith Hall of Fame," Hebrews 11 provides a comprehensive list of individuals who walked by faith. This chapter highlights the actions and sacrifices of those who trusted in God's promises, despite not receiving them in their lifetime.

Practical Implications

Walking with God by faith involves a daily commitment to trust in His guidance and provision. It requires believers to prioritize spiritual truths over physical realities, often leading to decisions that defy worldly logic. This walk is sustained through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and fellowship with other believers, all of which strengthen one's faith and reliance on God.

Conclusion

The journey of walking with God by faith is a lifelong endeavor, marked by trust, obedience, and a deepening relationship with the Creator. It is a path that requires believers to look beyond the visible and embrace the unseen promises of God, confident in His eternal faithfulness.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Corinthians 5:7
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Difference Between Walking by Sight, and Walking by Faith
... It is not formality, " the most exact observance of ... foundation, is no more pleasing
to God, than "the ... no less than living in eternity, and walking in eternity ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 113 the difference between.htm

Walking with God
... And has not the wisest of men told us, that As iron ... some motives to excite all to
come and walk with God. And, First, walking with God is a very honorable thing ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/walking with god.htm

Walking the Waves --The Two Kingdoms.
... swiftly down the mountain side He went to them walking upon the water ... Of a truth
Thou art the Son of God," they found themselves at the land not far from ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxiv walking the wavesthe.htm

How St Francis, Walking one Day with Brother Leo, Explained to Him ...
... he called to Brother Leo, who was walking on before ... a loud voice: "O Brother Leo,
thou little lamb of God! ... and of waters - write that this would not be perfect ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter viii how st francis.htm

A Pair of Friends
... effort to keep His distant figure in sight; but to 'walk ... agreed; and that is why
they are not walking together ... The consciousness of God's presence with us is a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a pair of friends.htm

Enoch, the Deathless
... his household, in preaching righteousness and foretelling judgment, the great law
of his life was here, "walking with God ... He was not found, for God took him ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/enoch the deathless.htm

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. "
... It is not more doing, more praying, more exact walking, that can make you more
righteous in God's account, in order to absolution from law ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon vi who walk not.htm

Knowing that a Man is not Justified by the Work of the Law, but by ...
... Could you look up calmly and say. "Father, this is a solemn sight, but Christ has
died, and God has ... If you are not walking with God, and at the same time ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/knowing that a man is.htm

The Christian's Warfare.
... t walking by faith at all"that is walking by sight ... by faith; he went out in the
footsteps of God. ... an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither ...
/.../moody/the overcoming life/part i the christians warfare.htm

"But Ye are not in the Flesh, but in the Spirit, if So be that the ...
... Do not confound all again, by your walking after the course of the world. Conformity
to the world is a confusion of what God hath separated. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxiii but ye are.htm

Resources
What is a prayer labyrinth? Are prayer labyrinths biblical? | GotQuestions.org

How can I overcome feelings of rejection? | GotQuestions.org

What is decisional regeneration / decision theology? | GotQuestions.org

Walking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Walking

Walking by Faith

Walking in the Spirit

Walking with God by the Gospel Rule

Walking with God in Christ

Walking with God in his Statutes and Judgments

Walking with God in his Ways

Walking with God in Love, Following Christ

Walking with God in Newness of Life

Walking with God in the Light of Heaven

Walking with God in the Light, As God Is

Walking with God in the Old Paths

Walking with God in White Clothing

Walking with God: According to his Commands

Walking with God: As Taught by Him

Walking with God: Honestly, As in the Day

Walking with God: Not After the Flesh, But After the Spirit

Walking with God: Not Walking by Sight, But by Faith

Walking with God: Uprightly

Walking with God: Worthy of the Lord

Walking With Jesus

Walking: Enoch

Walking: Noah

Related Terms

Walked (178 Occurrences)

Mincing (1 Occurrence)

Step (41 Occurrences)

Springing (16 Occurrences)

Lake (45 Occurrences)

Lusts (28 Occurrences)

Wonder (148 Occurrences)

Seeing (442 Occurrences)

Barefoot (7 Occurrences)

Praising (35 Occurrences)

Walk (315 Occurrences)

Happiness (54 Occurrences)

Overtakes (16 Occurrences)

Jumping (14 Occurrences)

Withdrew (55 Occurrences)

Waves (43 Occurrences)

Worthlessness (14 Occurrences)

Terrified (88 Occurrences)

Roaming (5 Occurrences)

Run (147 Occurrences)

Despising (25 Occurrences)

Drag (19 Occurrences)

Mockers (14 Occurrences)

Miles (5 Occurrences)

Pace (3 Occurrences)

Bodies (144 Occurrences)

Cried (255 Occurrences)

Apparition (3 Occurrences)

Stagger (20 Occurrences)

Stumble (89 Occurrences)

Slide (3 Occurrences)

Longer (373 Occurrences)

Serveth (24 Occurrences)

Fro (54 Occurrences)

Able (730 Occurrences)

Reed (41 Occurrences)

Watch (203 Occurrences)

Ghost (123 Occurrences)

Trees (179 Occurrences)

Loving (292 Occurrences)

Covered (325 Occurrences)

Judea (50 Occurrences)

Jude (4 Occurrences)

Untrue (50 Occurrences)

Unable (102 Occurrences)

Fearing (107 Occurrences)

Got (764 Occurrences)

Comest (50 Occurrences)

Boat (52 Occurrences)

Contrary (77 Occurrences)

Habitually (43 Occurrences)

Nigh (243 Occurrences)

Wandering (120 Occurrences)

Epistles (2 Occurrences)

Stretching (84 Occurrences)

Full (1047 Occurrences)

Birds (125 Occurrences)

Fault (42 Occurrences)

Courts (59 Occurrences)

Fear (970 Occurrences)

Sinners (132 Occurrences)

Laws (184 Occurrences)

Open (586 Occurrences)

Sleep (136 Occurrences)

Whence (84 Occurrences)

Wind (180 Occurrences)

Towards (416 Occurrences)

Fourth (87 Occurrences)

Greatly (297 Occurrences)

Adversary (100 Occurrences)

Walks (51 Occurrences)

False (303 Occurrences)

Road (155 Occurrences)

Secret (341 Occurrences)

Taketh (398 Occurrences)

Calling (145 Occurrences)

Commit (142 Occurrences)

Halt (12 Occurrences)

Walking with God: Not After the Flesh, But After the Spirit
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