Walking by Faith
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Walking by faith is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing a life lived in trust and obedience to God, even when circumstances are uncertain or unseen. This concept is rooted in the belief that faith is not merely intellectual assent but an active, dynamic trust in God and His promises.

Biblical Foundation

The phrase "walking by faith" is most directly derived from 2 Corinthians 5:7, where the Apostle Paul writes, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." . This passage underscores the Christian's call to live by faith in God's promises rather than relying solely on physical senses or human understanding.

Old Testament Examples

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of individuals who walked by faith. Abraham is often cited as a quintessential model. In Genesis 12:1-4, God calls Abraham to leave his homeland and go to a land that He would show him. Abraham's obedience, despite not knowing the destination, exemplifies walking by faith. Hebrews 11:8-10 further commends Abraham's faith, stating, "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going." .

Another notable example is Noah, who, "by faith, being warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family" (Hebrews 11:7). Noah's actions, based on God's warning of the coming flood, demonstrate trust in God's word despite the lack of visible evidence.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of walking by faith. His life and ministry were marked by complete trust in the Father's will. In John 5:19, Jesus states, "Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, unless He sees the Father doing it. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does." . This dependence on the Father exemplifies perfect faith.

The Apostle Paul frequently discusses the concept of faith in his epistles. In Galatians 2:20, he writes, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." . Here, Paul emphasizes that the Christian life is sustained by faith in Christ.

Practical Implications

Walking by faith involves trusting God's character and promises, even when circumstances are challenging or unclear. It requires believers to rely on God's wisdom and guidance rather than their own understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages this mindset: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." .

Faith is also linked to obedience. James 2:17 states, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." . Genuine faith manifests in actions that align with God's will, demonstrating trust in His promises and commands.

Challenges and Encouragement

Walking by faith can be challenging, especially in a world that often values empirical evidence and self-reliance. However, Scripture provides encouragement for believers. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Hall of Fame," recounts the accounts of many who lived by faith, serving as a source of inspiration and encouragement.

Moreover, believers are assured of God's presence and support. In Isaiah 41:10, God promises, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." . This assurance provides comfort and strength for those committed to walking by faith.
Topical Bible Verses
2 Corinthians 5:7
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
Topicalbible.org

Romans 1:17
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Topicalbible.org

Romans 10:17
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Topicalbible.org

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Topicalbible.org

Greek
4275. proeido -- to foresee
... all the physical scenes of life operate according to (under) His plan -- bringing
equal, eternal benefit to the person walking in faith ("divine-") in each of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4275.htm - 7k

3640. oligopistos -- little faith
... Jn 10:3,4,27). "Little-faith" (3640 ) describes someone dull to hearing the
Lord's voice, or disinterested in walking intimately with Him. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3640.htm - 7k

Library

The Difference Between Walking by Sight, and Walking by Faith
... Third Series Sermon 113 The Difference Between Walking by Sight, and Walking
by Faith. "We walk by faith, not by sight." 2:Cor.5:7. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 113 the difference between.htm

Sermons on Several Occasions
... Sermon 112 The Rich Man and Lazarus. Sermon 113 The Difference Between Walking by
Sight, and Walking by Faith. Sermon 114 The Unity of the Divine Being. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wesley/sermons on several occasions/

Growing Faith.
... This is the only pathway from faith to a deeper realer sturdier faith. A man can
get a deeper faith only by walking on his own feet where Jesus leads. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/growing faith.htm

Number Index
... 24. 112. [253]Rich Man and Lazarus, The"Luke 16:31. 113. [254]Walking by
Sight, and Walking by Faith"2 Corinthians 5:7. 114. [255 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wesley/sermons on several occasions/number index.htm

Title Index
... The (Sermon 114)"Mark 12:32 * [131]Use of Money, The (Sermon 50)"Luke 16:9 *
[132]Walking by Sight, and Walking by Faith (Sermon 113)"2 Corinthians 5:7 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wesley/sermons on several occasions/title index.htm

The Christian's Warfare.
... sight. They want to see the end"how a thing is going to come out. That
isn't walking by faith at all"that is walking by sight. ...
/.../moody/the overcoming life/part i the christians warfare.htm

No Disparagement of Our Doctrine in St. Paul's Phrase, which Calls ...
... to us an exhortation to disregard this present life, since we are absent from the
Lord as long as we are passing through it"walking by faith, not by sight ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter xliii no disparagement of our.htm

Walking the Waves --The Two Kingdoms.
... the oars, and coming swiftly down the mountain side He went to them walking upon
the ... cheer, it is I, be not afraid." And Peter, full of glad faith, cried out ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxiv walking the wavesthe.htm

The Obedience of Faith
... myself: Have I that faith which leads me to obey my God?"for obedience, if it be
of the kind we are speaking of, is faith in action"faith walking with God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the obedience of faith.htm

The Agreement of Salvation by Grace with Walking in Good Works
... stands the case: by your creation in Christ you come to exhibit faith in him ... which
God hath before ordained that we should walk in them; for walking means not ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the agreement of salvation by.htm

Resources
What does it mean to walk with God? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to walk in the light? | GotQuestions.org

Is it really possible for Christians to do greater works than Jesus? | 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 Blamelessly
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