"Where's My Faith?"

  Paul stayed out of the way in his teaching/preaching. He made certain Christ wasn't presented in some 'cleaver' way (I Cor. 1:17). Paul made certain that he (or any other man) was not promoted in the eyes of the hearers (II Cor. 4:5). He made certain that he wasn't just peddling the word of God but spoke in the very sight of God (II Cor. 2:17). Why? So that the hearers faith would not rest on ANY of man's wisdom but on the power of God!! What about us? When we do things for others, do they clearly have their faith looking to the power of God, which is Christ Jesus (I Cor. 1:24), or do they listen to the wisdom that man offers and drawn to man in some form?

  In the church, how many have really placed their faith on the power of God? That power that overcomes and pushes one toward Jesus? How do we know our faith rests on the power of God? I think a few simple illustrations will help. Have you ever been offended because someone in the church didn't shake your hand or speak to you? The offense sets us off and there have been some who claim they would never return because of this. Where is their faith set? What about the one who loaned another some money and they weren't paid back? It ends up that the one owed will not return and sit in the same place where the 'thief' sits in their hypocrisy. Where is their faith set? What does that have to do with Jesus?

  If our faith is set on the power of God, Jesus and Him crucified, how did Jesus treat those who harmed Him? How did Jesus respond to those who were hypocritical and betrayed Him (as seen in Judas)? There is where faith in the power of God begins to present itself. Faith on the wisdom of men will divide, be offended and not return! Faith in the power of God brings one forward, moving ever so closely to helping. Faith in the wisdom of men will divide while faith in the power of God gives one the power and ability to reach beyond man and act like Christ, even to those who have offended. Faith in the power of God helps people toward salvation. Faith in the power of God will love (sacrificially) those who have hurt us and offended us. Faith in the power of God seeks the unity of the faith. Faith in the wisdom of men, well, man's wisdom killed the Lord Jesus (I Cor. 2:8) and man's wisdom will always lead one into confusion and selfish-ambition (Jam. 3:14-16). Faith in the power of God does not complain and grumble but knows God is working even when things don't go our way. Where does your faith rest?