Tonight we looked at the fact that our identity as God’s people is that of believers. Jesus was asked ‘What must we do to do the work God requires?’ (John 6:28) and HIs answer was that the work of God is to believe in the One He has sent. (John 6:29) Our identity is primarily not associated with doing, but with believing and trusting God.
God is primarily interested in our relationship with Him rather than merely giving us rules and regulations to follow. Faith is what sets us apart from other groups and in this respect, Abraham is our father, since it was his trust in God’s promises (and God’s ability to fulfil those promises) which set him apart and made God declare him righteous (see Romans 4.) To believe in Jesus means that we put our whole weight upon His shoulders and take Him at His word. Here are three of the benefits of faith:
1. Freedom from worry and anxiety, because we know God loves us and provides for us (see Matt 6:25-34, John 14:1, Luke 11:11-13)
2. Access to the power of God (John 14:12, Eph 1:18-19)
3. The ability to overcome (see Rom 8:37, 1 John 5:5)
We are called to believe God’s promises (even when we cannot see how He will fulfil these) and to trust Him even when we cannot understand what He is doing. A life of faith is what defines God’s people; believers is what we are called to be!
