Having A Strong And Healthy Faith Fostered By The Holy Spirit Within

 By: Paula Short

"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." Romans 10:17— NIV 

The word hearing here refers to listening to the teaching of Scripture. But in general, it could also refer to heartfelt attention to God's word. Paul says sinners are born-again to Christ because the Gospel's spiritual light passes through their darkened hearts (Romans 10:13-17, 2 Cor. 4:3-4). Thus, when a believer reads and studies the Bible, his ability to trust in the Lord grows also.

But how is this happening? Is it just some sort of psychological conditioning made by positive thinking? No, it's the spiritual work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. We need to remember that the Bible is God-breathed (2 Tim 3:16); it is inspired by God. It is both a sacred and supernatural book because of the Holy Spirit. And God, the divine author of our lives, intentionally works through it. 

But some people are skeptical about the supernatural origin and nature of the Bible. They don't experience its supernatural truth because the Holy Spirit is not in their hearts (1 Cor 2:12-14). But to a Christian, the Bible is a Holy and living book because, through it, he hears the voice of God. 

Through the Scriptures, the Spirit can strengthen our affection (heart) for Holy things (Eph 3:14-17). When our affection is strengthened, our attention (mind) is determined to focus on God's reality (Col 3:1-2). So, our faith is energized whenever we meditate upon its words because the Holy Spirit speaks to our whole being. 

And finally, when the Spirit energizes the heart and mind, the believer becomes strong and healthy in living out his faith in Christ with confidence and intelligence. John said, 

"If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." John 14:15-17— NIV

In John 14:15-16 Jesus was soon going to leave the disciples and told them that he would remain with them. How could this be? The advocate— the Spirit of God himself— would come after Jesus was gone to care for and guide the disciples.

The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within us and all believers helping us to live the way God wants us and building Christ's church on earth. By faith, we can have the Spirit's power every day.

We must take God's incredible message of salvation to others so that they can respond to the Good news.

Reflection

Is God calling you to take part in making his message known?

How does it make you feel knowing the Holy Spirit lives in you?