Make It Real
Pastor Drew Shofner, Sr. Pastor at the Church at Severn Run, recently grappled the topic of “real faith” based on Matthew and Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Pastor Shofner concluded that “real faith” revolves around making everything about Jesus and finding joy in the Lord rather than in the transient pleasures of the world. This understanding is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, which provide a clear path to authentic faith and true joy. Let’s dig into the Bible verses Pastor Shofner used to illustrate his message.
The concept of making everything about Jesus is central to my understanding of real faith. Revelation 20:11-15 paints a vivid picture of the final judgment, where everyone is judged according to their deeds. This passage reminds me that my life and actions are to be centered on Jesus, who will be my advocate on that day. It compels me to focus on living a life that reflects His teachings and love. Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of following Him wholeheartedly in Matthew 7:13-14, where He speaks of the narrow gate leading to life and the wide gate leading to destruction. Real faith, therefore, involves choosing the narrow path, which often means making difficult choices and prioritizing Jesus above all else.
In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus warns that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of His Father. This passage challenges me to examine my faith critically. It’s not enough to profess belief in Jesus; my actions and heart must align with His will. True faith is demonstrated through obedience and a genuine relationship with Him, not merely through words or religious activities.
Paul’s writings in Philippians further illuminate what real faith looks like. In Philippians 3:1, Paul exhorts believers to rejoice in the Lord. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is a deep, abiding sense of peace and contentment found in Christ. Philippians 3:3 contrasts those who put confidence in the flesh with those who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus. Real faith, according to Paul, is not about relying on our achievements or credentials but on our relationship with Jesus.
Paul’s personal testimony in Philippians 3:4-6 serves as a powerful illustration. Despite having impressive religious and cultural credentials, Paul considered them worthless compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ. This perspective shifts my focus from seeking validation or joy from worldly achievements to finding my worth and joy in Jesus alone.
Philippians 3:8b-9 encapsulates the essence of real faith. Paul speaks of counting everything as loss for the sake of Christ and desiring to be found in Him, not having a righteousness of his own but that which comes through faith in Christ. This passage underscores that real faith is about complete reliance on Jesus for our righteousness and salvation. It’s about surrendering our own efforts and trusting entirely in His grace and mercy.
The lessons from these passages are meaningful for today’s Christians. In a world that often emphasizes self-reliance, achievement, and external validation, these scriptures call us to a different standard. They remind us that true faith is not about what we do or accomplish on our own but about our relationship with Jesus and our dependence on Him. This perspective challenges us to re-evaluate our priorities and to ensure that Jesus is at the center of our lives.
Moreover, these teachings highlight the source of true joy. In a society that frequently equates happiness with material success, pleasure, or personal achievement, the Bible points us to a deeper, more enduring joy found in the Lord. This joy is not fleeting or dependent on circumstances; it is rooted in the assurance of God’s love, grace, and presence in our lives.
For me, embracing this understanding of real faith means constantly seeking to make everything about Jesus. It involves daily surrender, choosing the narrow path, and striving to align my thoughts, actions, and desires with His will. It also means finding my joy in Him, regardless of what is happening around me. This kind of faith brings a deep sense of peace and fulfillment that the world cannot offer.
Real faith is about making everything about Jesus and finding joy in the Lord. The scriptures, particularly the writings of Paul in Philippians, provide a clear blueprint for this kind of faith. They call us to a life of surrender, obedience, and deep relationship with Christ. For today’s Christians, these lessons are both challenging and liberating, offering a path to true joy and fulfillment in the Lord.
JG