THE SPIRIT OF FAITH

The apostle Paul tried to explain to the Corinthian believers what it meant to die to self–

We have this treasure in earthen jars of clay, to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us… We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed (2 Corinthians 4:7, 10).

Dying to self in order that we might be raised only by the hand of God!

Here we see the blend of a willingness to die and a confidence that out of that death will come new life. This, says Paul later in his letter, is the spirit of faith.

This principle applies to living for Jesus. It is remarkable to our 21st century way of thinking, with its huge focus on salesmanship, making life easier, and being as ‘user-friendly’ as possible, that Jesus actually discouraged people from following him–

Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple… Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:27, 33).

To read more on this topic see Living in the Image of God, Barry Chant (Miranda: Tabor, 2012 available in eBook and Paperback) from which this edited extract is taken.