For they said to the woman, “It is no longer because of
what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know
that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” John 4:42
There
is a simple principle working within this verse. Our faith must become our own. It cannot be vicariously lived out
in the testimony of our parents, nor can it be carried out through our children
for that matter. The excess faith of friends cannot be bottled up and credited
to us as our own. We must believe and possess a faith that belongs to us
personally. I doubt you find this surprising. I mean, we all agree on this
matter, right? We know that another’s belief is insufficient for our own
wellbeing. So then, how can we put flesh upon our faith? Though this list is far
from exhaustive, there are three essential elements given, right here within
the same passage, of how the Lord works to create faith within His children.
First,
we see that these new believers paid attention to the testimony of the redeemed
(John 4:39). The woman at the well shared her story of Christ’s forgiveness,
how He offered her living water and newness of life. They witnessed the joy of a
woman liberated from her bondage. They heard her words of hope and listened
intently. This sparked something new within their souls, and they desired to
discover more.
Though
it is listed second sequentially, it is premier in priority. These men and
women spent time with Jesus (John 4:40). They asked him to stay with them. “Could
you stay a bit longer, Jesus?” Oh that we’d make such a request! One can assume
they asked Jesus questions, and that like so many others, they likely hung on
His every word. What we know is that many more came to believe because of what
He had to say (John 4:41). If we’d only spend time with Him, reading and observing
His word, contemplating His precious promises, how might our faith increase and
truly become our own? They were together with Jesus, and their fire was stoked
for greater intimacy with Him.
Thirdly
and finally, we see that they shared their newly found faith (John 4:42). They
told the woman that it was really great to hear her story and everything, but that
they now had their own to tell. Yes, their testimony was rich and unique and
worth sharing. They could testify of God’s grace to them, so they did! How will
our faith ever become our own if we never talk about it? We can lean on
another’s testimony, but we must be aware that only one will wear that story
into glory. The woman’s conversion was influential, but Christ’s work in them
was paramount. The all-consuming fire could not be contained.
In
summary, faith is cultivated in believers as we listen to others, ask questions
concerning their confession, and observe the lives of such professing Christ
followers. Spend time in the revealed word of God, the Bible. Read it with the
primary purpose of meeting with Jesus and getting to know Him more deeply.
Lastly, we must get into the habit of sharing what we know. We may not have the
answers for each inquiry we face, but we can and ought to be able to tell of
the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15). This list is not everything, but it is a start. And
ultimately, if Scripture is trustworthy, as I believe it is, that’s all we
need.
Lord, help us to take ownership
of the faith we profess. Reveal to us again, that You alone are trustworthy and
deserving of all we have to give…
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| Matt Fowler Associate Pastor of Missions & Students matt@nbchurch.info @fattmowler |
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