Put Your Faith Where Your Mouth Is

Last Wednesday at Bible study we talked about "visible faith" using Luke 5:17-26. I wanted to establish the fact that our faith needs to blossom beyond words. I wondered out loud if faith was a verb? I'm not an English major, but if it isn't, it should be.

Faith that is only professed can't be called "visible faith". Visible faith is what is seen in the actions of those who are living their faith. This is what James said, "What does it profit, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? But someone will say, You have faith and I have works. Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by works" (James 4:14,18).

This was highlighted in our text from Luke 5. As Jesus was teaching in a crowded home, some men carried a paralyzed man to him. Access to Jesus was hindered by the crowd, so they made a hole in the roof and lowered the man down. Verse 20 declares, "When Jesus saw their faith..." Jesus saw that these men displayed visible faith.

In response to their faith Jesus pronounced forgiveness on the paralyzed man. How fantastically wonderful. The faith of those who brought the man was enough for Jesus to set the man free from the prison of guilt, shame, and sin.

Your visible faith can do the same thing. Read that again if you missed it. Yes, the same result. Consider that person, who you may have concluded is "too far gone". Do you believe Jesus can free them from whatever self-imposed prison they are bound by? Well, if not, then of course you wouldn't go to the trouble of introducing them to Jesus. But, if on the other hand, you can say, "Yes I believe the Son can set us free," then put your faith where your mouth is! Turn your invisible faith into visible faith.

The text in Luke gives us a good contrast between visible faith and words only. Let me put it into today's setting. You know someone who is "too far gone". It it possible for this individual to receive forgiveness? That's not to difficult to answer. Looking back, the Pharisees called it blasphemy. They would not have offered it, but we can. Do you?

As the account indicates, Jesus went beyond just talking, by offering proof of what he said. The Paralyzed man got up and carried his bed home. Your friend who is "too far gone" can also receive forgiveness and walk in a new kind of life. Something, perhaps, that wasn't thought possible until your faith became visible.

The record doesn't say how the men felt when they saw the man get up and walk home. I'm sure they hurried down to rejoice with him as he glorified God. You would too, wouldn't you?

Verse 26 tells us that the people who saw this work of faith said, "we have seen strange things today". That's right, your visible faith, seen by others will indeed seem strange in our world today. Amaze those who know you by putting your faith where your mouth is.