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| "For we live by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7) |
Life is full of challenges and uncertainties. We ofthen focus on what we can see, trying to find answers within our immediate circumstances. It's natural to rely on our senses - what we can see, touch, and understand - as a way to navigate through life. The visible world feels secure because it's something we can control. But this reliance on the temporary can often lead to frustration, doubt, and anxiety, especially when life throws us difficult situations.
However, the Christian life calls us to something radically different: to live not by sight, but by faith. In 2 Corinthians 5:7, the Apostle Paul teaches believers to trust in the unseen promises of God, even when everything around us suggests otherwise. Living by faith, not sight, is a central aspect of walking with Christ.
Living by Faith, Not by Sight
In 2 Corinthians 5:7, Paul writes, "For we live by faith, not by sight." This verse challenges believers to focus on the spiritual truths of God rather than the visible world. At first, it may seem abstract, but Paul encourages us to shift our focus - away from what is temporary - and place our trust in God's eternal promises.
Faith here is not just a feeling but a deep trust in God's Word and His promises, which often not visible to our physical senses. Paul contrasts faith with sight, reminding us that living by sight means relying on what is observable, controllable, and understandable by human reasoning. Yet, faith calles us to trust in what we cannot see - the future hope of eternal life, the resurrection, and God's unshakeable promises, which will come to fruition in His perfect timing.
Focusing on the Unseen Future and Spiritual Truth
Living by faith means focusing on the unseen future and spiritual truths that God has revealed to us. In 2 Corinthians 5:1-2, Paul presents a powerful contrast between the temporary earthly body and the eternal heavenly body. He writes about our longing for an eternal dwelling that is not made by human hands. The world around us often emphasizes the here and now - what we can see, experience, and achieve in our lifetime. But Paul encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, looking forward to what is unseen and eternal.
It's a concept that many believers struggle with at times - the ideas of trusting in what is yet to come, instead of focusing on the present moment. Paul speaks of the 'already but not yet' reality of the Christian life. On one hand, believers are redeemed through Christ's death and resurrection: on the other hand, the fullness of God's kingdom is still to be realized. This tension calls us to live by faith in what we cannot yet fully grasp, trusting in the hope of resurrection and eternal life that God has promised.
Romans 8:24-25 emphasizes that Christians live in hope for what is unseen, and that hope is anchored in the resurrection and eternal life. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the confidence in what we hope for. Living by faith requires us to look forward to God's promises being fulfilled, even when we cannot see them yet.
Enduring Through Life's Difficulties by Relying on God's Unseen Work
Living by faith doesn't mean we ignore life's difficulties. Quite the opposite. Trusting in the unseen promises of God gives us the strength to endure challenges. In 2 Corinthians 5:1-2, Paul acknowledges the struggle of living in this earthly body and the longing for our heavenly home, but he assures us that suffering is temporary. He invites us to trust in God's greater plan, which we may fully understand but know is good and eternal.
When Paul writes, "We live by faith, not by sight," he urges believers to focus not on the immediate challenges but on God's eternal work in our lives. The trials of life can seem overwhelming, but by focusing on God's work, we can find peace and strength, knowing our suffering is temporary and our hope in Christ is eternal.
Romans 8:18-25 also highlights that present suffering is nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed in us. The promise of glory far outweighs our struggles. This perspective shift helps believers endure hardships, understanding that the eternal reward is far greater than the temporary struggles.
Living with Purpose through Faith
Living by faith also means understanding our lives have an eternal purpose. 2 Corinthians 5:7 calls us to live in light of eternity, where our actions, choices, and lives are rooted in the hope that God's promises are true. This faith is not passive but an active, purposeful way of living that engages with the world while focusing on the ultimate goal.
In a world focused on immediate success, Paul's message reminds us that our lives have eternal significance. Living by faith means makin intentional decisions aligned with God's purposes, regardless of how things appear now. Believers are living in the present but are also anticipating the fulfillmen of God's kingdom. They understand that their actions serve an eternal purpose.
Living by faith involves aligning our actions with God's will, knowing that this life is a preparation for the fulfillment of His promises. Every challenge, triumph, and season of life is an opportunity to live by faith and trush in God's work, even when we can't see the full picture.
Conclusion
In 2 Corinthians 5:7, Paul calls believers to live by faith, not by sight. This command encourages us to look beyond the temporary, visible world and focus on God's eternal promises. This passage challenges us to endure life's hardship with hope, knowing that what is unseen is far greater than what we can currently perceive.
By trusting in God's promises and living with an eternal perspective, we are empowered to face life's struggles with peace and confidence. Faith is not about ignoring the visible challenges around us but trusting that God is at work in the unseen, bringing His perfect plan to fruition.
As we live by faith, we gain a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and His eternal promises, which will ultimately guide us to a future where everything will be made new.