Overcoming – The Dynamic of Faith
“The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown…”
Matthew 13:31-32
“If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed…”
Matthew 17:20
The parables of Jesus show profound and significant truths concerning the Kingdom of God. It is essential to understand that entering this Kingdom is revealed in our receiving a seed (life). The life of this Kingdom is contained within the seed that is sown. Jesus did not just come to introduce new spiritual teachings. He came to infuse His own Life into humanity, at the cost of His own.
“I am come that they might have life,
and that they might have it more abundantly”
John 10:10
Life is the governing aspect of His Kingdom. It is a life received, not something of our own making. It is a life that transcends words and phrases; within the seed sown lies the latent enablement to grow, develop, and most importantly, become.
“But as many as received him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name”
John 1:12
Overcoming – The Dynamic of Faith
The “power to become” is only known in our receiving of Him. This is the determining factor of our ability to “go on” into greater depths of His Life. Those who remain sensitive and submissive to that divine life will allow it to press us further into the depths of the River of Life (Ezekiel 47:1-5). Each stage of obedience will result in deeper truths to walk in. If I receive only the first principles of God and abide in their goodness I will partake of His River in an ankle-deep experience.
“And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles.”
Ezekiel 47:3
God is always seeking to move us onward to “waters to swim in” (Ezk. 47:5) but such are reserved for those who remain active in their response to the wonder of His Life within.
“…when it is grown”
Let us focus on the phrase “but when it is grown.” This is the enablement of His Spirit to be transformed by His wonder. Many may grow in doctrine and teachings, but the truth and the verity of His Kingdom are revealed as the dynamic of His Life eclipses our own.
The writer of the Book of Hebrews is addressing those of us who become stagnant and content with something less than the fulness of God (Eph. 3:19). Moved by the Spirit of the Living Christ he calls out to hear “today” the voice of Him exhorting us all onward.
“Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith,
To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts…”
Hebrews 3:7-8
†
“We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly“
2 Thessalonians 1:3
Brian Troxel
This is a work in progress and any comments or criticisms are welcomed.
To be continued: We are posting segments of a wider scope of work where these individual posts are but part of the whole. We pray God would grant mercy for the readers to receive grace from these fragments…
Other Excerpts from a new book: The Overcoming Life
Overcoming – The Substance of Faith
Overcoming – Faith and the New Birth
Good words Brian.
“Overcoming” through the power of the Spirit through our submission …then God instill, entrusts us with more capacity, sometimes more gifting’s
One of His names in the Old Testament loosely translated means “one who pours forth” His desire to give is infinitely greater than our desire to receive… yet He will not give beyond our ability to carry His gifts properly (of which I am grateful). Hence the need for His work in my own life.
Think of you often.
BT
Excellent
Thanks