God's promises are faith activated!
“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. (Heb. 4:2 KJV)
One group did and one group didn’t!
This promise is talking about two groups (types) of people hearing the same Word of God that was preached to both of them. One group heard it and profited from it and one group heard it and did not profit from it! Many Christians don’t believe the Word of God completely (wholeheartedly), and so they get no profit from it! It doesn’t work for them! Oh, they say they believe. But, when push comes to shove, and the chips are down, so to speak, they don’t actually do. And, the proof is in the results. To follow them around and watch them, and to listen to their “talk” (what rolls out of their mouths), you would never think they were Christians. Out of their mouths come worry-words and doubt-words. And this makes the Word of God not work for them!
Why is this so?
The Bible puts it this way, “the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” The promises of God are all faith activated! The Word of God only works for those who mix faith with it! That explains why some Christians benefit from the promises of God while others do not!
This is a huge problem in the church!
Christians who should be walking and living victoriously by faith, and enjoying the “fruit” of God’s thousands of promises, which cover every conceivable need, act and behave like unbelievers.
Here is another example
God promises in James 1:5 that you can ask God for wisdom and He will generously supply it. But, you read a little further in the same passage and you will find this qualifier (James 1:6-8 KJV) “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let that man not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” A double minded man! Unstable in all his ways! That is the problem!
Here’s what to do!
Decide today to trust the Word of God completely, no matter how things may look! If the Word of God promises it, that must settle it for you! Mix your faith with His Word and it will work for you every time!
Therefore…
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Heb. 11:6 ESV)
“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” (Matt. 21:22 ESV)
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