5/2/25 - “Since We Heard Of Your Faith …”

 

Faith, the foundational and transformative force in the lives of Christians, is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). It is the driving force that leads us to follow the Lord, for without faith, “it is impossible to please Him” (Heb. 11:6). 

 

Faith, as used in Scripture, is both objective, i.e., “the faith” (Jude 3), and subjective, i.e., “your faith” (I Cor. 2:5). In Colossians 1:4, it is used in the subjective sense. Paul commends these Christians because he had heard of their faith. This tells us that our (subjective) faith is more than just a mental assent. The faith the Bible speaks of is visible through action!

 

How can I say this? Read Colossians 1:3-4. “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints.” How could Paul (or anyone) “hear” about someone’s faith if they have not acted? Mere mental assent shows no proof of faith, and mental assent cannot be shown to others. However, when this faith is put into action, faith is alive (Jas. 1:26)! This is when people hear about it!

 

Of course, this is not the only time Paul has offered such a compliment to Christians. To the Romans, he wrote, “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world” (Rom. 1:8). In this case, folks were speaking about the Romans’ faith. How could they speak of it if it wasn’t put into action (Rom. 10:16)? We know the answer! Their faith was seen in their obedience (Rom. 16:19). Paul wrote something similar to the Thessalonians (I Thess. 1:3), as well as to his “fellow laborer” Philemon (Phile. 5).

 

If Paul had written a letter to you, or a letter to the church of which you are a member, could he say he has “heard of your faith”? If not, why not? It is past time for us to take responsibility and act on our faith! True faith demands action, not merely stating our belief in silence and hoping no one notices (Jas. 2:17-18, 20, 24, 26). The Colossians demonstrated their faith when it was difficult. Let's learn from them and show the kind of faith that is “heard,” “seen,” and respected because we live our lives for the Lord!

 

– Jarrod M. Jacobs