Day 6 - Believe vs. Faith | February Devotional in the Gospel of John
John 3:1, Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
It is unclear if Nicodemus came to Jesus by night because he was afraid to be seen, or if he came to flatter Jesus, or if he was a curious, but genuine seeker. Nicodemus quickly learned that believing in Jesus is one thing, but following Him is another. Nicodemus was certainly one of the more authentic Pharisees among a group of men who were hypocritical and downright dangerous. He correctly understood that Jesus came from God, doing the works of God.
However, belief by itself is still short of having faith in God. The apostle James made the startling statement that devils believe in God (James 2:19). Faith begins with belief, but is activated through obeying Christ and the word of God. Nicodemus was a scholar, he believed in the Scriptures, and had an accurate understanding of many things. He was a lot like us, in that he--and we--are filled with knowledge and information. Yet it all comes short of having faith in God. Nicodemus needed a new birth which only comes through repentance and receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This is what faith in God looks like.
Reflection question: What things do you believe that you have not acted upon in obedience to Christ and the word of God?
Action item:
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