Hebrews 4:2 says, “For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” 

What does it mean to mix what we hear with faith? When we hear God’s word, we must first receive it as truth, then believe it for ourselves. Next is to act on it by making it our own. We take ownership as we implement or graft it into our thought processes.

Ephesians 1:13 is an example of hear, believe, and act. It says, “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.”

Trusting is an active verb. Trust means to fully rest in the truth that we hear. We lean on it’s steadfastness. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” Our flesh works through our own understanding. 

Galatians 5:16 says, “I say then: Walk in the Spirit,  and  you shall not fulfill the lust  of the flesh.” John 14:17 says, “The Spirit of truth…you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”

1 John 2:27 says, “But the anointing which  you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is  not a lie, and  just as it has taught you, you will abide  inHim.”

Our trust is in the One Who is eternal. We don’t trust in circumstances, others, or ourselves because we are not in control. Hebrews 1:2 says of Jesus, “Has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.”

Colossians 1:16-17 says, “…All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is  before all things, and in Him all things consist.” Consist means to hold together. Jesus is our Creator and Sustainer. Acts 17:28 says, “For in Him we live and move and have our being…”

Our conclusion must be that He is trustworthy and faithful. When we believe that foundational truth, our thoughts will cause us act it out through our actions, attitude, and habitual patterns. God’s word within is designed to shape our character to be more like Christ. More on this tomorrow.