The Pentecostal and Charismatic world has been formed by actions corresponding to “title it and declare it” and the so-called “phrase of religion” message. Add to that the prosperity gospel, and what stays is a witches brew, a sort of non secular confusion brewed in our personal theological cauldron. These actions have typically shifted the main focus of religion from trusting in God to demanding from God, turning religion right into a components for materials acquire reasonably than a pathway to non secular depth. What was as soon as a holy dependence on the sovereignty of God has, in lots of circles, turn out to be a method for manipulating outcomes.
But Scripture provides a deeper, extra sobering view. Relying on the interpretation, the phrase “religion,” seems round 270 instances within the Bible. The overwhelming majority of those references aren’t about miracles or breakthrough, however about belief, belief in God’s character, His guarantees, and His sovereign will.
Hebrews 11:6 says,
“However with out religion it’s unimaginable to please Him, for he who involves God should consider that He’s, and that He’s a rewarder of those that diligently search Him.”
The sort of religion that pleases God shouldn’t be transactional, however relational. It’s the quiet, unwavering confidence in who God is, even when heaven is silent and the way in which is darkish.
Romans 8:8 reinforces this fact:
“So then, those that are within the flesh can’t please God.”
Religion and flesh are incompatible. One walks by sight, the opposite by perception. To stroll within the flesh is, functionally, to stroll with out religion.
Romans 8:5 explains,
“For many who reside in keeping with the flesh set their minds on the issues of the flesh.”
The phrase thoughts right here, phroneó, speaks of setting one’s affections, fixing one’s ideas and wishes. To “thoughts” the issues of the flesh is to be consumed with the seen, temporal world. The Greek phrase for flesh, sarx, on this context means “the image of what’s exterior.”
What does that seem like in sensible phrases? It means being consumed with our careers, our possessions, our reputations, our politics, our social standing, our picture, gaining our miracles, our well being, reasonably than being absorbed within the issues of God. A thoughts dominated by these principally earthly issues is incompatible with the Spirit-led life. Such an individual shouldn’t be strolling within the Spirit, and due to this fact can’t please God. Being obsessive about miracles typically flows, not from the guts of God, reasonably , it flows from the depths of our flesh.
“For to be carnally minded is dying, however to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)
The non secular thoughts is one which seeks first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). It’s a life oriented towards the everlasting, not the short-term.
Hebrews 11, that nice chapter of religion, offers us a twin image. We rejoice within the tales of deliverance:
“By religion the partitions of Jericho fell” (v.30),
“By religion they subdued kingdoms, labored righteousness, obtained guarantees, stopped the mouths of lions” (v.33).
These are victories price celebrating.
But the chapter shifts abruptly.
“Others have been tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they may acquire a greater resurrection. Nonetheless others had trial of mockings and scourgings, sure, and of chains and imprisonment. They have been stoned, they have been sawn in two… being destitute, bothered, tormented, of whom the world was undeserving.” (vv.35–38)
The widespread thread?
“And all these, having obtained testimony by way of religion, didn’t obtain the promise.” (v.39)
Their religion was not measured by quick reward, however by enduring belief within the unseen. Job expressed it greatest:
“Although He slay me, but will I belief Him.” (Job 13:15)
Habakkuk echoes the identical coronary heart:
“Although the fig tree might not blossom… but I’ll rejoice within the Lord.” (Habakkuk 3:17–18)
This type of religion shouldn’t be swayed by trials or silence. It’s rooted in relationship, not reward. Psalm 23 reminds us that God doesn’t take away the enemies, however prepares a desk of their midst.
“You anoint my head with oil, my cup runs over.” (Psalm 23:5)
The oil flows not in instances of ease, however in instances of stress. The true reward of religion shouldn’t be what we obtain, however who we obtain—His presence.
“In Your presence is fullness of pleasure.” (Psalm 16:11)
The final 2,000 years of Church historical past bear witness to this fact. Tens of millions have suffered for Christ, not as a result of their religion failed, however as a result of their religion endured. They possessed a non secular thoughts and a coronary heart anchored in one other world. Their lives happy God. Their testimonies nonetheless converse.
So the query is that this: will you stroll within the Spirit as we speak? Will you solid apart the fleeting issues of this world and set your affections on issues above (Colossians 3:2)? Will you stroll by religion and never by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)? Will you belief God even when there is no such thing as a signal of deliverance?
That is the religion that pleases God. And with out it, we can’t.
