Two modes of Life
(Romans 1:17)


There are two ways of living. One is to believe in God and live by faith and the other is to not believe in God but to live according to one’s own thoughts and experiences. There are, however, people who choose neither of these ways and fall in the middle living a life full of worries and troubles.


1. The twelve spies * (Numbers 13:17-14:10)
1) Ten spies did not learn how to live by faith
- They didn’t realize it though they saw many miracles while crossing the Red Sea
and the wilderness.
① The land devours those living in it.
② The people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very
large.
③ They saw the Nephilim, the descendants of Anak - we seemed like
grasshoppers in our own eyes.
④ We will be captured.
2) Joshua and Caleb learnt how to live by faith
① The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good.
② Do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them.
③ Their protector is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.
④ Do not be afraid.

2. Jesus, Mary, and Martha* (John 11:17-35)
1) Jesus demanded the mode of faith* (John 11:23-26)
2) Martha wandered in conflict between faith and reason*(John 11:21-22, 24, 27)

3. Jesus’ firm demand* (John 11:38-44)
1) Jesus cried over Martha and Mary who were struggling in despair between faith
and reality.
2) God-centered faith vs. Reliance upon the senses
① Take away the stone ? Act on faith
② By this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.
3) Jesus insisted firmly
① Did I not tell you that if you believe
- Faith is always accompanied by doubt.
As a soul is likened to faith, the flesh, which houses the soul, is likened to doubt.
The point is whether we choose to live by faith or not.
② You will see the glory of God.
- In faith, we must expect for God’s miracles to happen and believe that God’s glory
will be revealed.


We should live by faith at all times. As we live by faith, however, we cannot avoid having struggles against doubt. In reality, there is no perfect belief without doubt. What really matters is which side we choose to follow. We should think, dream, believe, and confess the Word as we move forward by faith.