Life Journey Ministries

Small Group Bible Study & Prayer Support

I.  Bible Passage(s)

Galatians 5:22 …the fruit of the Spirit is…faithfulness

Martin Luther on Faith
An excerpt from "An Introduction to St. Paul's Letter to the Romans," This text was translated for Project Wittenberg by Rev. Robert E. Smith and is in the public domain. You may freely distribute copy or print this text.

Faith is not what some people think it is. Their human dream is a delusion. Because they observe that faith is not followed by good works or a better life, they fall into error, even though they speak and hear much about faith. ``Faith is not enough,'' they say, ‘You must do good works, you must be pious to be saved.'' They think that, when you hear the gospel, you start working, creating by your own strength a thankful heart which says, “I believe.'' That is what they think true faith is. But, because this is a human idea, a dream, the heart never learns anything from it, so it does nothing and reform doesn't come from this `faith,' either.

Instead, faith is God's work in us that changes us and gives new birth from God. (John 1:13). It kills the Old Adam and makes us completely different people. It changes our hearts, our spirits, our thoughts and all our powers. It brings the Holy Spirit with it. Yes, it is a living, creative, active and powerful thing this faith. Faith cannot help doing good works constantly. It doesn't stop to ask if good works ought to be done, but before anyone asks, it already has done them and continues to do them without ceasing. Anyone who does not do good works in this manner is an unbeliever. He stumbles around and looks for faith and good works, even though he does not know what faith or good works are. Yet he gossips and chatters about faith and good works with many words.

Faith is a living, bold trust in God's grace, so certain of God's favor that it would risk death a thousand times trusting in it. Such confidence and knowledge of God's grace makes you happy, joyful and bold in your relationship to God and all creatures. The Holy Spirit makes this happen through faith. Because of it, you freely, willingly and joyfully do good to everyone, serve everyone, suffer all kinds of things, love and praise the God who has shown you such grace. Thus, it is just as impossible to separate faith and works as it is to separate heat and light from fire! Therefore, watch out for your own false ideas and guard against good-for-nothing gossips, who think they're smart enough to define faith and works, but really are the greatest of fools. Ask God to work faith in you, or you will remain forever without faith, no matter what you wish, say or can do.

Fidelity is what God wants for us so He gives us faith.  As we walk with the Holy Spirit we come to “know” or “have faith” that God is the source of our ability to trust Him in all things.  Luther also writes that “Faithfulness among the fruits of the Spirit means faith in men.”  Rather than being suspicious of other people we believe the best about them.  Will we sometimes be disappointed in people?  Yes, but faith always reaches out in favor of the other.

II. Discussion

1. How does Luther’s definition of faith align with your definition of faith?
   
2. What kind of person would you be and what kind of world would you live in if you did not have faith to believe other people?
   
3. How can you boldly take this message of faith into your vocational arenas as co-creator with God for real change in your life and the lives of others?

1. Share the high points and low points of your week. Why do you see these as highs and lows? How are they impacting your life right now?
   
2. This week I want to thank God for...
3. This week God is leading me to confess or grow in...
   

IV. Prayer & Praise

The prayer of the cross can be a helpful guide for prayer and praise. Simply picture a cross in your mind. Label the top of the cross “Praise and Adoration of God.” Label the base of the cross “Requests.” On the cross bar, label the left side “Confession;” and the right side “Thanks.” These four categories help us keep our prayers well rounded.

Many people make the sign of the cross when they pray. You might like to practice this prayer while making the sign of the cross. Touch your forehead and pray your praises and adoration of God. Touch your chest and pray any requests you may have. Touch your left shoulder and make any confessions the Spirit brings to mind. Touch your right shoulder and pray your thanks.