RCCG Christian Fellowship
The Main Pillars of the Christian Faith
Introduction
Pillars serve a vital purpose in buildings. They help hold up the structure, and next to the foundation, they are the most important in a building.
The shell is important, but while a structure/building can exist and even function without a shell (walls), a shell cannot stand alone without the support or pillars holding it up.
Likewise, in building your relationship with God, after establishing the foundation (which is Christ) there are some important pillars that give structure to the building. Three very important ones are:
1. Faith. 2. Love. 3. Hope
We see these highlighted again and again in scriptures: Colossians 1:1-6 (note verses 3-5); 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5 (note verses 2-3); Ephesians 1:1-20 (note verses 15-18).
We will briefly examine these pillars in this study.
Faith
Faith is the first “ingredient” (requirement) in walking with God. Hebrews 11:6. Faith is simply believing and trusting God and His word.
– It is how we get saved. John 1:9-12; John 3:16; John 8:30-32; Acts 16:30-31; Romans 10:4-13; Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:1-9
– It is how we receive from God, how we realize the promises of God. Mark 11:21-24; Mk 5:24-34; John 11:40; Gal 3:13-14
Love
Walking in love is very important
– It is our Lord’s commandment: John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:21
– It is one of the results and evidence of new birth: Romans 5:5; Galatians 5:19-24; 1 John 3:14-15; 1 John 4:12; 1 John 4:20
– It is walking with God (or in God) because God is love. It is walking in a whole different realm or life-style. 1 John 4:15-18
– It is a protection in itself. Walking in love will protect you from the influence of negative forces like fear and wrong-doing. Somewhat like how pedaling (motion) keeps you protected from gravity while riding a bike. 1 John 4:18; 1 John 2:10
Walking in love is so important that it is called the most important of the three pillars, 1 Corinthians 13:13. In fact, that whole chapter highlights the importance of love, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.
Hope
This is oft-times overlooked today. It is an essential part ofthe Christian walk. You have committed your life to Jesus, you are born again; now what next?
Overlooking this essential part of the puzzle of life in this world explains why there seems to be something missing or “not adding up” in many Christian lives.
The Christian hope gives the Christian direction.
What exactly is this hope? Expectation of the fulfillment of the promise of God:
– There is a destination for us, John 14:1-7; John 12:26; Colossians 3:1-4; 1 John 3:1-3
– Our salvation is yet to be finalized; it will be at the resurrection of the just, at Christ’s return 1 Peter 1:3-9;
– Removal of the curse (and every curse) Gen 3:13-19; Romans 8:18-25 Revelations 22:1-17
– Redemption of our bodies 1 Corinthians 15:35-58; Philippians 3:20-21;
– Fulfillment of our faith. No more struggling or “fight[ing] the good fight of faith”, 1 Timothy 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8-10
– Restitution/restoration of all things. Rom 8:18-25; Acts 3:18-21; Revelations 21:1-8
– Reward for obedience and service, Daniel 12:1-3; Matthew 25:1-46; Revelations 20:1-15.
We often lose focus. The hope before us is the real thing, but our needs in the present world (as well as a lack of perception of the whole picture), clouds our hope and we mistakenly take the present as the real thing. Somewhat like being in prison and focusing only on getting concessions, without any consideration for leaving, for the outside world. Romans 12:1-2.
Conclusion
The Spirit of God is available to help us in our Christian growth. Pray and ask the Lord for help in establishing these pillars in your life:
– Luke 17:5 (faith)
– Ephesians 3:16-19 (love)
– Ephesians 1:18 (hope)