What Does It Mean To Walk By Faith And Not By Sight?
Understanding “Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”
The phrase “walk by faith, not by sight” is drawn from the apostle Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. It is a call to live a life rooted in trust in God rather than relying solely on our natural perceptions and circumstances. Let's explore what this means biblically, why it matters, and how believers can apply it practically.
Biblical Foundation
(for we walk by faith, not by sight) - 2 Corinthians 5:7 ASV
This verse is nestled in a passage where Paul encourages believers to fix their hope on the eternal promises of God rather than the temporary things of earth. Walking by faith means living in confident trust in God’s promises, even when we cannot see their fulfillment with our physical eyes.
What Is Faith?
Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen. - Hebrews 11:1 ASV
Faith, according to Scripture, is not blind optimism but assurance and conviction regarding God’s promises and character. It is trusting God’s Word above our own understanding or what is immediately visible around us.
Examples of Walking by Faith
- Abraham: He left his homeland, not knowing where he was going, trusting God’s promise (Hebrews 11:8 ASV).
- Moses: He chose to identify with God’s people, forsaking the treasures of Egypt, “for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27 ASV).
- Peter: He walked on water at Jesus’ command, an act of faith that faltered only when he focused on the waves instead of Christ (Matthew 14:28-31 ASV).
The Distinction: Faith vs. Sight
To “walk by sight” means to live only by what we perceive through our senses—what we can see, hear, touch, or reason. But faith goes beyond the natural, trusting what God has revealed in His Word, even when circumstances appear contrary.
Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding: In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he will direct thy paths. - Proverbs 3:5 ASV
God calls believers to trust Him even when life’s path is unclear, believing He is good and sovereign.
The Centrality of Christ in Walking by Faith
Our faith is not in faith itself, but in Jesus Christ. He is the object and foundation of our trust.
looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith - Hebrews 12:2 ASV
To walk by faith is to look to Christ for salvation, daily guidance, and hope for the future. It is by grace through faith in Him that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).
Practical Application
- Trusting God’s Promises: Meditate on Scripture and hold onto God’s promises, especially when circumstances are difficult.
- Obedience: Step out in obedience even when the outcome is not guaranteed or visible.
- Prayer: Bring your fears and uncertainties to God, asking Him to strengthen your faith (Mark 9:24 ASV).
- Community: Encourage one another to persevere in faith through fellowship and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25 ASV).
Assurance for the Journey
for we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:18 ASV
Walking by faith means fixing our eyes on the eternal realities promised by God, confident that He is faithful to fulfill His Word. This is a journey every believer is called to, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and modeled perfectly by Jesus Himself.