Introduction

Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:7 made a simple but profound statement: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” In this lesson, we will consider what it means to walk by faith and not by sight, its spiritual significance, and how to achieve it. Are you walking by faith or sight as a believer? Keep reading to learn.

Meaning of “we walk by faith, not by sight”

First, let’s take note of the pronoun ‘we.’ It indicates that the writer, Apostle Paul, is addressing a specific group: Christians, or followers of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the statement “we walk by faith, not by sight” is not directed toward everybody, but it’s a specific instruction to believers. This clarification is essential for understanding what it means to walk by faith and not by sight.

To walk by faith and not by sight means living according to God’s Word and His promises, regardless of external circumstances, no matter how real they may seem. In other words, we are persuaded by God’s promises, which give us confidence and hope, regardless of what we’re going through, what others may say, or the realities surrounding us.

To have faith means to have a deep trust in God. Faith is more than just believing; it’s about trusting. It’s the full assurance that God is willing and able to fulfill all His promises in His perfect timing. Therefore, faith eliminates doubt. God’s promises to us may sometimes seem unrealistic, such as when God told Abraham that he would father a child in old age. If it were a man who told Abraham that, there would be some element of doubt. God’s consistent faithfulness made it easy for Abraham to trust and obey Him, despite the undeniable reality that he was beyond the age of fathering a child.

Our faith is strengthened by the integrity of God’s Word. The Bible assures us that His Word will never return void. “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). This is how we (believers) build our confidence and trust in God.

Faith also obliterates fear. Naturally, and based on facts, there are many things to be fearful about as citizens of this world. For example, homeowners are afraid of burglars attacking them, the gainfully employed are worried about being sacked, healthy people are afraid of terminal sicknesses, and the list goes on. Living comfortably is not enough to be free of fear because even if you have everything, the fear of the unknown still exists. However, God’s promise to His children is that even when trouble comes, we will be victorious and His presence will always be there with us (John 16:33, Isaiah 41:10). These promises are what make walking by faith easy. It is not the absence of problems but the fact that we are more than conquerors through Christ, and His presence within us is our hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

The spiritual significance of 2 Corinthians 5:7

A key message in this Bible text is the call to prioritize eternal significance over worldly gain. Every believer who walks by faith and not by sight must set heaven as their ultimate goal, remaining laser-focused on that pursuit, undistracted by the fleeting pleasures of this world.

Living by sight means pleasing man instead of God, chasing after the pleasures of this world while ignoring righteousness. Living by sight means catering to the flesh and indulging in sin. While sin may offer temporary pleasure, that pleasure is fleeting and ultimately unfulfilling. While living by faith or pleasing God might sometimes look boring, it has eternal value. Is living according to God’s will boring? No. True satisfaction can only be found in Jesus Christ. Whatever the world or the devil offers is only a counterfeit of the true joy and peace that God offers.

Therefore, we must understand that though we are in the world, we are not of this world, and one day we will return home. Now, we must also understand that there are two destinations: heaven and hell, and whether we live by faith or sight will determine where we end up.

Why we must walk by faith

To walk by faith means to rely on your spiritual senses and not your physical senses. In other words, it means always depending on the Holy Spirit, especially when making decisions. As Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Often, things may look like good opportunities that seem golden, and people who appear perfect for us. Yet, if God were to open our spiritual eyes to see the future, we would never go near them. This is precisely why walking or living by faith is non-negotiable.

There are moments in life when we may be faced with making critical decisions, such as whom to marry, where to relocate, and what job to take. Making a decision based on what we see and feel might affect us in the future. The Bible says even the devil disguises himself like an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). Deception is what Satan knows best, and he can come in any way, shape, or form. However, we can outwit him if we depend on the Holy Spirit to guide us. That is what walking by faith means.

For example, Eve was deceived because she walked by sight. After the devil tempted her, the Bible records that, “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes.” She made her decision based on what she saw, not what God had told them (Genesis 3:6). The simple act of following her eyes led her and Adam to lose their intimate fellowship with God, and they were expelled from the Garden of Eden, bringing about sin and suffering as we have it today.

Lot also made the same mistake when Abraham asked him to choose land for his cattle. Lot looked toward the fertile plains of Jordan, near Sodom, and based his decision on how rich and beautiful the land appeared, not considering the spiritual atmosphere of the land. At the end, he lost his home, his possessions, and eventually his wife because Sodom was a corrupt city that was later destroyed by God (Genesis 19).

On the other hand, Jesus embraced the cross, not because He was unaware of the pain and suffering it entailed, but because He looked beyond the shame to the glory that awaited Him if He overcame the cross. “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). But Peter could not see by faith that His Master, Jesus Christ, would be glorified through the cross. That was why he attacked the high priest’s servant with a sword to prevent Jesus’ arrest (John 18:10). Although his intention seemed genuine, he was walking by sight (fear) and not faith. Ultimately, Jesus was exalted and given a name above every other name (Philippians 2:9-11).

How to walk by faith

As believers, we must learn to walk by faith, not by sight. Proverbs 3:5-6 summarizes it: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

Here are three major steps we must take.

1. Know God’s Word

The first step is to know God’s Word. Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” You know God and His promises through His word. The more you study His word, the more your faith grows. Therefore, the first step toward building faith is spending time eating the word of God. Remember, you can’t trust what you don’t know.

2. Believe God’s promises above our circumstances

The second step is to believe God’s promises. 2 Corinthians 1:20 says, “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. “Faith is acknowledging reality, but looking beyond it and not being ruled by it. Faith focuses on God’s promises and salvation, rather than temporary challenges. Problems will arise, but faith is knowing that you will overcome them and God is with you through every life’s battle.

3. Obey God’s Instructions

The third step is to obey God’s instructions. Hebrews 11:8 says, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” Walking by faith and not sight means you are willing to move when God says move and stop when he commands it. It doesn’t matter if His instructions make sense or not; faith believes that God always wants the best for us.