2Heb 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Heb 11:1 faith stands under/foundation things hoped for, brings to light/being things not seen. 2 For by it the elders were commended/ gained approval 3 By faith we und...worlds framed by the word of God, things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
Heb 1:1 God, spoke in past by the prophets 2 in last days spoken to us by His Son...heir, thru whom made the worlds 3 who being the radiating dawn of His glory and the expressed character of His substance, upholding all word of His power...purged our sins, sat...
Jesus is the activating agent of God's character and purpose. Faith is the activating agency of experiencing God's person and purposes. Groundspring that enlivens and nourishes the seed
I. Everyone has Faith
(expectation that the present course will yield certain results in the unseen future) Question: On what is your faith based?
II. Biblical Faith must be based on Truth
(best explains all the facts from Revelation, Reason, Reality)
A. Result of hearing/experiencing Revelation (only way a finite being can know infinite Truth) of the Person and Promises of God
Rm 10:17 So faith comes [by hearing, and hearing] by the word of God. Mk 11:22 Jesus answered "Have faith in God.” Gal 3:2,23
Heb 4:2 gospel was preached...word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.
Must go outside itself Mt 17:20 Because of your unbelief...if you have faith as a mustard seed...move; and nothing will be impossible for you
B. The Reason we have confidence/conviction of things not seen (if seen, not faith) is because our trustworthy God revealed it
Dt 7:9 He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and loyalty for 1000...with those who love Him and keep His commandments
Ps 9:10 those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.
2Tim 1:12 suffer...not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him
C. Biblical Faith is not a gift; not positive thinking; not wishful thinking, but a worshipful Response to Revelation that honors God
Eph 2:8 by grace (fem) you have been saved through faith (fem), and that (neuter-concept) not of yourselves; it (n) is the gift of God,
III. Types of Biblical Faith: no, little, weak, strong, great
Mt 8:10 great faith, even in Israel 26 fearful, O you of little faith 6:30 little
Rm 4:19 not weak in faith 20 not waver(diakrino API) at the promise of God thru unbelief, but was strong(Heb 11:36API) in faith, giving glory to God 20 being fully persuaded that what He had promised, He was able also to perform.
Rebuke Lk 12:28 clothe you, you of little faith? 8:25 Where is your faith? Mk 4:40 Why are you so fearful? How is it you have no faith?
Acts 6:5 Stephen, a man full of faith and the HS 8 power 11:24 For Barnabus was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.
No room for doubt Mt 14:31 caught...you of little faith, why did you doubt? Mt 15:28 great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire
A. Justifying Faith believes that Jesus' death is accepted by the Father as satisfactory payment for our rebellious sin of independence
Biblical Faith results in forgiveness, rlshp w/ God, answered prayer, peace, victory, fruit, blessings, joy, reward
Rlshp with God Dt 32:20 'I will hide My face from them...For they are a perverse generation, Children in whom is no faith.
Rm 3:22 righteousness of God, thru faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe 25 God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, thru faith 26 be just and the justifier of one who has faith in Jesus. 27 law of faith 28 man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law
B. Sanctifying Faith enables us to appropriate God's grace and energizes His promises to make us like Christ and Minister
Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'
Rm 14:23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.
Acts 15:9 purifying their hearts by faith. 14:9 heard...seeing that he had faith to be healed
Heb 10:22 draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience bodies washed with pure water
Js 1:3 knowing that refining of your faith produces patience 6 ask in faith, no doubting, for he who doubts 4...nor receive anything
Mk 5:34 your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed 10:52 Go your faith has made you well. received his sight and followed
Eph 6:16 shield of faith...quench all darts wicked one 1Pt 5:9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith 1Jn 5:4 victory overcomes the world: our faith
Eph 3:12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence thru faith in Him. 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts thru faith
1Thess 1:3 work produced by faith Phil 2:17 sacrifice and service of your faith
Gal 5:5 thru the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness ek faith. 6 avails, but faith working thru love.
Js 2:1 do not hold the faith of the Lord of glory, with partiality 5 poor rich in faith and heirs..promised to those who love Him
C. Glorifying Faith believes that God is Who He said He is, and will do what He said He'll do (reward those who diligently seek Him) Heb 11:6
Attempts the unfamiliar and gets unheard of results Mt 9:2 Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you." 22 "Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well." 29 eyes,"Acc to your faith let it be to you."
Acts 3:16 thru faith in His name, has made this man strong. Yes, faith which comes thru Him has given him this perfect soundness
Blessing Hab 2:4 Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith. Num 12:7 Moses he is faithful
1Pt 1:5 who are kept by the power of God thru faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 7 refining of your faith...found to praise, honor, and glory (to you) at the revelation 9 receiving the end of your faith --- the salvation of your souls.
2Tim 4:7 I fought the good fight, I finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 crown of righteousness...all who love glorious appearing
Inherit Heb 6:12 not sluggish, but imitate those who thru faith and patience inherit the promises.
Heb 11:4 By faith Abel offered 5 Enoch...pleased God. 7 Noah feared 8 Abraham obeyed 11 Sarah judged Him faithful who had promised 13 died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth 17 Abraham offered up Isaac 27 Moses forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible 39 commended thru/acc't of their faith, did not receive the promise
Heb 12:2 looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross
IV. Developing a Strong, Steadfast, Growing Faith
2Thess 1:3 your faith grows exceedingly 2Pt 1:5 diligence, add to your faith
A. Faith Needs Establishing and Perfecting 1Thess 3:2 establish you and encourage your faith 10 perfect what's lacking in your faith
2Cor 8:7 you abound in faith 10:15 as your faith is increased Phil 1:25 progress and joy of faith
Col 1:23 faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel 2:5 steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
Col 2:12 buried with Him in baptism, raised with Him thru faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead
Diligent attention Mt 23:23 Woe to you, neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith.
2Cor13:5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves...disqualified.
1Tim 1:4 godly edification which is by faith 5 love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,
1Tim 1:19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck,
1Tim 3:9 holding...faith with a pure conscience 13 served well obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith
1Tim 4:1 Spirit says some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons 12 be an example
1Tim 5:8 denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 12 having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith.
1Tim 6:10 For the love of money...some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, 21 false knowledge..strayed concerning the faith
1Tim 6:11 pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life
2Tim 1:13 Hold fast sound words in faith 2:18 overthrow faith of some 22 pursue faith with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart
2Tim 3:8 disapproved concerning the faith Titus 1:13 rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith
B. Ask Lk 17:5 apostles said to the Lord, increase our faith. 6 faith as a mustard seed, you can say ...and it would obey you.
Prayer Lk 22:32 I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.
Rm 5:1 having been justified by faith 2 have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
C. Learn Col 2:7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
Acts 14:2 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, saying, thru tribulations enter the kingdom
Obey what you know Ac 6:7 word of God spread, disciples multiplied greatly...obedient to the faith.
D. Resolve to Watch and Walk 1Cor16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong 2Cor 5:7 we walk by faith, not by sight
Heb 10:38 the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him. Lk 9:62 hand to the plow..look back
Gal 2:20 crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith
Rm 1:5 grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith for His name 8 your faith is spoken of 12 be encouraged with you by mutual faith 17 For in it righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; written, 'The just shall live by faith' 16:26 obedience to the faith
Js 2:14 What does it profit, has faith but does not have works; Can faith save him?17 faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Main problem in understanding James in failure to recognize the 3 different aspects of Salvation: Justification, Sanctification, Glorification (emph)
V. Characteristics of those Full of Faith (Faithful) and those with Faulty Faith (Unfaithful)
A. Cursed Jer 17:5 Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the LORD.
7 Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD.
Self and Stuff Centered Ps 44:6 For I will not trust in my bow, Nor shall my sword save me. 49:6 trust in their wealth
Ps 52:7 did not make God his strength, trusted in the abundance of his riches 8 But..olive tree in the house of God; I trust in hesed
Ezek 16:15 you trusted in your own beauty
People Pleasers Ps 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man/princes
Isa 31:1 Woe to those who go Egypt for help, rely on horses, trust in strong, who do not look to the Holy One Nor seek the LORD!
Not Smart Ps 135:18 Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them.
Foolish Pr 28:26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered.
Believe unprofitable lies Jer 7:8 you trust in false/lying words that cannot profit 13:25 forgotten Me and trusted in falsehood
Disobedient Zeph 3:2 not obeyed His voice, not rcvd correction; not trusted in the LORD, not drawn near to God 12 humble... shall trust
Captive Jer 48:7 because you have trusted in your works and your treasures, You also shall be taken...go into captivity, priests and princes
Ruined Hos 10:13 plowed wickedness; reaped iniquity; eaten the fruit of lies, because you trusted in your own way
B. Blessed Gal 3:9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. 11 "the just shall live by faith."
Proof in the Blessing Ps 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
Ps 2:12 Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him. 5:11 rejoice who put their trust in You; You defend them 7 persecute me
Fear God Ps 115:11 You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their shield.
Ps 31:1 In You put my trust..deliver 19 goodness stored up those who fear You..prepared...trust You In the presence of men
Isa 50:10 fears the LORD; obeys the voice...Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely upon his God.
God Confident 2Cor 1:9 not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead 10 delivered, delivers us; we trust that He will still deliver us
Not self-willed 1Pt 3:5 holy women who trusted in God...submissive
Holiness Ps 86:2 Preserve my life, for I am holy; You are my God; Save Your servant who trusts in You!
Integrity Ps 26:1 Vindicate me, O LORD, For I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the LORD; I shall not slip.
Proactive prayer Ps 143:8 Cause me to hear Your loyalty in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You. Ps 22:5 They cried to You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were not ashamed.
Honest Prayer Ps 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
Answered Prayer 1Chron 5:20 they cried out to God in the battle. He heeded their prayer, because they put their trust in Him.
Works Ps 37:3 Trust in the LORD, do good..cultivate faithfulness 5 Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, He shall do it
Eph 2:10 created for good works Dan 11:32 By smooth/seductive words Antiochus/Antichrist will turn to godlessness those who act wickedly/unfaithfully toward the covenant, but the people who know their God will stand strong and do exploits (NASB KJV).
Js 2:18 "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
Witness Ps 40:3 He has put a new song in my mouth --- Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD.
Dependence Ps 73:28 it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all Your works.
Fight Lies Jude 1:3 contend earnestly for the faith 20 building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
No Shame Ps 25:2 my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed; not my enemies triumph over me 20 Keep my soul and deliver me
No Fear Ps 56:3 When afraid, I will trust in You 4 In God (I will praise His word), put my trust; I will not fearl what can flesh do to me?
Unflappable Ps 112:7 He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Unshaken Ps 125:1 Those who trust in the LORD Are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
Confidence Ps 11:1 In the LORD I put my trust; How can you say to my soul, " Flee as a bird to your mountain"?
Job 13:15 Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. 15:31 not trust in futile things, deceiving himself, for futility will be his reward.
Protected Ps 36:7 How precious is Your hesed, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.
Ps 57:1 Be merciful to me, O God..my soul trusts in You; shadow of Your wings..refuge, til these calamities have passed by
Joy/Praise Ps 28:7 Lord is my strength/shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; heart greatly rejoices, song I will praise Him
Joy Ps 33:21 heart shall rejoice in Him,we have trusted in His holy name.
Glad and glorifying Ps 64:10 The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and trust in Him. And all the upright in heart shall glory.
Teachable Pr 22:19 So that your trust may be in the LORD; I have instructed you today, even you.
Pr 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 acknowledge Him...He direct your paths
Word Ps 119:42 So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word.
Peace Isa 26:3 keep in perfect peace, mind stayed on You, because he trusts in You 4 Trust in the LORD forever...everlasting strength
Dan 3:28 delivered His servants who trusted in Him
Ps 18:2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and horn of my salvation, my stronghold 30 As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him
Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:
Lk 18:8 when Son of Man comes, will He really find (Biblical) faith on the earth? - If all have faith, how has Satan managed to get it sidetracked or placed in the wrong things? What is the corrective?
- What are some of the common areas where our faith fails? Why are we unfruitful, or fearing, or failing or believing lies?
- How can we know and experience the fulfillment of God's promises in our lives? How can we know and do His will?
- How do you walk/live by faith? How do you know that what you're doing is of faith and not sin? Why does God want us to have faith?
- How can you develop/strengthen a faith that brings God's promises to fruition in your life and glorifies Him? Why wouldn't you do it?
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