The Church of Divine Guidance (CDG) Sunday morning adult bible study group is in a study of faith. These posts are my notes for each session. Please study with us. You can participate by asking your questions or making comments in the comments below. We welcome your thoughts and prayers.
Introduction
Foundation Scripture
Hebrews 11:1
HCSB Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.NKJ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Amplified Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. -
NIV Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
The Message Bible The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see.
New Living Translation Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
These verses, using different words in the different versions give a description of faith but what does the word faith mean?
The Greek word used by the writer is is pistis which primarily is “firm persuasion”, a conviction based upon hearing and it is used in the New Testament always of faith in God or Christ, or in things spiritual. As I mentioned last week it is used, depending on the version, 244 to 254 times in the New Testament.
"The main sense of the word 'faith' in the NT is that of trust or reliance not just faithfulness but of the reliance and trust that’s the reason of our faithfulness. For example we are faithful because we are confident in God’s faithfulness (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Vol. 2, 1982, article, "Faith").
It is the same word used of trust as in (read the word faith as trust);
- Romans 3:25 (NKJV) whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,
- 1 Corinthians 2:5 (NKJV) that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
The other word is emûnâ (pronounced em-oo-naw'). That is the word used in Habakkuk 2:4 (NKJV) "Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.
The dictionary defines faith as:
The Bible says that without faith we can't please God and that the goal of our faith is salvation. God wants us to have living faith so we can grow in our relationship with Him.
We're going to talk about that today.
Go to Acts 8:34-37 (NKJV)34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?"35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?"37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
You may remember this story which begins at verse 26. It's the story of an Ethiopian eunuch, a high official under Queen Candace, who was reading the book of Isaiah but was confused. He went to Jerusalem to worship so he apparently believed the Bible and followed God but he didn't know about Jesus. God sent Philip to explain and to help him take the next steps in his relationship with God.
After Philip explained the meaning of Isaiah the Ethiopian asked who Isaiah was talking about, then Philip preached Jesus to him using the Scriptures.
The Ethiopian eunuch demonstrated his belief—his faith—in Jesus and was ready for the next step in his growing relationship with God.p
Mine was that when watching the 700 Club (remember it was on the Christian Broadcasting Network before ABC bought them and it became ABC Family network) many years ago I was prompted to call the 800 number and was lead to Christ by a lady on the phone. Now I had confessed and repeated the "Sinner's Prayer" as a child of ten I think but that was what I call "said faith" not "saving faith" we will probably talk about the difference during this series but that was my Ethiopian eunuch moment. What's yours?
Faith is an essential part of our relationship with God.
Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) But 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.
Without faith we can't please God , because if we don't believe in Him and believe Him, we won't really be trying to please Him!
The dictionary defines faith as:
- complete trust or confidence in someone or something.
- strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.
The Bible says that without faith we can't please God and that the goal of our faith is salvation. God wants us to have living faith so we can grow in our relationship with Him.
So what is faith, and how do we receive it and grow in it?
Go to Acts 8:34-37 (NKJV)34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?"35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?"37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
You may remember this story which begins at verse 26. It's the story of an Ethiopian eunuch, a high official under Queen Candace, who was reading the book of Isaiah but was confused. He went to Jerusalem to worship so he apparently believed the Bible and followed God but he didn't know about Jesus. God sent Philip to explain and to help him take the next steps in his relationship with God.
After Philip explained the meaning of Isaiah the Ethiopian asked who Isaiah was talking about, then Philip preached Jesus to him using the Scriptures.
The Ethiopian eunuch demonstrated his belief—his faith—in Jesus and was ready for the next step in his growing relationship with God.p
We all probably have a story similar to this where we exercised our belief (or faith) in Jesus. Do you have a story to share?
What Is Faith?
Faith is an essential part of our relationship with God.
Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) But 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.
Without faith we can't please God , because if we don't believe in Him and believe Him, we won't really be trying to please Him!
That’s why people who live by faith and followers of Jesus are called believers.
We talked about it before;
How does the Bible describe faith?
We talked about it before;
Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
- Faith goes beyond what we can see with our physical senses, so it does not work by the rules of science.
- Faith allows us to believe that the invisible God can do what is physically impossible.
- Faith is built and grows on a spiritual plane, not a physical or scientific one.
But that doesn't mean observation, science and rational thinking aren't part of how we come to believe in God in the first place. In fact, there is no contradiction or conflict between godly faith and true science. After all, since God is the Creator of everything, science is the study of God's creation.
The first piece of evidence to support our faith is the world itself, The world or universe is the first and general revelation of God to man. The very existence of the universe, its power, order, and complexity demand that a Being sufficient to produce it, i.e., God, must be behind it
Romans 1:20 (NKJV) 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
The second piece of evidence is the Word (the Bible)
Romans 10:17 (NKJV) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (some versions say word of Christ).
From nature we can only know that there is a God, that He has unlimited power and intelligence, and that He possesses will.
Is our belief in God based on a rational foundation is it unreasonable?
No it is not unreasonable or irrational because Hebrews 11:1 says that faith is evidence so what is the evidence?
Romans 1:20 (NKJV) 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
The second piece of evidence is the Word (the Bible)
Romans 10:17 (NKJV) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (some versions say word of Christ).
From nature we can only know that there is a God, that He has unlimited power and intelligence, and that He possesses will.
But what is He like? Is He good or bad? loving or hating? kind or cruel? What does He want from me? How can I enjoy His fellowship?
The word (i.e., the Bible) not only tells me about God, it gives evidence to demonstrate that there is a God, that the Bible is the word of God, and that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Some of these powerful proofs are the harmony of the Scriptures, fulfilled prophecies both about ancient nations and about Christ, and the evidence Christ has been raised from, the dead.
These two pieces of evidence, the world and the word, give ample reason for a firm, reasonable conviction that there is a God in heaven, that the Bible is His word, and that Jesus Christ is His Son.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NKJV) Test all things; hold fast what is good.
But there is more to faith than what we process in our rational brains. There is a spiritual and emotional component that is a gift from God and grows as our relationship with God grows.
True Biblical faith has God as its object. We believe God and trust His Word. That Word does not tell us that we have any reason to expect to be the richest. It fact it tells us, on the contrary, that we will have tribulations and that as Jesus’ disciples we will have crosses to bear. It assures us, however, of grace to bear them.
Faith has a backward look. It points to what God has done in the past. Faith also looks forward. It declares that He can be trusted for the future..Faith is the firm assurance, the conviction, that God will do what He has promised to do.
It would, of course, be presumption to insist that He must do what WE want done. Many Christians grow disillusioned in their Christian lives because God does not conform to their wills. Faith takes God at His word; faith does not insist that He conform to our ideas. True Bible faith is confident obedience to God's Word in spite of circumstances and consequences
These two pieces of evidence, the world and the word, give ample reason for a firm, reasonable conviction that there is a God in heaven, that the Bible is His word, and that Jesus Christ is His Son.
God's way is rational, and He wants us to test it out and prove that it works.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NKJV) Test all things; hold fast what is good.
But there is more to faith than what we process in our rational brains. There is a spiritual and emotional component that is a gift from God and grows as our relationship with God grows.
The guiding principle of the Christian life is faith.
True Biblical faith has God as its object. We believe God and trust His Word. That Word does not tell us that we have any reason to expect to be the richest. It fact it tells us, on the contrary, that we will have tribulations and that as Jesus’ disciples we will have crosses to bear. It assures us, however, of grace to bear them.
Faith has a backward look. It points to what God has done in the past. Faith also looks forward. It declares that He can be trusted for the future..Faith is the firm assurance, the conviction, that God will do what He has promised to do.
It would, of course, be presumption to insist that He must do what WE want done. Many Christians grow disillusioned in their Christian lives because God does not conform to their wills. Faith takes God at His word; faith does not insist that He conform to our ideas. True Bible faith is confident obedience to God's Word in spite of circumstances and consequences
Faith is also the principle by which Christians live.
From the time a person first considers the evidence for his faith; the creation and then the word, then confesses as in Romans 10:9-10, then grows daily in knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of the Lord's will, lives a holy life, becomes spiritually mature, and develops a character more and more like Jesus, until finally, they die and go to be with the Lord, every step they take that is pleasing to God is a step taken in faith. Every step taken without faith is sin. "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor. 5:7). While faith requires being convinced that what we believe in is true, just knowing the truth is only half of faith. God's word must be hoped for, embraced, and acted upon.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
That initial faith is a gift of God and, also a fruit that comes through the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22 (KJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Here’s and example of someone who recognized that they had a lack of faith.
Mark 9:23-24 (NKJV)23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"
The father realized that there was a lack of faith there so he asked Jesus to help him with that lack. We have faith in God so we believe that when we ask Him for something that is in His will (which we find in his Word) that He will give it to us.
Matthew 7:7 (NKJV) "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
James 1:5 (NKJV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Let’s go back to Romans 10:17 (NKJV) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of
God.
Hearing and studying the Word of God can help us see God's faithfulness in the past and His solid promises for the future.
James 2:19 (NKJV) You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!
Minister Brenda’s example about the lady who was told by her doctor that if she just ate healthy food and drank water or juice she would live and not die but that she had to do it within 12 hours. She was given food and drink and she kept confessing that she knew that if she ate the food and drank the water she would not die. She confessed that up until the 12th hour but never ate or drank and she died. So just believing wasn't enough she had to act on her belief. So just as James says the demons believe in God and they tremble. They don't act on that belief by obeying, in fact they rebel, so consequently they will receive eternal damnation.
For belief to be faith, it must stand on what is true. God requires belief and trust in moments of human weakness, but faith is what makes us strong. Faith is the state of being convinced about what we hope for.
God wants us to believe in Him. God also wants us to believe what He says. He wants us to diligently seek Him, which is done through prayer, Bible study, meditation and fasting.
Matthew 7:21 (NKJV) "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the
kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
James 2:20 (NKJV) But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
Just calling Jesus our Master isn't enough, and just saying we have faith isn't enough. Our growing belief in God will motivate us to strive to obey God—to do His will and obey commandments which are to love God and love our neighbor. Dead faith is belief with no actions to show conviction in that belief. Just like the lady who didn't eat within 12 hours.
Let’s read that entire section of James;
James 2:14-26 (NKJV)14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God.24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
What James is saying here is that there is genuine faith which is backed up by works and there is empty faith which is really not faith at all. The works James is talking about are not done apart from faith but done in faith, they are not done instead of faith but done because of faith. He doesn't say, “I will show you my works instead of faith.” He wants to show of both faith and works. What James wants is for believers to have faith that works. Works are the evidence of genuine salvation. They are the proof. Works are the obvious, visible results of being justified by faith. Authentic “saving faith” reveals itself by works. Real, living faith motivates our actions.
"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). One good way to grow in faith is to study the examples of faith recorded in the Bible and we are going to talk about some of them over the next few weeks. Especially focus on God's promises of love, protection and faithfulness in;
Psalm 33:4 (NKJV) For the word of the LORD is right, And all His work is done in truth.
Psalm 37:28 (NKJV) For the LORD loves justice, And does not forsake His saints; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off.;
Psalm 97:10 (NKJV) You who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.;
Proverbs 2:8 (NKJV) He guards the paths of justice, And preserves the way of His saints. ; and
2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NKJV) But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.
Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.;
Philippians 4:7 (NKJV) and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ;
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.; and,
Hebrews 13:5-6 (NKJV)5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."6 So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?".
Write out at least one of these scriptures and put it in your wallet or somewhere else to keep it with you and reread occasionally
Who is the source of this faith we are talking about?
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
That initial faith is a gift of God and, also a fruit that comes through the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22 (KJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
What can we do if we don't have enough faith?
Here’s and example of someone who recognized that they had a lack of faith.
Mark 9:23-24 (NKJV)23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"
The father realized that there was a lack of faith there so he asked Jesus to help him with that lack. We have faith in God so we believe that when we ask Him for something that is in His will (which we find in his Word) that He will give it to us.
Matthew 7:7 (NKJV) "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
James 1:5 (NKJV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
How do you grow in faith?
Let’s go back to Romans 10:17 (NKJV) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of
Hearing and studying the Word of God can help us see God's faithfulness in the past and His solid promises for the future.
Is believing in God enough?
James 2:19 (NKJV) You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!
Minister Brenda’s example about the lady who was told by her doctor that if she just ate healthy food and drank water or juice she would live and not die but that she had to do it within 12 hours. She was given food and drink and she kept confessing that she knew that if she ate the food and drank the water she would not die. She confessed that up until the 12th hour but never ate or drank and she died. So just believing wasn't enough she had to act on her belief. So just as James says the demons believe in God and they tremble. They don't act on that belief by obeying, in fact they rebel, so consequently they will receive eternal damnation.
For belief to be faith, it must stand on what is true. God requires belief and trust in moments of human weakness, but faith is what makes us strong. Faith is the state of being convinced about what we hope for.
God wants us to believe in Him. God also wants us to believe what He says. He wants us to diligently seek Him, which is done through prayer, Bible study, meditation and fasting.
What is dead faith?
James 2:20 (NKJV) But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
Just calling Jesus our Master isn't enough, and just saying we have faith isn't enough. Our growing belief in God will motivate us to strive to obey God—to do His will and obey commandments which are to love God and love our neighbor. Dead faith is belief with no actions to show conviction in that belief. Just like the lady who didn't eat within 12 hours.
What is living faith?
Let’s read that entire section of James;
James 2:14-26 (NKJV)14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God.24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
What James is saying here is that there is genuine faith which is backed up by works and there is empty faith which is really not faith at all. The works James is talking about are not done apart from faith but done in faith, they are not done instead of faith but done because of faith. He doesn't say, “I will show you my works instead of faith.” He wants to show of both faith and works. What James wants is for believers to have faith that works. Works are the evidence of genuine salvation. They are the proof. Works are the obvious, visible results of being justified by faith. Authentic “saving faith” reveals itself by works. Real, living faith motivates our actions.
Apply Now
"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). One good way to grow in faith is to study the examples of faith recorded in the Bible and we are going to talk about some of them over the next few weeks. Especially focus on God's promises of love, protection and faithfulness in;
Psalm 33:4 (NKJV) For the word of the LORD is right, And all His work is done in truth.
Psalm 37:28 (NKJV) For the LORD loves justice, And does not forsake His saints; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off.;
Psalm 97:10 (NKJV) You who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.;
Proverbs 2:8 (NKJV) He guards the paths of justice, And preserves the way of His saints. ; and
2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NKJV) But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.
Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.;
Philippians 4:7 (NKJV) and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ;
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.; and,
Hebrews 13:5-6 (NKJV)5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."6 So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?".
Write out at least one of these scriptures and put it in your wallet or somewhere else to keep it with you and reread occasionally
Next Session: Faith Heroes
We’ll be talking about all of those mentioned in Hebrews 11, so you may want to read that chapter and then read about them in other places in the Bible. A place to start is to look in your concordance, if you have one, find the name then go to the Scriptures where they are mentioned.
If you have any questions about faith or want to share your experiences please leave a comment. I will respond to each comment right away. We look forward to you studying with us.
The Bible is your main resource during the study but here are some other resources that may interest you.
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