SIX FACTS OF FAITH
(FIRM PERSUASION)
1. Faith is ...
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped
for, the evidence of things not seen. (NKJ)
Heb 11:1 Now faith is assurance of (things) hoped
for, a conviction of things not seen. (ASV)
Substance - Understanding - Hupostasis
Evidence - Conviction - elegchos (el'-eng-khos);
Now
faith is being assured of what we hope for, and convinced of what we haven't
personally seen.
Matthew 8:5-10 Is the perfect illustration of the
definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1
2. Faith begins with revelation.
Romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes from
hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. (NIV)
a. We can know
God through His creation, but this natural witness cannot provide us with the type of faith we need, and God demands, for our salvation to
occur once we have sinned.
b.
"Critical Mindedness" is essential.
That is, one must demand sufficient evidence but must be willing to
accept "sufficient" evidence once it has been presented.
c. A common cause of weak faith = dull hearing or not hearing the word
at all.
Hebrews 5:11-14
11 of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have
become dull of hearing. 12 For though
by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the
first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not
solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word
of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are
of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to
discern both good and evil. (NKJ)
3. Faith is the coach, counselor, and
guide of our conscience
Psalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
4. Motivates us to do God's will
Examples in Hebrews 11
Abraham
Hebrews 11:8 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.
Moses
Hebrews 11:24-26
24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of
Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of
God than to enjoy the passing
pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than
the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.
True faith compels us to do whatever
God requires
James 2:20 But do you want to know, O foolish
man, that faith without works is dead?
James 2:22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and
by works faith was made perfect?
5. Personal faith serves to
strengthen others
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are
surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and
the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race
that is set before us,
1 Thessalonians 1:8 For from you the word of the Lord
has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place.
Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.
(NKJ)
6. "... the just shall live by
his faith."
Habakuk 2:4 "... the just shall live by his
faith."
Mentioned in
Romans 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God
is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by
faith."
Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith;
but if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him."
Conclusion
1. Faith is firm persuasion
2. Faith begins with revelation.
3. Faith grows from a relationship
with God
4. Motivates us to do God's will
5. Personal faith serves to
strengthen others
6. "... the just shall live by
his faith."
Faith ensures us not only eternal life with God but also victory over the
world. In other words biblical faith
includes knowledge of the necessary principles for meeting and dealing properly
with the circumstances of life.
1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the
world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-- our faith. (NKJ)