Faith
1. WHAT IS FAITH?
A. Faith is believing God:
2 Corinthians 4:18 We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen … which are eternal
2 Corinthians 5:7 We walk by faith, not by sight
Hebrews 11:27 By faith he … endured, as seeing him who is invisible
(See also Romans 8:24.)
B. Faith is a real thing:
2 Timothy 1:5 The unfeigned faith that is in thee
Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen
2. THE IMPORTANCE OF FAITH:
A. We are saved by faith:
John 3:16 Whosoever believeth in Him [Jesus] should … have everlasting life
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life
Luke 7:47–50 Thy sins are forgiven. Thy faith hath saved thee
Acts 10:43 Whoever believeth in him … receive remission of sins
Acts 16:31 Believe on … Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved
Romans 5:1 Being justified by faith, we have peace with God
Galatians 3:26 Ye are all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus
Ephesians 2:8–9 For by grace are ye saved through faith
Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith
(See also 1 Peter 1:9.)
B. We must live by faith:
Galatians 2:20 Life which I live, I live by the faith of [Jesus]
Hebrews 10:38 The just shall live by faith (See also Romans 1:17.)
1 John 5:4 This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith
C. We cannot please God without faith:
Romans 14:23 Whatsoever is not of faith is sin
Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please him [God]
D. Faith gives us the strength to keep going:
Psalm 27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness
Romans 11:20 Thou standest by faith
2 Corinthians 4:16–18 We faint not … while we look not at things which are seen, but at things which are not seen
3. THE WORD TELLS US TO HAVE FAITH:
A. In God and Jesus:
2 Chronicles 20:20 Believe in the Lord your God
Mark 11:22 Jesus saith unto them, Have faith in God
John 6:28–29 Believe on him [Jesus] whom he [God] hath sent
John 14:1 Ye believe in God, believe also in me
1 John 3:23 His commandment, that we should believe on Jesus
(See also Acts 20:21.)
B. We are to trust God:
Psalm 37:5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him
Proverbs 3:5–6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart
Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is
C. Have faith in the Word, God’s promises to us:
Mark 1:15 Believe the gospel
2 Peter 1:19 We have a … sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed (See also 2 Peter 3:2.)
(See also Acts 15:7.)
4. HOW TO OBTAIN FAITH:
A. Faith is a gift from God:
Romans 12:3 God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith
1 Corinthians 12:7,9 To another [is given] faith by the same Spirit
Galatians 5:22 The fruit of the Spirit is … faith
Ephesians 6:23 Peace be to brethren … and love with faith, from God
Hebrews 12:2 Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith
B. Pray for it:
Mark 9:24 Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief
Luke 17:5 [They] said unto the Lord, Increase our faith
C. Read the Word:
John 20:30–31 These are written that ye might believe
Acts 15:7 Hear the word of the gospel and believe
Romans 10:17 Faith cometh by hearing … the word of God
Romans 15:4 Written … that we through … Scriptures might have hope
D. The Word nourishes and builds up our faith:
Acts 20:32 The word of his grace, which is able to build you up
1 Timothy 4:6 Thou shalt be … nourished up in the words of faith
E. Read the Word in a receptive, believing spirit:
Luke 8:15 They … which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit
Hebrews 4:2 The word … did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it
Hebrews 11:13 [Past saints died in faith believing and embracing the promises of the word]
F. Listen to testimonies of faith:
1 Kings 5:1–5 [The Hebrew maid’s witness inspires Naaman’s faith]
John 4:28–30,39 Many of the Samaritans … believed on him [Jesus] for the saying of the woman, which testified
John 17:20 Them which believe on me through their word
(See also 2 Peter 1:16,19.)
G. Miracles glorify God’s power and often inspire faith:
Acts 4:4 [After the lame man was miraculously healed,] many of them which heard the word believed … 5,000 men
Acts 8:5–6,14 [The Samaritans believed Philip and received the word] seeing the miracles which he did
Acts 9:36–42 [Many believed in the Lord when Peter raised the dead]
(See also 1 Kings 18:30–39; 2 Kings 5:9–17.)
H. Faith grows:
2 Thessalonians 1:3 We thank God for you … your faith groweth exceedingly
I. Becoming strengthened and steadfast in the faith:
Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith
1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith … be strong
Colossians 1:23 Continue in the faith, grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel
Colossians 2:6–7 Rooted and built up in him, stablished in the faith
J. We should have faith when we pray:
Matthew 21:21–22 Have faith, and doubt not … whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive
Mark 11:24 What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them
Romans 4:21 Being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform
Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near … in full assurance of faith
James 1:5–6 Ask of God … ask in faith, nothing wavering
5. THE REWARDS, BLESSINGS, AND FRUITS OF FAITH:
Hebrews 11:6 He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him
A. Access to God:
Romans 5:2 We have access by faith into this grace
Ephesians 3:11–12 We have access … by the faith of him
B. God’s love:
Psalm 32:10 He that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him
John 16:27 The Father loveth you, because ye … have believed
C. Righteousness and purity:
Genesis 15:6 He [Abraham] believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness (See also Romans 4:1–5.)
Acts 15:9 Purifying their hearts by faith
Romans 4:8–9 Faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness
Romans 9:30 The righteousness which is of faith
Philippians 3:9 That which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith
D. The Holy Spirit:
John 7:38–39 He that believeth on me [Jesus] out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water … the Spirit
Galatians 3:14 We … receive the promise of the Spirit through faith
E. Protection against the devil’s attacks and lies:
Ephesians 6:16 Shield of faith … quench all the fiery darts
1 Thessalonians 5:8 Putting on the breastplate of faith and love
F. Rewards in heaven:
John 14:1–3 Believe in me … I go to prepare a [mansion] for you
Hebrews 11:13,16 These all died in faith … he [God] hath prepared for them a city
G. Conviction to share our faith:
2 Corinthians 4:13 Having spirit of faith … we believe, and therefore speak
H. Spiritual strength:
Psalm 27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see
Psalm 31:24 He shall strengthen your heart, ye that hope in the Lord
Isaiah 26:4 Trust ye in the Lord … for in the Lord is … strength
Isaiah 30:15 In confidence shall be your strength
1 John 5:4 This is the victory that overcometh the world … faith
I. Stability:
2 Chronicles 20:20 Believe in the Lord … so shall ye be established
Psalm 125:1 They that trust in the Lord … cannot be removed
J. Joy:
Psalm 33:21 Our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name
Psalm 146:5 Happy is he … whose hope is in the Lord his God
Proverbs 16:20 Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he
Acts 16:34 He … rejoiced, believing in God
1 Peter 1:8 Ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy
K. Understanding:
Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God
L. Protection:
Psalm 5:11 [They] put their trust in thee … thou defendest them
Psalm 115:1 Trust in the Lord: he is their help and their shield
Proverbs 29:25 Whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe
Proverbs 30:5 [God] is a shield unto them that put trust in him
Jeremiah 39:17–18 I will surely deliver thee … because thou hast put thy trust in me
Hebrews 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not (See also Joshua 2:1–22; 6:17,22–25.)
M. Provision:
Psalm 33:18–19 Them that hope in his mercy … keep alive in famine
Psalm 37:3 Trust in the Lord … so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed
Jeremiah 17:7–8 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord … he shall not [worry] in drought, [nor] cease from yielding fruit
Malachi 3:10 Prove me herewith, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing
N. Healing:
Psalm 42:11 Hope thou in God … who is the health of my countenance
Mark 5:25–29,34 If I … touch his [Jesus’] clothes, I shall be whole. [Jesus said:] Thy faith hath made thee whole
Mark 10:51–52 Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole
Luke 8:49–50 Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole
James 5:14–15 Prayer of faith shall save the sick … Lord shall raise him
O. Desires of our heart:
Psalm 37:4–5 Trust in the Lord … and he shall give desires of thin heart
P. Resurrection from the dead:
John 11:25–26 He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live (See also 1 Corinthians 15:12–20.)
6. TRUSTING IN GOD’S PROMISES:
A. We trust in God’s promises because we trust Him:
Matthew 8:5–10 The centurion said, Lord … speak the word only
Luke 5:4–5 We have toiled all the night, and taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net
2 Timothy 1:12 I know whom I believed, and am persuaded he is able
Hebrews 10:23 Hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised
Hebrews 11:11 [Childless Sara] judged him faithful who had promised
(See also 2 Chronicles 6:14–15.)
B. We trust that He is able to fulfil His promises:
Romans 4:20–24 Being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform
2 Corinthians 1:20 All the promises of God in him [Jesus] are yea, and amen
Ephesians 3:20 He is able to do exceeding … above all that we ask
C. God is able to do anything:
Jeremiah 32:17 Ah Lord God! There is nothing too hard for thee
Jeremiah 32:27 I am the Lord … is there anything too hard for me?
Matthew 19:26 With God all things are possible
Luke 1:37 With God nothing shall be impossible
Romans 4:17 God … calleth those things which be not as though they were
D. We trust Him because He has not failed in the past:
1 Kings 8:56 There hath not failed one word of his good promise
(See also 2 Chronicles 6:15.)
E. We know He will not go back on His Word:
Numbers 23:19 Hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Psalm 119:49 Remember the word … upon which though hath caused me to hope
Hebrews 6:18 It [is] impossible for God to lie
7. FAITH VS. NATURAL REASONING:
1 Samuel 16:7 The Lord seeth not as man seeth; man looketh on the outward appearance … Lord looketh on the heart
Psalm 118:8 It is better to trust in the Lord than … in man
Proverbs 3:5–6 Trust in the Lord; and lean not unto thine own understanding
Isaiah 11:3 He shall not judge [according to] the sight of his eyes
Isaiah 55:8–9 Neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord
Jeremiah 17:5 Cursed be the man that trusteth in man [and not in God]
John 20:29 Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet … believed
1 Corinthians 1:21 The world by wisdom knew not God
1 Corinthians 2:5 Your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God
1 Corinthians 2:14 The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit
2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight
8. THE POWER OF FAITH:
A. Genuine believing faith has tremendous power:
Mark 9:23 If thou canst believe, all things are possible
Luke 7:50 Thy faith hath saved thee [woman who touched His hem]
Luke 18:42 Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee
John 14:12 He that believeth on me … greater works … shall he do
Acts 6:8 Stephen, full of faith … did great wonders and miracles
James 5:15 The prayer of faith shall save the sick
B. “Faith as a grain of mustard seed”:
Matthew 17:20 Say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place
Matthew 21:21–22 Ye shall not only do this which is done to fig tree
Mark 11:22–23 Have faith in God … say unto mountain, Be removed
Luke 17:6 Say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up
C. Faith trusts God to do miracles:
Numbers 13:26–30 [Caleb had faith to conquer the promised land]
Joshua 14:6,12 [Caleb had the faith to drive out the giants]
1 Samuel 17:37 [David said:] The Lord will deliver me [from Goliath]
Luke 18:27 Things … impossible with men are possible with God
Hebrews 11:11 Through faith, Sarah received strength to conceive … when she was past age
Hebrews 11:29–30 By faith they passed through the Red Sea … By faith the walls of Jericho fell down
Hebrews 11:33–35 Through faith … stopped the mouths of lions … women received their dead raised to life again…
D. Answers to prayer depend on our faith; God can do anything, but we need to believe:
Matthew 8:13 As thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee
Matthew 9:27–30 Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said, Yea.
[Jesus said:] According to your faith be it unto you
Matthew 17:19–20 Why could not we cast him out? Because of unbelief
Matthew 21:21–22 If ye have faith, and doubt not … ye shall receive
E. Believing, expectant faith will be rewarded:
Matthew 15:28 Great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt
Mark 5:22–23 [Jairus said:] Come … that she may be healed (See also Mark 5:35–36,41–42.)
Mark 9:23 All things are possible to him that believeth
Mark 11:23 Whosoever … shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe … he shall have whatsoever he saith
Luke 1:45 Blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her
John 11:40 If thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God
F. Persevering faith:
Matthew 15:22–28 A woman … cried to him, Have mercy on me … he answered not a word [but she continued insisting until He did]
Mark 10:46–52 [Blind Bartimaeus continued crying out to Jesus until Jesus granted his request for healing]
G. Faith and patience:
Romans 8:25 If we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it
Hebrews 6:12 Who through faith and patience inherit the promises
Hebrews 6:15 After he patiently endured … obtained the promise
Hebrews 10:35–36 Cast not away your confidence. After ye have done the will of God … receive the promise
James 1:3 The trying of your faith worketh patience
9. THE TESTING OF OUR FAITH:
Job 23:10 When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold
1 Peter 1:6–7 Trial of your faith … more precious than gold
A. God tests our faith:
Genesis 22:1–18 [God tested Abraham to see if he was willing to offer Isaac as a sacrifice] (See also Hebrews 11:17–19.)
Joshua 6:2–5 [He had Israelites merely walk around the walls of Jericho]
Judges 7:2–7 [He had Gideon drastically reduce the size of his army]
John 11:39–40 Take ye away the stone … Lord, by this time he stinketh
Acts 5:17–20 [Just released from prison, the apostles are commanded to go preach publicly again]
(See also Deuteronomy 8:2.)
B. He allows the Devil and wicked men to test saints’ faith:
Daniel 3:14–27 [Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego:] God … will deliver us … but if not … we will not serve thy gods
Matthew 4:1–11 [The Devil tempted Jesus:] If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down
Hebrews 11:35–38 [Saints were] stoned, sawn asunder, tempted, slain
10. WHEN WE HAVE FAITH …
A. We will continue to trust God, even when things look hopeless:
Job 13:15 [Job, having lost his wealth, family, and health, said:]
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him
Daniel 3:16–18 Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace … and out of thine hand, O king
Matthew 8:24,26 There arose a great tempest … the ship was covered with waves, [but Jesus chided His disciples for fearing]
John 11:21–22 [Four days after Lazarus died, Mary said:] I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask … God will give it
Acts 27:18–25 All hope … was taken away. [But Paul said:] I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me
Acts 28:3–6 [Paul calmly shook off a poisonous snake that had just bitten him]
Romans 4:18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he [Abraham] might [receive the promise]
Romans 4:20 He staggered not at promise of God through unbelief
(See also 2 Chronicles 32:7,8; Isaiah 26:3; Jonah 2:1–9; Acts 9:36–38.)
B. We will not be unduly shaken or alarmed at bad news:
Psalm 112:7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed [steadfast], trusting in the Lord
C. We will not fret or be anxious:
Psalm 37:7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not
Isaiah 28:16 He that believeth shall not make haste
D. Trust, obey, and put your faith into action.—Your deeds and words will show your faith:
Psalm 116:10 I believed, therefore have I spoken
Matthew 8:5–8,13 [The centurion believed Jesus’ word, returned home] and his servant was healed in the selfsame hour
Matthew 12:10,13 [Jesus tells man with withered had:] stretch forth thine hand. And he [did]; and it was restored whole
Mark 7:25–30 [Syrophenician woman believed Jesus, went to her home and found her daughter well]
Luke 17:11–19 [Ten lepers:] As they went, they were cleansed [healed]
John 4:46–53 Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word … and he went his way
John 11:39–41 Take ye away the stone. They took away the stone [and Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead]
Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, moved … prepared an ark
James 2:21–26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also
(See also Joshua 6:1–16,20; Judges 7:7,16–22; 1 Kings 17:9–16; 2 Kings 3:9–11,16–20; 4:1–6; Hebrews 11:8,17,23.)
E. Declarations of faith, followed by victorious action:
Judges 7:15–22 Arise; for the Lord hath delivered [them] into your hand
1 Samuel 14:6–16 There is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or few
1 Samuel 17:32–50 The Lord … will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine
11. LACK OF FAITH:
A. Warnings not to doubt or lose faith:
Matthew 14:31 O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Luke 12:29–30 Neither be ye of doubtful mind
John 20:27 Be not faithless, but believing
Hebrews 3:12 Take heed … lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God
Hebrews 4:11 Lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief
Hebrews 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence
B. The consequences of not having faith:
Isaiah 7:9 If ye will not believe, ye shall not be established
Matthew 13:58 Did not many mighty works because of their unbelief
John 3:36 He that believeth not the Son shall not see life
Romans 14:23 For whatsoever is not of faith is sin
1 Timothy 1:19 Faith … which some having put away, made shipwreck
Hebrews 3:18–19 They should not enter in [and receive God’s promises] because of unbelief
Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please him [God]
James 1:6–7 Ask in faith, nothing wavering … he that wavereth … shall receive [nothing] of the Lord
C. Faith or doubt?—To do or not to do:
Matthew 9:29 According to your faith be it unto you
Romans 14:5 Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind
Romans 14:22–23 Hast thou faith? Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin
Special chapter about faith: Hebrews 11—“The Faith Chapter” or “Faith’s Hall of Fame”