"WHAT IS REAL FAITH?"
Notes
Transcript
Have you ever wondered what real faith looks like? (tell about that time in parachute that I spoke at the all niter and tried to help the teens understand faith)
Proposition - As we come to our text this morning we will see that real faith; 1) accepts suffering, 2) is not silent, 3) is confident, and 4) it is dependent.
Interrogative question - What kind of faith do you have?
1. Real Faith accepts Suffering -
1. Real Faith accepts Suffering -
12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.
“Reason” - (aitia) - noun, accusative, singular, feminine - prepositional object - cause; reason; charge
Sense: grounds - a justification for something existing or happening; especially as a justification for the execution of punishment
Out of the 20 times that this Greek word is used in the NT 18 of them has the meaning “Grounds - a justification for something existing or happening; especially as a justification for the execution of punishment.
Matthew 19:1–3 (NASB95)
1 When Jesus had finished these words, He departed from Galilee and came into the region of Judea beyond the Jordan; 2 and large crowds followed Him, and He healed them there. 3 Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?”
Matthew 27:37 (NASB95)
37 And above His head they put up the charge against Him which read, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
Acts 28:15–18 (NASB95)
15 And the brethren, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. 16 When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.
17 After three days Paul called together those who were the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “Brethren, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 “And when they had examined me, they were willing to release me because there was no ground for putting me to death.
Notice how it is used in the Pastorals -
2 Timothy 1:6 (NASB95)
6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
2 Timothy 1:12 (NASB95)
12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.
Titus 1:10–13 (NASB95)
10 For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain. 12 One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith,
Let us briefly look at how this word is used in the Septuagint -
Genesis 4:9–13 (NASB95)
9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” 10 He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to Me from the ground. 11 “Now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 12 “When you cultivate the ground, it will no longer yield its strength to you; you will be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth.” 13 Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is too great to bear!
When Bildad is speaking - (remember that this is one of job’s friends)
Job 18:14 (NASB95)
14 “He is torn from the security of his tent, And they march him before the king of terrors.
Do you recall 2 Timothy 1:10-11? two weeks ago we look at verse 11 and 12 and we saw the power of God in action -
1) God’s power revealed in the Flesh,
2) God’s power revealed in conquering death,
3) God’s power revealed through the light,
4) God’s power revealed through the message of reconciliation, and
5) God’s power revealed through His children.
“Suffer” - (pascho) - verb, present, active, indicative, first person, singular - finite verb - suffer
Sense: to suffer (pain) - to experience harm or emotional pain
pascho (πάσχω, 3958), “to suffer,” is used
(I) of the “sufferings” of Christ
(a) at the hands of men, e.g., Matt. 16:21; 17:12; 1 Pet. 2:23;
(b) in His expiatory and vicarious sacrifice for sin, Heb. 9:26; 13:12; 1 Pet. 2:21; 3:18; 4:1;
(c) including both (a) and (b), Luke 22:15; 24:26, 46; Acts 1:3, “passion”; 3:18; 17:3; Heb. 5:8;
(d) by the antagonism of the evil one, Heb. 2:18;
(II), of human “suffering”
(a) of followers of Christ, Acts 9:16; 2 Cor. 1:6; Gal. 3:4; Phil. 1:29; 1 Thess. 2:14; 2 Thess. 1:5; 2 Tim. 1:12; 1 Pet. 3:14, 17; 5:10; Rev. 2:10; in identification with Christ in His crucifixion, as the spiritual ideal to be realized, 1 Pet. 4:1; in a wrong way, 4:15;
(b) of others, physically,
as the result of demoniacal power, Matt. 17:15, RV, “suffereth (grievously),” KJV, “is (sore) vexed”; cf. Mark 5:26; in a dream, Matt. 27:19; through maltreatment, Luke 13:2; 1 Pet. 2:19, 20; by a serpent (negatively), Acts 28:5, RV, “took” (KJV, “felt:” see FEEL, Note); (c) of the effect upon the whole body through the “suffering” of one member, 1 Cor. 12:26, with application to a church.
2. Real Faith is not Silent -
2. Real Faith is not Silent -
12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.
“Ashamed” - (epaischynomai) - verb, present, either middle or passive, indicative, first person, singular - finite verb - be ashamed (of)
Sense: to be ashamed - to be or become characterized by feelings of shame, guilt, embarrassment, or remorse.
to be or become characterized by feelings of shame, guilt, embarrassment, or remorse -
Mark 8:38 (NASB95)
38 “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”
Romans 1:16 (NASB95)
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
2 Timothy 1:8 (NASB95)
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,
2 Timothy 1:12 (NASB95)
12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.
2 Timothy 1:16 (NASB95)
16 The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains;
Let’s take a look at the Septuagint -
Psalm 119:1–6 (NASB95)
1 How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the Lord. 2 How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart. 3 They also do no unrighteousness; They walk in His ways. 4 You have ordained Your precepts, That we should keep them diligently. 5 Oh that my ways may be established To keep Your statutes! 6 Then I shall not be ashamed When I look upon all Your commandments.
Job 34:16–20 (NASB95)
16 “But if you have understanding, hear this; Listen to the sound of my words. 17 “Shall one who hates justice rule? And will you condemn the righteous mighty One, 18 Who says to a king, ‘Worthless one,’ To nobles, ‘Wicked ones’; 19 Who shows no partiality to princes Nor regards the rich above the poor, For they all are the work of His hands? 20 “In a moment they die, and at midnight People are shaken and pass away, And the mighty are taken away without a hand.
3. Real Faith is confident -
3. Real Faith is confident -
2 Timothy 1:12 (NASB95)
12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.
a. I know...
“I know” - (oida) - verb, perfect, active, indicative, first person, singular - finite verb - know
Sense: to know (experientially) - to know or have knowledge about (someone or something); normally as acquired through observation or the senses.
to know cognitively - to be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about.
1 Timothy 1:8 (NASB95)
8 But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully,
1 Timothy 1:9 (NASB95)
9 realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers
1 Timothy 3:15 (NASB95)
15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
2 Timothy 1:15 (NASB95)
15 You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.
2 Timothy 2:23 (NASB95)
23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.
2 Timothy 3:14 (NASB95)
14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
2 Timothy 3:15 (NASB95)
15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Titus 1:16 (NASB95)
16 They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.
Titus 3:11 (NASB95)
11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.
to know experientially - to know or have knowledge about (someone or something); normally as acquired through observation or the senses.
2 Timothy 1:12 (NASB95)
12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.
to know how - to know how to do or perform something.
1 Timothy 3:5 (NASB95)
5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),
b. I believed...
“I have believed” - (pisteuo) - verb, perfect, active, indicative, first person, singular - finite verb - believe
Sense: to trust in Jesus - to trust in Jesus as contained in the content of the Gospel
Notice how the word “believe” is used in the Pastoral Epistles -
to be entrusted (state) - to be or become the recipient of something placed into one’s care -
1 Timothy 1:11 (NASB95)
11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.
Titus 1:3 (NASB95)
3 but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior,
to trusts in Jesus - to trust in Jesus as contained in the content of the Gospel -
1 Timothy 1:16 (NASB95)
16 Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.
2 Timothy 1:12 (NASB95)
12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.
to be believed (accepted) - to be or become accepted as true; be taken to be true -
1 Timothy 3:16 (NASB95)
16 By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory.
to believe (trust) - to have faith; put one’s trust in something -
Titus 3:8 (NASB95)
8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.
c. I am convinced...
“I am convinced” - (peitho) - verb, perfect, passive, indicative, first person, singular - finite verb - persuade; convince
Sense; to be convinced - to be persuaded or sure of the truthfulness or validity of something
to be convinced - to be persuaded or sure of the truthfulness or validity of something -
2 Timothy 1:5 (NASB95)
5 For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.
2 Timothy 1:12 (NASB95)
12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.
4. Real Faith is dependent -
4. Real Faith is dependent -
12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.
a. God is my protector -
This Greek word can be used the following ways -
Possible
Capable
Able
to be able
to be possible
person of authority
God - mighty one
Power
Strong person (abstractly)
The questions is how is it used in our text -
Able - having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority (to do something).
“able” - (dynatos) - adjective, nominative, singular, masculine - predicate adjective - possible; powerful; strong.
Sense: to be able - to be or become sufficient to meet a need or task
Luke 14:31 (NASB95)
31 “Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand?
Acts 2:24 (NASB95)
24 “But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.
Acts 11:17 (NASB95)
17 “Therefore if God gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?”
Romans 4:21 (NASB95)
21 and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.
Romans 11:23 (NASB95)
23 And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.
Romans 14:4 (NASB95)
4 Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
2 Timothy 1:12 (NASB95)
12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.
Titus 1:9 (NASB95)
9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
b. God is my handler -
“have entrusted” - (paratheke) - noun, accusative, singular, feminine - direct object - deposit; trust.
Sense: entrusted deposit - property entrusted to another who then takes responsibility for it.
1 Timothy 6:20 (NASB95)
20 O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”—
2 Timothy 1:12 (NASB95)
12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.
2 Timothy 1:14 (NASB95)
14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.
In the OT -
Leviticus 6:2–4 (NASB95)
2 “When a person sins and acts unfaithfully against the Lord, and deceives his companion in regard to a deposit or a security entrusted to him, or through robbery, or if he has extorted from his companion, 3 or has found what was lost and lied about it and sworn falsely, so that he sins in regard to any one of the things a man may do; 4 then it shall be, when he sins and becomes guilty, that he shall restore what he took by robbery or what he got by extortion, or the deposit which was entrusted to him or the lost thing which he found,
“to guard” - (phylasso) - verb, aorist, active, infinitive - appositive infinitive - guard; watch; observe; follow -
Sense: to guard - to keep watch over
“to guard” - to keep watch over -
1 Timothy 6:20 (NASB95)
20 O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”—
2 Timothy 1:12 (NASB95)
12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.
2 Timothy 1:14 (NASB95)
14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.
“to be guarded” - to be or become secure and kept under watch -
2 Timothy 4:15 (NASB95)
15 Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our teaching.
“to observe (conform)” - to conform one’s action or practice to
1 Timothy 5:21 (NASB95)
21 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality.
SO WHAT?
What kind of faith do you have?
Real Faith = suffering, is not silent, confidence, and dependence -
