Untitled Sermon (15)
faith, in the Bible, trust in or reliance on God, who is trustworthy. The NT and the LXX express the understanding of faith with two terms (pistis, pisteuein), which are related to the Hebrew verb “to be true” or “to be trustworthy” (’aman).
The A-B-C’s, Plus of Faith
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1).
I. A-sking of Faith
“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering” (James 1:6).
A. Many fail to receive from God simply because they do not ask (Matt. 7:7).
B. We are to ask in childlike faith. Just as earthly parents want to give good gifts to their children, so our Heavenly Father desires to do the same for His children (Matt. 7:11).
C. Children are persistent. With a child’s persistence we must keep on asking our heavenly Father (Matt. 7:8).
II. B-elieving of Faith
“… Believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them” (Mark 11:24).
A. Some have difficulty believing. Their doubts cause them to live a defeated life.
B. Everyone is tempted to doubt at times, but we must keep on believing in spite of doubts. We defeat Satan by believing that we believe.
C. Everything is possible for those who believe (Matt. 9:28, 29). Faith pleases God and brings His blessings (Heb. 11:6).
III. C-onfessing of Faith
“… with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Rom. 10:10).
A. Some people are ashamed to be called Christians. They are fearful of scorn and persecution.
B. We must be courageous about confessing our faith in Jesus Christ. If we are ashamed of Him, He will be ashamed of us also (Mark 8:38).
C. Salvation depends upon the confession of our faith. We must be willing to share Christ with others (Rom. 1:16).
IV. D-oing of Faith
“… faith without works is dead” (James 2:20).
A. Doing is the “plus” of faith. Many falter in the Christian life because they fail to act upon or work their faith.
B. We must let the Holy Spirit work through us. We are His channel, the instrument through which He works.
C. We must believe that the Holy Spirit is directing and guiding our steps. He speaks through us as we witness to the unsaved (John 15:5).