Building on Faith

Review

Last week we started our series on Growing in the Knowledge of Jesus by talking about how it was important to develop Christ-like character. We discussed how in order to do this it required that we cultivate the eight Christ-like graces that Peter lists in his epistle. We learned that they are developed in conjunction with each other and that they don’t just happen “just because”, but that their development requires diligence on our part. We talked about how when we “add” each to the previous grace, it’s like writing a symphony. Where we layer the different instruments on top of each other so that melody is supported by the harmonies which in the end give us a great representation of the character of Jesus.

2 Peter 1:5–11 NKJV

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:2–11 NKJV

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We talked about the five reasons why we ought to grow in the knowledge of Jesus.

Grace and peace are multiplied

All things pertaining to spiritual life and godliness are provided

Spiritual myopia and amnesia are avoided

We will never stumble

An abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord

Today I want to take a closer look at the first of these eight graces: faith.

Faith is \the foundation of our spiritual development and it is the base upon which all other graces are to be added, and as such it’s important to understand it and expand upon it.

Faith: The Definition

If there were ever a more preached about and yet frequently ignored and misunderstood topic than faith, I’m not sure what it is.

As Christians we frequently speak about faith. Pastors preach sermons that allude to it. Heck, we are referred to as “people of faith”. How many of us really know what it is though? I mean really understand faith? I would venture to say that not many of us have really sat down and taken a look at what faith really is.

See, faith is the very essence as who we are as Christians. Unless we really take a good look at not only the concept, but the biblical practice of our faith, we will be consigned to a life of mediocrity. Jesus never came to raise up a mediocre church.

John 10:10 NKJV

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

If Jesus came to have an abundant church, then I don’t want to miss out on that! And if faith is the key to not being a mediocre church, then don’t you think we should learn it? Well, good because so did Peter.

πίστις (Pistis) pronounced

The definition is to believe to the extent of complete trust and reliance—‘to believe in, to have confidence in, to have faith in, to trust, faith, trust.’

Thayer defines it as “the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ..."

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.

Thayer continues, “...the conviction that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God”

Galatians 2:16 NKJV

knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

And finally, “the substance of Christian faith or what is believed by Christians"

Jude 3 NKJV

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

Faith in Hebrews

So let’s look at how the Bible itself describes faith.

Hebrews 11:1 NKJV

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

In a previous message I asked you, “How many here have ever purchased a house, or some land? Do you remember how many documents you signed in order to show that it was yours?”. We discussed how in the end those signed documents provided the foundation of proof that the house was yours. Some of those documents certify various things about the nature of the transaction. There are mortgage papers, papers that show the deed to the house is clear and that there is no one else that can claim ownership of that property. Last but not least there is a deed. Though you may not have physical possession of that property, once those papers are signed and handed to you, the property is yours. It belongs to you to do with as you see fit. You can sign those over to somebody else, you can then go out and try to get a loan on the value or equity you have in that property you can sell it- you can do pretty much anything- even if you’ve never seen the property, because you now possess it. You have the substance in your hand.

So then, our hope is not a vain hope, our hope has its foundation on our faith. We hope for eternal bliss in heaven, and the reason we can hold it is because Jesus gave us the title deed to that property in His Father’s house.

John 14:2–4 NKJV

In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

So then faith is like that, it exists even though we can’t see it. It is the foundation, upon which we build our hopes though it is invisible, but the crazy thing is, when we build our hopes on a foundation of faith, we are not let down.

This is the type of faith that will be required to avoid being a mediocre church. Now let’s be honest, faith is such a huge topic that we can preach on it for months or even years before we can even begin to scratch the surface.

Faith and believing are not the same

Credulity, or “belief” is basically “blind faith”, trusting for no good reason, and while this sounds noble, it’s not the type of faith that the Bible teaches. How many have heard and used the following words? “You just gotta have faith.” I believe Christians use that phrase all the time, and yet when we are challenged by someone who is going through a particularly trying life circumstance we are at a loss as to the “why”. But you see, faith is not just believing in something without evidence. So the type of faith we are to cultivate is a faith that we while trust in things not seen, with a conviction regarding things hoped for, it is nevertheless a trust and confidence based upon strong evidence!

I understand that many of you have been taught this notion of blind faith, and many who have grown up in the church may have even been criticized for questioning your faith. But God knows how important it is for His inquiring children to have their questions answered. And a loving God would not require something of us without giving us reason to trust Him, and with that we come to the whole point of this. Faith demands something of us.

The Demand of Faith

It is the foundation for a relationship with God.

Without faith, it is impossible to please 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.

We must believe that He is. If you don’t believe in the existence of God, then there is no going forward. And make no mistake, God has no pleasure in those lacking in faith.

Hebrews 10:35–39 NKJV

Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: “For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.

So then Faith is the underlying element in our salvation and service to God. In fact it is the very key that unlocks the way to salvation.

John 1:12 NKJV

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

It then becomes the motivating force behind our life of service -

Galatians 2:20 NKJV

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Without faith, we can't even get started in our relationship with God!

And without a relationship, we can’t even think of obtaining the power of God to work through our lives.

Faith is the catalyst to power from God.

There is power available to those who believe.

Ephesians 1:18–20 NKJV

the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,

It is power beyond our imagination.

Ephesians 3:20–21 NKJV

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

It is a Power that enables us to overcome.

1 John 5:4–5 NKJV

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

And a power that we should be careful about limiting

2 Timothy 3:1–5 NKJV

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

We need God’s power to grow, and we need faith for God’s power. So how important is faith? I mean, now can we know God if we cannot even have a relationship with Him without faith? And how can we grow in our knowledge if we can’t have a relationship with Him to begin with?

So now the question is, “How can we have faith?”

Getting Faith

Developing it

Remember, faith is not credulity, or “blind faith” with no evidence, rather it is faith is based upon the Word of God.

Romans 10:17 NKJV

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

The Word of God provides evidence to produce faith.

John 20:30–31 NKJV

And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

Besides the testimony regarding the miracles of Jesus, other evidence includes:

Fulfilled prophecy concerning nations and the Messiah

The scientific foreknowledge of the Bible

The high moral standard it contains

The continuity of the Bible despite it various sources

But pastor, doesn’t 2 Cor 5:7 say that we walk by faith and not by sight? Yes it does, but it’s not a blind faith since faith comes through the Word of God, and while our evidence might not be evident before us, it is still there and well established. So then that trust and confidence must be developed by diligently reading the Bible. This is the only way to make our faith stronger.

Romans 10:17 NKJV

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Maintaining it

So if we get it from the word, how do we keep it? First of all, we must guard against the sin of unbelief.

Hebrews 3:12–14 NKJV

Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end,

Many people lose their faith, especially when young because we come to faith sometimes with selfish motivations. We come to faith with certain expectations that things are going to be done our way. That God is going to give us a fancy house or great clothes or a good husband or wife. Or perhaps even something that doesn’t sound so obviously materialistic such as thinking that you will never experience suffering or loss (including the loss of a loved one). How many lose their faith in God after the loss of a loved one? And yet that is the very time they should be drawing closer to Him for comfort.

Faith is maintained through constant reading or hearing of the Word. But Paul has also given us a threefold directive for maintaining faith.

1 Timothy 6:9–12 NKJV

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Flee materialism - undue concern for things of this world undermine our faith. The most valuable thing that God gives us is His forgiveness and eternal life. He owes us nothing more, and to require more from Him in exchange for our faith is selfish and childish.

Pursue faith - We have already established that faith comes from the Word of God. So pursue study in the word, pursue good solid teaching in the Word, meditate upon the Word. Do whatever you can to fill your life with the Word of God.

Fight the good fight of faith - the best defense is a good offense; be active in propagating the faith.

Jude 3 NKJV

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

Now lest you get too puffed up with Spiritual pride, let me remind you that Israel, God’s chosen people, the nation who saw the miracles Moses performed first-hand, lost their faith in the wilderness. Do you really believe you are above that? Be on guard, we need to maintain our faith jealously saints.

Finally, a thought or two about how faith in God manifests itself

today...

The Display of Faith

Obedience to the Gospel

The gospel of Christ requires obedience Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to those who obey Him.

Hebrews 5:9 NKJV

And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,

The gospel Paul preached leads to obedience

Ro 1:5; 16:25-26

Romans 1:5 NKJV

Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,

Romans 1:16 NKJV

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

Have you displayed faith by “obeying from the heart” the doctrine presented by Paul to the Romans?

Romans 6:17 NKJV

But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.

Living for Jesus

How do we demonstrate we are living for Jesus?

By trusting His words

By seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness -

Matthew 6:33 NKJV

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

By doing what He says.

Luke 6:46 NKJV

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?

And observing all that He commanded -

Matthew 28:20 NKJV

teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

But most importantly

By trusting in His promises.

That He is preparing a place for us

John 14:1–2 NKJV

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

That He will return one day for us

John 14:3 NKJV

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

Are you trusting in Jesus, or are you leaning on your own understanding?

What it all means

Faith is a simple concept, but a crucial one. It is simply trusting in God regarding things not seen yet hoped for. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, for we must believe He exists, rewarding those who diligently seek Him. This is how we Grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, for it is the basis upon which growth is built.

So here’s my challenge for us. Allow the evidences of God's Word to produce a faith that trusts and obeys a wonderful Savior, who in turn provides “exceedingly great and precious promises” as we grow in our knowledge of Him!