Faith
Notes
Transcript
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
2 For by it the men of old gained approval.
3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.
1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
What is faith?
What is faith?
What does it mean to have faith? To have faith in Christ. What does it mean when the writer of Hebrews says “By faith”?
Hellenistic understanding
pisteuō
Simply meant to Believe
To believe in the Gospel, the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus. The promised return of Jesus.
For us, because we are so trained in the Hellenistic mindset, this is how we approach the vocabulary “FAITH.”
However, Hebrews understanding had an extra depth.
For the Hebrews in Old Testament time, faith had two inseparable aspects.
There was a distinct tie between believing AND DOING
The two, intrinsically cannot be separated.
You could not believe without the action of doing.
Abraham
A prime example of believing that God will fulfill His promises.
Believing and doing went together simultaneously.
Why faith? Why does God ask for faith from us?
Why faith? Why does God ask for faith from us?
22 And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God.
Foundation of faith is humility in one’s self but confidence in God.
In Mark 11:22, Jesus, after He tells His disciples to have faith in God, continues on to say that if one prays in FAITH a mountain to throw itself into the sea, it will.
See, the point is that, doesn’t matter how many times or how loud we yell to a mountain to throw itself, we will not. However, the key, faith, turns to God who is actually able to command the mountains and they obey.
Faith, the act of believing and doing moves the spotlight from ourselves to God.
God uses the weak to shame the strong
27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,
28 and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are,
29 so that no man may boast before God.
Take a look at King David.
Small shepherd boy.
Neglected by his own family.
Parents don’t even invite him to dinner with the prophet Samuel.
Brothers mock him right before he faces Goliath.
When king Saul, the mightest Israel has ever seen shivers in fear of Goliath, David, a small shepherd boy kills Goliath.
Such a wonderful example of God using the weak to shame the strong.
God does it this way because...
Because things that are impossible with us are possible with Him.
Because when we are limited to a B, He can achieve A+ for us.
Because He is infinite while we are finite.
It’s actually better for Him to take control rather than for us to control.
He wants the best for you!
How to increase our faith
How to increase our faith
Obedience is an essential element in faith
Obey the commandments of God.
Just as Abraham packed his stuff and left his home country, you must obey His commandments.
Fight and struggle to love Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Write the verses on a sticky note and place them around your area.
Seek guidance and counsel from your parents, and pastor.
And finally, pray for faith.
24 Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.”