Faith

Heb. 11:1,2

Define:

1. More than knowledge, but acting on that knowledge.

2. Believing then acting on that belief.

3. Believing- performing according to the scripture.

1. The nature of faith - seeing the thing happen before it does happen. Knowing it will come to pass. It is difficult (a trial) to walk by faith, because the event is not seen, we act on that which will be.

   1. Verse 7 - Noah built the ark by faith, because he believed what God said.

      1. This is Noah’s command, not ours.

      2. God has a general set of instructions in the Bible for all believers, but individually instructs every believer in perfect faith and obedience.

   2. Verse 8 - Abraham left by faith because he believed what God said.

      1. God did not tell Abraham to build an ark.

      2. God did not tell Abraham to return to Ur of the Chaldees as he instructed Moses.

   3. Verse 27 - Moses forsook Egypt, because he believed what God said.

      1. God did not tell Moses to build an ark.

      2. God instructed Moses to return to Egypt, where he considered himself to be a failure, but didn’t instruct Abraham to return to Ur to be an example.

   4. Gen. 25:31 - Esau couldn't see the value of the birthright, so he sold it.

   5. If we have faith in the millennium reign and the eternal reign, (all the promises of God) we have the same type of faith as Noah, Abraham, and Moses.

2. The object of faith - God and his promises.

   1. Don't trust our means (eloquent preaching, or teaching, --or getting people to church).

   2. Don't trust ourselves our strength.

      1. Stop looking at what we can do.

      2. Exodus 8:5,6 – Moses lifted up his rod before the frogs came forth, not as the frogs came forth, or after the frogs came forth.

   3. II Peter 1:4 - Trust the exceeding great and precious promises of God.

3. The ground (basis) of our faith - God's Word.

   1. This is really the same thing as believing in God.

   2. Believe the promises of God.

4. The exercise of faith - dead faith does nothing -- James 2:17 - Faith without works is dead.

   1. Heb. 11:8 - Abraham went, not knowing where he went.

   2. Numbers 13:30 - Caleb believed God, "Let us go up at once and possess it."

   3. Luke 5:5 - Peter said, "at thy word", I'll let down the net". After they had fished all night and caught nothing.

   4. Acts 27:25 - Soon to be shipwrecked Paul said, "I believe God".

5. The encouragement of faith/discouragement in no faith - Noah kept on building the ark, and Moses kept on leading.

   1. Numbers 13:30 - Caleb was encouraged because he believed God, the others were afraid.

      1. The entire nation suffered because of the evil report of the 10 unbelieving spies.

      2. I Samuel 17 – Goliath caused the entire nation of Israel to be afraid, but David’s faith in action gave them courage.

   2. Joshua 21:43-45 - All the Word of God came to pass.

   3. Mark 14:16 - The disciples found the upper room, just like Jesus said.

6. Need of faith.

   1. Matt. 17:20 - (Verse 14-21) - Some things are more difficult than others. The disciples couldn't case out the devil, but Jesus said if they had faith as a grain of mustard seed, they could.

   2. Matt. 21:22 - All things ye ask believing, ye shall receive.

   3. James 4:2, 3 – Ye have not because ye ask not.

7. Result of faith - Heb. 11:2.

   1. Unending peace.

   2. There is no limit - only limited by the Word of God.

   3. Phil 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me.