Faith
Key Verse
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
– Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)
Basic Biblical Understanding
We’re approaching the broader topic of faith by asking three essential questions.
What is biblical faith? How is faith misunderstood or abused? Why is faith so important? Let’s begin. What is biblical faith? Biblically speaking, faith is complete conviction of truth or reliance upon Christ. For a skeptical person (who questions everything), that type of faith seems foreign. However, it’s important to understand that faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8–9), and it’s based on more than wishes and good feelings. According to Hebrews 11:1, faith is based on substance and evidence. Biblical faith is not blind faith based on feelings; biblical faith is reasonable conviction based on evidence.
How is faith misunderstood or abused? Here are just a few common issues:
Faith IS NOT stepping out blindly on intuition. That’s called presumption. Be careful when attaching “I think,” “I feel,” or “my gut’s telling me” to faith.
Faith IS NOT walking through every open door and saying, “God told me to do it.” That’s recklessness in the least or being a liar at the worst. Every open door is not God’s leading.
Faith IS NOT doing what we want and then justifying disasters with “God works all things together for good.” God can make beauty out of ashes, but He will also teach us a lesson about foolishness.
Faith IS NOT speaking our selfish desires into existence. Those false declarations of faith are usually greed dressed in spiritual language.
Why is faith so important? Christians are justified by faith (Galatians 2:16) and protected by faith (Ephesians 6:16). Believers walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7), stand in faith (1 Corinthians 16:13), live by faith (Romans 1:17), and pray in faith (Matthew 21:22). Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith, it’s impossible to please God. Paul reminded believers in Rome that whatever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). Jesus taught that a little faith has the power to move mountains (Matthew 17:20). Faith is essential to every aspect of the Christian’s journey with Christ.
Verses (ask God to to show you how they apply to your life)
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
– Romans 10:17 (NKJV)
“And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
– Matthew 21:22
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”
– Proverbs 3:5a
Helpful Questions and Application
Where in your life (today) is God asking, “Will you trust Me?” What’s holding you back from trusting Him completely in that situation?
Have you ever mistaken presumption for faith? What happened? What did you learn?
Deep faith is developed by intimacy with God, study of God’s Word, and walking with God through the ups and downs of life. In which of those areas is God leading you to spend more time with Him?
Additional Resources
Scripture references: Hebrews 11; John 3:16; Galatians 2:16
WordTruth Article: ”Living by Feelings or Living by Faith”