FAITH Lesson 2 for April 11, 2009

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (King James Version) “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (New International Version) “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” (New Living Translation) “To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see.” (Good News Translation) WHAT IS FAITH? Hebrews 11:1

FAITH: GOD’S ROLE God gives us faith so we can believe in Him and be saved. Hi gives us His Word so we can keep and build our faith strong.

FAITH: GOD’S ROLE A GIFT FROM GOD “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8

ESSENTIAL TO PLEASE HIM FAITH: GOD’S ROLE ESSENTIAL TO PLEASE HIM “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.” Hebrews 11:6

FAITH: GOD’S ROLE ESSENTIAL FOR SALVATION “since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.” Romans 3:30

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” FAITH: GOD’S ROLE HIS WORD SRENGTHENS OUR FAITH “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

FAITH: OUR ROLE Practicing faith 1 We must first accept the gift of faith God gives us. That faith can be strengthened by the miracles we see in our lives (Habakkuk 2:4). That faith moves us to do Works according to our faith (James 2:17).

FAITH: OUR ROLE Believing in faith 2 Faith is more than a feeling. True faith always grows despite doubts and troubles (Luke 17:5-6). Our faith grows as we relate to Jesus every day and trust His promises (Galatians 2:20). The “shield” of faith must grow more and more during our lifetime. It will protect us “all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” (Ephesians 6:16)

FAITH: OUR ROLE “above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” Ephesians 6:16

Jesus Christ is the ROCK on which we’ll stand strong by faith. FAITH IN ONE PERSON : JESUS Faith is based on the sound doctrine. True faith is trusting Him who that doctrine talks about. Jesus Christ is the ROCK on which we’ll stand strong by faith.

“It is not enough to believe about Christ; we must believe in Him “It is not enough to believe about Christ; we must believe in Him. The only faith that will benefit us is that which embraces Him as a personal Saviour; which appropriates His merits to ourselves. Many hold faith as an opinion. Saving faith is a transaction by which those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God. Genuine faith is life. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul becomes a conquering power.” Ellen G. White, Lift Him Up, March 12

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV