InstaStudy

Faith: The Foundation of the Believer's Life

This study explores the multifaceted nature of faith, its expression in love and obedience, its power to overcome, and its development through hearing and testing. It emphasizes the importance of faith in the life of a believer.

1. The Nature of Faith

1.1 Faith as Belief and Trust

Verses: Hebrews 11:1; John 3:16
  • Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
  • It involves believing in the unseen realities of God and His promises.
  • Trusting in the saving power of Jesus Christ, the one God manifested in flesh, is the starting point of faith.

1.2 Faith Comes by Hearing

Verses: Romans 10:17; Acts 2:22
  • Faith is ignited and strengthened by hearing the Word of God.
  • Hearing about the miracles, teachings, and life of Jesus Christ builds faith.
  • The apostles' preaching of Jesus as Lord and Christ was the catalyst for faith in the early church.

2. The Expression of Faith

2.1 Faith Working Through Love

Verses: Galatians 5:6; 1 John 4:19
  • True faith is not passive; it actively works through love.
  • Our love for God and others demonstrates the genuineness of our faith.
  • We love Him because He first loved us, and this love compels us to act in accordance with His will.

2.2 Faith and Obedience

Verses: Hebrews 11:8; James 2:26
  • Faith without works is dead; obedience is the natural outflow of genuine faith.
  • Abraham's willingness to obey God's command to sacrifice Isaac demonstrated his faith.
  • Our actions reveal the true state of our belief and trust in God.

3. The Power of Faith

3.1 Faith to Overcome

Verses: 1 John 5:4; Romans 8:37
  • Faith is the victory that overcomes the world.
  • Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can conquer sin, doubt, and fear.
  • We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

3.2 Faith for Healing

Verses: James 5:15; Mark 5:34
  • The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.
  • Jesus often told those He healed that their faith had made them well.
  • Healing is available through faith in the name of Jesus Christ.

4. The Development of Faith

4.1 Growing in Faith

Verses: Romans 10:17; Luke 17:5
  • Faith is not static; it can and should grow over time.
  • Continual exposure to the Word of God strengthens faith.
  • We can ask God to increase our faith, just as the apostles did.

4.2 The Testing of Faith

Verses: James 1:3; 1 Peter 1:7
  • The testing of our faith produces patience and perseverance.
  • Trials and tribulations refine our faith, making it more precious than gold.
  • Enduring hardship with faith demonstrates the reality of our belief.