InstaStudy

What is Faith?

This study will help us understand what faith is, why it's so important in our lives, and how we can grow in our trust in God. We'll discover how faith helps us connect with God and live a life that pleases Him.

1. Understanding What Faith Is

1.1 More Than Just Believing

Verses: Hebrews 11:1; James 2:19
  • Faith is not just agreeing that God exists; even demons believe that.
  • It's a deep conviction and assurance about things we can't see.
  • It's trusting God's promises as if they've already happened.

1.2 The Substance of Things Hoped For

Verses: Hebrews 11:1; Romans 10:17
  • Faith gives substance to our hopes, making them real in our hearts.
  • It's the evidence of things we don't yet see with our eyes.
  • Faith comes from hearing God's Word.

1.3 Faith and Action

Verses: James 2:17; James 2:26
  • True faith isn't just words; it leads to action.
  • Our actions show what we truly believe in our hearts.
  • Faith without works is dead; it needs to be active.

2. Why Faith is Essential

2.1 Pleasing God

Verses: Hebrews 11:6
  • It is impossible to please God without faith.
  • God rewards those who earnestly seek Him through faith.
  • Faith shows our trust and love for God.

2.2 Receiving God's Promises

Verses: Mark 11:24; Matthew 21:22
  • Through faith, we can receive answers to prayer.
  • God's promises are activated in our lives by faith.
  • We must believe we have received them when we pray.

2.3 Overcoming the World

Verses: 1 John 5:4
  • Our faith is the victory that overcomes the world.
  • It helps us stand strong against temptations and challenges.
  • We can conquer fear and doubt through faith in God.

3. How Faith Comes and Grows

3.1 Hearing the Word of God

Verses: Romans 10:17; John 6:63
  • Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
  • The Bible is the source of our faith.
  • Regularly reading and studying God's Word strengthens our faith.

3.2 The Work of the Spirit

Verses: Ephesians 2:8; Galatians 5:22
  • Faith is a gift from God, given through His Spirit.
  • The Holy Spirit helps us understand and believe God's Word.
  • Faith is a fruit of the Spirit, growing as we yield to Him.

3.3 Through Prayer and Obedience

Verses: James 1:5-6; John 14:15
  • Praying for more faith and wisdom helps it grow.
  • Obeying God's commands, even when it's hard, builds our faith.
  • Each step of obedience strengthens our trust in God.

4. The Object of Our Faith: Jesus Christ

4.1 God Revealed in Christ

Verses: Colossians 2:9; John 14:9
  • In Jesus Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
  • When we see Jesus, we see God.
  • He is the visible image of the invisible God.

4.2 Salvation Through His Name

Verses: Acts 4:12; Acts 2:38
  • There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
  • Faith in the name of Jesus brings forgiveness of sins.
  • We are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

4.3 Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith

Verses: Hebrews 12:2; Philippians 1:6
  • Jesus started our faith journey and will complete it.
  • He is our perfect example of faith and trust in God.
  • We look to Him to guide and strengthen our faith every day.