Faith in the Old Testament: Trusting the One True God

This Bible study explores the concept of faith as understood and practiced in the Old Testament, examining its foundational principles, key examples, and the unwavering faithfulness of the singular God who inspired it.

1. The Foundation of Faith in the One True God

1.1 The Call to Believe in One God

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5-6

The foundational command to Israel was to acknowledge and worship one singular God.
This belief in one God was the bedrock upon which all other faith was built.
Rejecting polytheism was essential for true faith and relationship with the Most High.

1.2 God's Self-Revelation as the Only Savior

Verses: Isaiah 43:10-11; Isaiah 44:6; Isaiah 44:8

God consistently declared Himself to be the only God and the sole Savior.
There was no other divine being before or after Him, emphasizing His unique identity.
Faith involved trusting in this singular divine identity for deliverance and salvation.

1.3 The Spirit of God as the Empowerer of Faith

Verses: Genesis 1:2; Judges 3:10; Joel 2:28-29

The Spirit of God was active in creation and empowered individuals throughout the Old Testament.
This Spirit is the very essence and power of the one God, manifesting His presence.
Faith was often manifested and strengthened through the Spirit's enablement and guidance.

2. Faith as Trust and Obedience

2.1 Abraham's Faith: Believing God's Promise

Verses: Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3

Abraham's faith was counted as righteousness because he believed God's word and promise.
His trust was in God's ability to fulfill what He promised, even the seemingly impossible.
This faith preceded the Law and established a pattern for all who would believe.

2.2 Obedience as a Demonstration of Faith

Verses: Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 11:26-28; 1 Samuel 15:22

True faith in the Old Testament was inseparable from obedience to God's commands and statutes.
Disobedience was often seen as a lack of faith or trust in God's wisdom and authority.
God desired heartfelt obedience more than ritualistic sacrifice or outward observance.

2.3 Trusting God in Difficult Circumstances

Verses: Psalm 27:1; Psalm 56:3-4; Proverbs 3:5-6

Many Old Testament figures demonstrated faith by trusting God amidst fear, danger, and adversity.
This trust involved relying on God's protection, provision, and guidance in all situations.
Faith meant acknowledging God's sovereignty and wisdom over all life's challenges.

3. Faith and God's Covenants

3.1 The Noahic Covenant: Faith in God's Preservation

Verses: Genesis 6:8; Genesis 7:1; Hebrews 11:7

Noah found grace and demonstrated faith by obeying God's specific instructions to build the ark.
His faith led to the preservation of his family and the continuation of humanity.
This covenant showed God's faithfulness to His promises of preservation and new beginnings.

3.2 The Abrahamic Covenant: Faith in God's Promise of Blessing

Verses: Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 17:1-8

Abraham's faith was central to the establishment of the covenant promising land, descendants, and blessing.
God's covenant was an act of His sovereign will, requiring Abraham's unwavering trust.
Through this covenant, God revealed His plan to bless all nations through Abraham's lineage.

3.3 The Mosaic Covenant: Faith in God's Law and Redemption

Verses: Exodus 14:31; Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 30:19-20

Israel's faith was tested and affirmed through their deliverance from Egypt and acceptance of the Law.
The Law was given as a guide for living in covenant relationship with God, revealing His holiness.
Faith involved trusting in God's provision for atonement and forgiveness within the covenant framework.

4. Manifestations of Faith in Old Testament Figures

4.1 Moses: Faith in God's Deliverance and Leadership

Verses: Exodus 3:10-12; Exodus 14:13-14; Hebrews 11:27-29

Moses demonstrated faith by obeying God's call to lead Israel out of slavery, despite his own doubts.
He trusted God's power to part the Red Sea and provide for His people in the wilderness.
His faith was a model for the nation in following God's appointed leader and His miraculous interventions.

4.2 Rahab: Faith in the God of Israel

Verses: Joshua 2:9-11; Hebrews 11:31

Rahab, a Gentile, expressed faith in the God of Israel based on His mighty works and reputation.
Her faith led her to protect the spies and align herself with God's people, risking her own life.
She was saved by her faith, demonstrating God's grace and acceptance beyond the nation of Israel.

4.3 David: Faith in God's Anointing and Protection

Verses: 1 Samuel 17:37; 1 Samuel 17:45-47; Psalm 23:4

David's faith in God's power enabled him to face Goliath without fear, relying on divine strength.
He consistently relied on God for protection and victory in battle and throughout his reign.
His psalms often express deep trust and dependence on God's faithfulness in all circumstances.

5. God's Faithfulness as the Basis for Human Faith

5.1 God's Unchanging Character

Verses: Numbers 23:19; Psalm 89:34; Malachi 3:6

God's faithfulness is a core attribute of His divine and immutable nature.
He does not lie or change His mind; His word and promises are steadfast and true.
This unchanging nature provides a firm and reliable foundation for human faith and trust.

5.2 God's Faithfulness in Keeping Promises

Verses: Deuteronomy 7:9; Joshua 21:45; 1 Kings 8:56

The Old Testament is replete with examples of God faithfully fulfilling His covenants and promises.
Every promise God made, He faithfully brought to pass, demonstrating His reliability.
This consistent fulfillment encouraged His people to trust Him for future blessings and interventions.

5.3 God's Faithfulness in Providing Redemption

Verses: Isaiah 49:26; Isaiah 59:16; Hosea 13:4

Even when Israel was unfaithful, God remained faithful to His redemptive plan and purpose.
He consistently provided a way for His people to return to Him and experience His mercy.
His faithfulness ultimately points to the singular Savior He would send to accomplish ultimate redemption.