InstaStudy

Faith in the Old Testament: A Journey of Trust in the One God

This study explores the foundational understanding of faith as presented in the Old Testament, examining its nature, its heroes, and its enduring relevance as a response to the singular, sovereign God.

1. The Foundation of Faith: Trusting the One True God

1.1 God's Self-Revelation as One

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5-6; Isaiah 44:6
  • God reveals Himself as the sole Creator and Redeemer.
  • His singularity is the basis for all true worship and faith.
  • There is no other God besides Him.

1.2 The Call to Believe and Obey

Verses: Genesis 12:1-4; Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 11:26-28
  • God initiates the relationship through His call.
  • Faith is a response of trust and obedience to His commands.
  • Disobedience stems from a lack of faith in His word.

1.3 Faith as a Covenant Relationship

Verses: Genesis 15:6; Exodus 24:7-8; Jeremiah 31:33
  • God establishes covenants based on His promises.
  • Faith is the human response to enter and remain in this covenant.
  • The covenant relationship requires loyalty and trust in God alone.

2. Pillars of Faith: Examples from the Patriarchs and Prophets

2.1 Abraham: The Father of Faith

Verses: Genesis 12:1-4; Genesis 15:6; Genesis 22:1-3
  • Abraham believed God's impossible promises.
  • His faith was demonstrated through obedience and sacrifice.
  • God credited his faith as righteousness.

2.2 Moses: Faith in the Face of Adversity

Verses: Exodus 3:10-12; Exodus 14:13-14; Numbers 20:12
  • Moses trusted God's power to deliver His people.
  • His faith led him to confront Pharaoh and lead Israel.
  • Even great leaders can falter when faith wavers.

2.3 Rahab: Faith Beyond National Boundaries

Verses: Joshua 2:9-11; Joshua 6:25
  • Rahab believed in the God of Israel despite being a Gentile.
  • Her faith led her to protect God's messengers.
  • She was saved by her faith and actions.

2.4 David: Faith in God's Deliverance

Verses: 1 Samuel 17:36-37; 1 Samuel 17:45-47
  • David trusted God for victory against overwhelming odds.
  • His faith was rooted in God's past faithfulness.
  • He gave all glory to the Lord.

3. The Object and Substance of Old Testament Faith

3.1 Believing God's Promises

Verses: Genesis 12:2-3; Genesis 22:17-18; Numbers 23:19
  • Faith is confidence in God's spoken word.
  • God is faithful to fulfill all His promises.
  • These promises often extended beyond the immediate to future generations.

3.2 Trusting God's Character

Verses: Exodus 34:6-7; Psalm 18:30; Psalm 145:13
  • Faith rests on God's unchanging nature: merciful, gracious, righteous.
  • He is a God of truth and without injustice.
  • His character provides a secure foundation for trust.

3.3 Anticipating God's Deliverance and Messiah

Verses: Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6-7; Micah 5:2
  • Old Testament faith looked forward to a future deliverer.
  • Prophets spoke of a coming King and Savior.
  • This hope sustained believers through trials.

4. Faith and Obedience: An Inseparable Link

4.1 Obedience as a Demonstration of Faith

Verses: Deuteronomy 11:26-28; 1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 119:33-34
  • True faith is not passive but active.
  • Obedience is the outward expression of inward trust.
  • Disobedience reveals a lack of genuine faith in God's wisdom.

4.2 The Blessings of Obedient Faith

Verses: Deuteronomy 28:1-6; Joshua 1:7-8; Psalm 1:1-3
  • God promises blessings for those who walk in His ways.
  • Obedience opens the door to divine favor and prosperity.
  • These blessings are a testament to God's faithfulness.

4.3 The Consequences of Disbelief and Disobedience

Verses: Numbers 14:11-12; Deuteronomy 28:15-19; Isaiah 1:19-20
  • Unbelief leads to rebellion and separation from God.
  • Disobedience brings about divine judgment and hardship.
  • God's justice is consistent with His character.

5. The Enduring Legacy of Old Testament Faith

5.1 Faith as a Principle for All Generations

Verses: Psalm 78:5-7; Joel 2:28-29; Habakkuk 2:4
  • The principles of faith are timeless and universal.
  • God desires all people to trust and obey Him.
  • The righteous live by faith.

5.2 The Continuity of God's Plan

Verses: Isaiah 40:8; Malachi 3:6; Psalm 33:11
  • God's purposes and promises remain steadfast.
  • His plan of salvation unfolds through history.
  • The same God who called Abraham calls us today.

5.3 Looking Forward to the Fullness of God's Revelation

Verses: Isaiah 2:2-3; Zechariah 14:9; Isaiah 45:22-23
  • Old Testament faith anticipated a future time of universal knowledge of God.
  • The singular nature of God will be fully recognized by all nations.
  • All will bow to the one Lord.