Faith in the bible – Alex Lew
Beloved in Christ, it is my joy to speak to you today about faith. Faith is the foundation of the Christian life, for without faith it is impossible to please God. By faith, we are saved, by faith we walk, and by faith we conquer. But what is faith? What does it mean to have faith in God?
Let us first turn to the book of Hebrews, chapter 11, verse 1, where we read: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith, then, is the assurance of things we hope for, and the conviction of things we cannot see. It is the confident expectation that what God has promised, He is able to perform.
Faith is not wishful thinking or positive self-talk. It is not a blind leap in the dark. It is a deliberate choice to trust in God and His Word, even when circumstances seem contrary. Faith is not based on what we see, but on what God has said. It is not subject to change, because God’s Word is unchanging.
The great heroes of faith in the Bible are examples for us to follow. Let us consider a few of them, and see what we can learn from their faith.
First, we have Abraham, the father of the faithful. In Genesis 12, God called him to leave his homeland and go to a land that He would show him. Abraham obeyed, not knowing where he was going, but trusting in God’s promise to bless him and make him a great nation. In verse 4, we read that “Abram went, as the Lord had spoken unto him.”
Abraham’s faith was tested many times, but he remained steadfast in his trust in God. In Hebrews 11:17–19, we read about the ultimate test of Abraham’s faith, when God asked him to offer up his son Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham did not hesitate, but obeyed God, believing that God would somehow fulfill His promise through Isaac, even if Isaac had to be raised from the dead.
What can we learn from Abraham’s faith? We can learn that faith requires obedience. Faith is not just believing in God’s promises, but acting on them. James 2:17 tells us that “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Abraham’s faith was alive, because he obeyed God’s Word.
Next, we have Moses, who led the children of Israel out of slavery in Egypt. In Hebrews 11:24–26, we read that Moses chose to suffer affliction with the people of God, rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. He considered the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, because he looked to the reward.
Moses’ faith was tested many times as well, but he never lost sight of the goal. He endured because he saw Him who is invisible. Moses’ faith was not based on what he could see or feel, but on his trust in God’s promises.
What can we learn from Moses’ faith? We can learn that faith requires endurance. Faith is not a one-time decision, but a daily commitment to follow Christ. We must be willing to endure hardship and persecution for the sake of Christ, knowing that the reward is far greater than anything this world can offer.
Finally, we have the example of Jesus Himself. In Hebrews 12:2, we are told to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Jesus’ faith was not just an example for us to follow, but it is the very foundation of our faith.
Jesus’ faith was not based on His own strength or ability, but on His complete dependence on the Father. He said in John 5:30, “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.”
Jesus’ faith was tested in the garden of Gethsemane, when He prayed, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42) Jesus’ faith was tested on the cross, when He cried out, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)
But Jesus’ faith never wavered. He endured the cross, despising the shame, because He saw the joy that was set before Him. He knew that by His death and resurrection, He would redeem us from sin and death, and give us eternal life.
What can we learn from Jesus’ faith? We can learn that faith requires surrender. Faith is not just believing in God’s promises, but submitting to His will. We must be willing to lay down our own desires and plans, and trust in God’s plan for our lives. We must be willing to follow Christ, even if it means suffering and sacrifice.
Beloved, faith is not just a theoretical concept, but a practical reality. It is not just something we talk about, but something we live out. Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God, and the source of our strength and hope.
In Romans 1:17, we read that the just shall live by faith. Faith is not just for special occasions, but for every day of our lives. We are to live by faith in the ordinary, mundane moments of life, as well as in the times of crisis and challenge.
In Hebrews 10:38, we read that the just shall live by faith, but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. Faith is not an optional extra, but a necessity for the Christian life. Without faith, we cannot please God, and without faith, we cannot overcome the world.
In 1 Peter 1:7, we read that the trial of our faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Our faith will be tested, but it will also be rewarded. If we endure in faith, we will be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
In 2 Corinthians 5:7, we read that we walk by faith, not by sight. Our faith is not based on what we see or feel, but on what God has said. We must learn to trust in God’s promises, even when circumstances seem contrary.
In Matthew 17:20, Jesus said that if we have faith as a grain of mustard seed, we can say to this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Our faith may start small, like a mustard seed, but if we cultivate it, it can grow and bear fruit.
In Mark 11:24, Jesus said, Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. Our faith is not just for our own benefit, but for the glory of God. We must learn to believe that God will answer our prayers, according to His will and in His time.
In James 1:6–8, we read that if we ask in faith, nothing wavering, we will receive what we ask for. But if we doubt, we will not receive anything from the Lord. Our faith must be steadfast and unwavering, if we are to receive the blessings of God.
Beloved, let us not just talk about faith, but live it out. Let us obey God’s Word, endure hardship, surrender our will, and trust in His promises. Let us walk by faith, not by sight, and believe that nothing is impossible with God.
As we close, let us turn to Hebrews 11:6, which says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Let us believe that God is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Let us seek Him with all our heart, and trust in His unfailing love and faithfulness.
May the God of all grace strengthen us, and fill us with joy and peace as we walk in faith. May He be glorified in our lives, now and forevermore. Amen.
