Faith is awareness from the Holy Spirit that what we can’t see in the natural will come to pass. The Bible puts it this way:
“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
This revelation is followed by action. Faith is an action word and it is the foundation to our faith in Jesus.
“Father of Faith”
The bible refers to Abraham as the “Father of Faith.” He received a promise from God that he would be the father of many nations, yet despite the fact that it looked impossible for him and his wife to have children, he chose to believe God would honor His promise.
Abraham is a great example for us! Read about his faith in Romans 4:13-21.
(13) It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.
(14) For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless,
(15) because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
(16) Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.
(17) As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.
(18) Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
(19) Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead.
(20) Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,
(21) being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
Romans 4:13 (NIV)
(13) It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.
Romans 4:18 (NIV)
(18) Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
How could he receive this promise?
(19) Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead.
What was the condition of Abraham and Sarah’s body?
(19) Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead.
(20) Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,
(21) being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
How did Abraham respond to the facts about their own condition?
What does this story teach us about faith?
About Faith
(17) Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
How do we get faith?
(8) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
(9) not by works, so that no one can boast.
How do we receive salvation?
(11) Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.”
What do the righteous live by?
(6) So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,
(7) rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
How can our faith be strengthened?
John 10:37-38 (NIV)
(37) Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father.
(38) But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”
John 14:11-12 (NIV)
(11) Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.
(12) Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
Miracles are meant to bring Glory to the Father and help increase our faith. What miracles have you seen that have increased your faith?
(18) But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.
What is the perfect companion to faith?
(2) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
(3) because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
(4) Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
What does the testing of our faith develop?
Ask
(35) So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
(36) You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
(37) For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.”
(38) And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.”
(39) But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.
Has God given you a verse or promise from the Bible?
(36) You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
What do you need to do to receive God’s promises?
Application
How can I personally increase my faith?
Prayer Model
Lord Jesus, thank You that Your Word is true. I grab hold of it and believe that by Your mighty power You can make Your promises a reality in my life.
Key Verse
“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”
Watch Ps.Rod’s Teaching on Youtube Here
