Faith 101

FAITH: GROWING A MUSTARD SEED

FAITH

BRINGING FAITH INTO FOCUS

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” This definition of faith is probably one of the most quoted verses in the Bible. There are several facets of faith that stand out:

- Faith is believing in what you cannot always see.

- Faith is a strong belief in or conviction for something that cannot be measured.

- It is the essential ingredient for all who believe in God.

Faith emanates from God (Hebrews 12:2). Faith in God provides every person the opportunity to have life, and have it more abundantly. The person who has strong faith has a life worth living. Through faith we can see the purpose of our existence. Those who have no faith will continually search for fulfillment in life. This is explained in Hebrews 11:6 which plainly states, “Without faith it is impossible to please.”

SCRIPTURAL SUPPORT FOR FAITH

Faith is a vital part of our relationship with Christ. Consider the following verses of Scripture:

Ë “And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God.” (Mark 11:22)

Ë “Through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exalt in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2).

Ë “For we walk, not by sight.” (2nd Corinthians 5:7)

Ë “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by Faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Ë “Through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles, for His name’s sake…” (Romans 1:5)

Faith is not just something you feel; t is something you act upon. These verses call us to action. Take the air, for example. We know there has to be air, but until we take a breath we don’t know for sure. We do not experience the fact of air until we act on it. Our breathing proves the reality of air. Faith in God is acting on this principle. Every person must respond to God’s gift of faith to experience a real faith.

APPLYING FAITH TO YOUR LIFE

CHOOSING TO BELIEVE

Many people tragically accept only what they know and experience. We all have periods of doubt. Sometimes, we have to deal with strong feelings of doubt about the things of God. The Disciples of Christ frequently had questions about their faith and their belief in God. This was not wrong because they were pursuing the truth for their lives. As you deal with doubt from time to time, realize that God desires to help you and assure you in your faith if you will ask Him.

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5, 6)

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES

Faith is necessary for a relationship with Christ. The following statements and verses will help you see the importance of faith.

The Importance of Faith:

1. Faith is the avenue to a relationship with God.

& Mark 11:22

& Ephesians 2:8, 9)

& Ephesians 3:12-17

& 1st Timothy 6:12

& 1st Timothy 1:5

& Philippians 3:9

2. Faith will give you a hope.

& 1st Thessalonians 1:3

& 1st Timothy 4:10

& Romans 5:1-5

3. Faith is necessary because you cannot see God.

& Isaiah 44:18

& 2nd Corinthians 4:4

4. It is impossible to please God without faith.

& Hebrews 11:6

Faith: Growing a Mustard Seed 3

There are many benefits of faith in Christ.

Benefits of Faith in Christ

1. Faith is a true gift from God.

& Ephesians 2:8, 9

2. Faith in Christ provides us a reason to live.

& Psalm 62:5

3. Faith in Christ leads us to forgiveness of sin.

& Luke 5:20

4. Faith in Christ makes an impact.

& Romans 1:5

5. Faith in Christ will be accompanies by genuine love.

& Galatians 5:6

6. Faith in Christ provides the opportunity for a righteous life.

& Philippians 3:9

7. Faith in Christ brings about physical, emotional and spiritual healing.

& Luke 8:48

8. Faith in Christ encourages other people’s faith.

& Romans 1:12

& 1st Thessalonians 1:8

9. Faith in Christ brings a confidence in today and the future.

& Jeremiah 29:11

10. Faith in Christ brings abundant grace into our lives.

& 1st Timothy 1:14

While there are several benefits of faith in Christ, there are some very important points to consider if a person chooses not to place faith in God. Following are some factors of a life without faith:

A life without faith will result in the following:

e Unbelief. This will keep you from God’s miracles.

o Matthew 13:58

e Fear. Faith enables us to serve Him without fear.

o Luke 1:74

e Doubt. Tossed to and fro.

o James 1:6

Faith: Growing a Mustard Seed 4

e Self-centeredness. Selfish ambition.

o James 3:16

e Hopelessness. Seek and to save that which is lost.

o Luke 19:10

e Negative attitude, Scoffers in the last days.

o Jude 18

e Apathy. Without love.

o 2nd Timothy 3:1-5

PUTTING FAITH INTO ACTION

In order for your faith to grow, you must challenge it. How, you ask? One of the best ways to challenge your faith is to begin believing God for something that you would not normally have the faith for. Faith is likened unto a mustard seed. A mustard seed starts small and then grows into one of the largest plants. God’s desire is that your faith would grow to the degree that it is able to move the mountains in your life. Don’t be afraid as you begin your walk of faith to believe God for BIG things according to His will.

A FAITH THAT INCREASES

Consider the following scriptural text. According to this text, how does faith grow?

“Again he said, ‘what shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.’ With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything” (Mark 4:30-32)

In Luke Chapter 17 and verse 5, the Apostles requested of the Lord, “Increase our faith!” Likewise, if we want our faith increased, we to must ask the Lord. Faith that increase gets results. Scripture records many who received incredible answers to prayer because of their incredible faith in God. As they lived by faith, God continually met all their needs. They put their faith to the test, and God proved Himself faithful to His word. God saw their faith in Him and performed miracles in response. The following is just to name a few:

{ Noah (Genesis 6)

{ Abraham (Genesis 15)

{ Daniel (Daniel 6)

{ The three Hebrew children (Daniel 3)

{ The woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8)

{ The centurion (Matthew 8)

{ The paralytic (Mark 2)

Faith: Growing a Mustard Seed 5

FAITH VS FEAR

“For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. And for this reason, I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me His prisoner; but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity…” (2nd Timothy 1:5-9)

As your faith increases, the spirit of timidity will diminish and will be replaced by the Spirit of power, love and discipline.

“When fear is in, faith is out

When faith is in, fear is out.”

“…For if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:13-15)

RESULTS OF FEAR

e Fear will cause you to hide from God. When Adam first sinned, he feared God, and tried to hide from Him. (Genesis 3:8-10)

e Fear causes us to react without thinking. Never make a decision without the peace of God in your heart. It is the will of God that you respond in faith rather than react to fear when confronted with the challenges of life. Wait on the Lord; He is always on time. (Colossians 3:15; Philippians 4:6, 7)

e Fear will cause you to question the integrity of the word of God (Genesis 3:1, 3, 4). There is a difference between being afraid of God and have a reverent awe of Him. While God does love us and desirous of an intimate relationship with us, it is important for us to remember just who God is. He is our creator, the God of the universe, and you need to have a deep awe and respect for Him. When He speaks, you can take it to the bank.

Read 1st Samuel 12:20-25. According to this passage, what is the difference between being afraid of God and having a fear of God?

Your faith in God is very important to Him. As you put your faith to action, you will find that your life will begin to take on a whole new meaning. God has given each of us a measure of faith. We put our faith in many things while the Lord continues to call out to us, “Have faith in God”. (Mark 11:22)

FAITH 101 CONCLUSION

ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEEK

1. Memorize the following verses:

& Hebrews 11:1

& Matthew 17:20

2. Read Ephesians 1-3. Write a two-page report on what you see these passages saying about faith and how it relates to you and your faith in Christ. Also, describe what your faith in God has challenged you to do.

3. Write a one-page report on someone’s faith in God that encourages you. Explain why.

4. Read your Bible at least 10 minutes per day. Spend as much of your reading time as you can on the topic of faith. Use the Faith Scriptural resource Sheet for some good passages to read. Read the verses in context – that is, read the verses before and after the assigned passage to see how faith was being used.

5. Pray at least 10 minutes per day. Focus your prayer time this week on your faith in God. Ask the Lord to increase your faith in Him, and take away the things that hinder confidence in Him. This is putting your faith into action!

6. Complete Accountability Sheet.

7. Contact your discipleship partner at least one time this week outside of church. Discuss how you both see your faith growing.

8. Complete Sermon Notes for every service you attend, minimum of one.

REMEMBER:

- TO HAVE FAITH IN GOD, ACTION IS REQUIRED.

- WHERE THERE IS UNBELIEF, THERE IS NO FAITH.

FAITH IS IN, FEAR IS OUT!

NO MORE FEAR!

IN JESUS’ NAME! AMEN.

FAITH

SCRIPTURAL RESOUCE SHEET

Matthew 13:58 – And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.

Matthew 14:31 – Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of Him, and said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’

Matthew 15:28 – Then Jesus said to her, ‘O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed at once.

Matthew 17:20 – He said to them, ‘Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.

Mark 11:22 – And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God.”

Luke 5:20 – Seeing their faith, He said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven you.”

Luke 8:48 – And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

Luke 17:5 – The Apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

John 14:12 – “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.”

Acts 14:22 – strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

Acts 20:21 – solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:5 – through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake.

Romans 1:12 – that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.

Romans 4:13 – For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.

Romans 5:2 – through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exalt in hope of the glory of God.

Philippians 3:9 – and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith…

1st Corinthians 13:2 – If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

2nd Corinthians 5:7 = for we walk by faith, not by sight.

Galatians 5:6 – in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision mean anything, but faith working through love.

Galatians 2:20 – I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me.

Key Chapter - Ephesians 3 – READ THE ENTIRE CHAPTER