Faith That Endures

by Wilson Adams

Introduction

Are you in need of firming up your faith?  Our hope in these studies is to provide strong exhortation to motivate us to a more consistent path of godly discipline.  So…tighten your belt and let’s work to get back into spiritual shape.

  1. WHAT IS FAITH?

    1. "Faith" is a five-letter word that is easy to say but often hard to live.  We know that faith is necessary to save (Eph. 2:8; Heb. 11:6; Acts 8:37), but it is also necessary to see us through tough times.   Fact is, it is the only thing that will see you through tough times.

    2. Faith is a deep, abiding confidence in God rather than in oneself.  In a one-word definition: it is TRUST.  It is trusting in God to handle me and my problems...trusting God to help me win over temptation...trusting God to get me to my eternal home...

      1. Our faith must be practical. (What use is it if it isn't?)

      2. Our faith must count in hard times.  If your faith doesn't count in hard times, your faith doesn't count at all!

  2. A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FAITH - Hebrews 11
    Six basic truths about what faith is and what it does.

    1. Faith requires assurance & conviction, vs. 1.

      1. "assurance" literally means "to stand under something; to support."  It was used of an official paper such as a title deed.  The title deed would support your claim of ownership.  In the same way, the Hebrew author affirms that your faith stands under you, supports you and provides assurance in every situation.  It is your guarantee of hope.

      2. "conviction" literally means "proof."  My faith proves to me that God will provide.  It is being convinced beyond any doubt that He can handle every part of my life.  Bible faith is not some kind of emotional, goose-bump, flimsy feeling but is, instead, the absolute assurance and complete conviction that God will take care of me.  He always has.  He always will.

    2. Faith relates to the future, vs. 1a.  Hope points to the future (and so do most of our worries!)  We often worry about the future, what is down-the-road and what will happen tomorrow.  We also ask too many "What if...." questions.  Faith says: God will take care of tomorrow just like He took care of today.  He can handle all things.

    3. Faith involves the unseen, vs. 1b.  And that's the hard part because we want to be able to see and touch it; we want our faith to be tangible.  Remember Thomas?  "Unless I see..."  Jesus said, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed?  Blessed are they who did not see and yet believe."

      pessimist ever made a great leader.  The
      pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity.
      The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.
      --Which are you?
    4. Faith is basic to pleasing God, vs. 2.  The author cites examples of different ones who started with nothing and ended with great blessings because they had faith.  Abel (vs.4) served God by faith.  Enoch (vs.5) did the same.  Even the creation (vs.3) is evidence that God creates out of that which is unseen.  And if He can do that, then He can take our lives, dreams, and plans and, on the basis of faith, make something of them.

      By-the-way, don't try to fool God with substitutions.  Attending more services, reading the Bible more, giving more, etc. is not a substitute for genuine faith.
      faith worked for Abel and Enoch and Noah and
      Abraham and Jacob and Joseph and all the others,
      don't you think it will work for you?
    5. Faith means that we believe God is real, vs.6.  Could someone come to the conclusion that God is real to you by watching your life and observing how you handle tough times?  Our reaction to troubles is a clear indication of our faith (or lack thereof).
    6. Faith means that we believe God rewards the seeker, vs.6.  Faith means that I believe that God will come through for me.  It doesn't mean that He will always work everything out or solve my problems according to my timetable or wishes, but it does mean that He will come through for me.  Always.  Without exception.   Do you believe that?

      Do you seek Him?
      Do you depend on Him?
      How much?

      "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."  Rom. 8:28
  3. TWO FINAL QUESTIONS:
    1. Why is faith so hard for me?
      1. Maybe it's fear...  fear that God will not come through for the likes of me...  fear that after all I've done, God doesn't want to hear from me...
      2. Maybe it's bitterness or resentment or anger directed toward another person or perhaps toward God, Himself.  Those emotions tend to squeeze the life out of our faith.
      3. Maybe it's pride...  and we don't really believe we need God; that we can make it fine without Him.
      4. Maybe it's hypocrisy...  we're faking it and we know it and we know that God knows it, too.

      Whatever the reason, there has to be one.  Find it.  Be honest about it.   Confess your lack of faith.  Talk to the Lord and pour out your heart to Him.

    2. Why is it so hard for me to live one day at a time?  God gives us several years (Psalm 90:12) and yet we are told to "number our days" --to live one at a time.

      "Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.   Each day has enough trouble of its own,"  Mt. 6:34

      Live one day at a time!  HOW? By faith!
      "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it,"  Psalm 118:24
      Live one day at a time!  HOW? By faith!

Conclusion

  1. Your relationship with God begins with a commitment of faith.  "He who believes and is baptized shall be saved..."
  2. Bible faith is inclusive of EVERYTHING God asks you to do.   Repentance is an act of faith.  So is confession.  So is baptism.

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