Faith! (Part Three)

FAITH! (Part Three)

The argument we have been discussing about faith starts with the difference of opinion about “STRONG FAITH and WEAK FAITH.”  It is my position that: “there is no strong or weak faith, but it is the application of that faith that comes across as strong or weak.”  

Henry Cotton.

I do not believe that we can come up with a better definition of faith than that which the bible gives:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

I just want to point out some important issues addressed in this chapter.

• THE DEFINITION (v. 1) – The definition lets us know that faith does not require a “Blind leap” of faith, but it lets us know that whatever WE (men) hope for, and the proof of things unseen is through faith.
• FAITH PROVES SERVANTS (v. 2) – Believers are proven by their faithfulness. 

(James 2:18E KJV)

• FAITH BRINGS UNDERSTANDING TO MAN (v. 3) *

*These three verses show faith standing alone.

• FAITH AT WORK (vv. 4-12) * – Ables’ OFFERING to GOD was considered by GOD to be more excellent. It was Enoch’s faith in GOD that made GOD see fit to “translate him from Earth to Glory. The faith that Enoch had in GOD gave GOD pleasure.

*The are some rewards and consequences of faith at work.

• HEAVENLY HOPE (vv. 13-16) – ALL of the aforementioned died having not yet received the heavenly promise, but through faith* saw the promises of GOD and were ASSURED of them and EMBRACED them; knowing that earth was not their home.

*No distinction is made on the types, strength, or depth of each ones’ faith.

• FAITHFUL WORKS (vv. 12-29) – 

1. Abraham was tested.
2. Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau.
3. Jacob blessed Joseph’s sons.
4. Joseph exhibited his faith.
5. Moses was protected for three months by faith. Moses would later show his faith through his leadership of the people of GOD.

• RESULTS OF FAITH AT WORK* (vv. 30-38) – We see where the walls of Jericho fell, and Rahab being spared . . . by faith. There are many other results of faith mentioned in verses 32-38.
• ALL OF THOSE PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED RECEIVED GOOD REPORTS BECAUSE OF FAITH. * (v.39)

*We see how GOD blessed ALL of these in the Faith Hall of Faith. Nevertheless, the word tells us that GOD has even something better for us!

CONCLUSION 

I understand that everyone mentioned in the Faith Hall of Fame is there because of faith. Each one has a different story about their faith experience. However, there is no distinction made about whose faith is stronger or weaker. The one thing they all share is that they were all blessed, and they are all there!

I think we should take the lessons shown to us; 

1. A little faith can accomplish great things.
2. You cannot please GOD without faith.
3. GOD blesses those who please Him.
4. YOU don’t have to be the one exhibiting the faith to be the recipient of the blessing from that faith (Moses as a baby for example)

I also know that “The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17), “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17), and that Believers have been commanded to: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18). I also believe that as we grow in the knowledge of the Lord, we will learn that we can do ALL things through Him, ALL things are possible, and that there is nothing too hard for GOD. And with this growth in knowledge we gain from the word of GOD, we will find that the things we can accomplish through our faith in GOD is limitless!