Faith

(Heb 11:1-6 KJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. {2} For by it the elders obtained a good report. {3} Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. {4} By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. {5} By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. {6} 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.

Our subject this morning is Faith. We encourage you to study with us to help you to understand What Faith is, How you get Faith, How you can increase Faith and the results of Faith. Our text reminds us that without faith it is impossible for you to please God. And so let us begin with the question:

What is Faith? Verse 1 of Hebrews 11 says that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The Greek word translated "faith" is defined as: 1) conviction of the truth of anything, belief, in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it - relating to God; 2) the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provided and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ; 3) a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God; 4) the religious beliefs of Christians; 5) belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the same; 6) fidelity, faithfulness; 7) the character of one who can be relied on.

So faith is the substance of our belief and conviction in respect to God as our creator and the ruler of our universe. Now the beginning of anyone's faith has to start with the belief that this world that we live in was created by God. As I study the universe, the awesomeness of it, the intricate way that the objects in space interact, the preciseness of the orbits of heavenly bodies, the life cycles of animals, man, insects and plants it is evident to me that this world was created by a power that is far beyond the comprehension of man. Now it seems to me that since this world was created and operates in such a fantastic fashion that the creator would not just let it run without some instruction to those that live in it. And if God could create such an awesome world, then it would be a very easy thing for Him to provide us a book of instruction that would explain things to us and guide us in our life as we live our lives in His universe.

Therefore the next question: Is the Bible the Creator's book of instruction for us? To answer that question will take a careful study of the Bible which I have been doing ever since I came to accept Jesus Christ as my savior in 1957. As I study the Bible, I am more and more convinced that it is indeed my creator's book of instruction. I believe that if you too will study the Bible, you will also be convinced that it is God's instructions for you. And so study with us for a little this morning as we consider what the Bible says about faith. The word "Faith" is found in the Bible 247 times - twice in the Old Testament and 245 times in the new Testament.

Let us now consider what the Bible tells us of How to get faith. (Rom 10:8-17 KJV) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; {9} That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. {10} For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. {11} For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. {12} For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. {13} For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. {14} How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? {15} And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! {16} But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? {17} So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

This is God's process of how you get faith. God calls and sends preachers that preach the Word of God anointed by the Holy Spirit of God. As you listen and study the Word of God, faith comes to you. You will begin to see that the Word of God is true. As you learn, you will understand that God did indeed create this world including man. You will learn that God's understanding of this world and man is far beyond man's understanding. Which only stands to reason as God is the one that made both, therefore, He is the one that understands them. This point is illustrated by a story that I heard years ago in the days when autos were a new thing. There was a man traveling along with his model T Ford and it began to give him trouble. And so the driver stopped along the road and began to work on the engine. After quite awhile he became very frustrated as he was not able to get the ford to run properly. About then another Ford came by and stopped. The driver of the 2nd ford got out and offered his assistance to the frustrated driver of ford #1. In a few minutes the ford was fixed and running perfectly. Driver #1 expressed his thanks but with a question. How is that you could fix my car so easily. Well replied driver of ford #2, it was easy for me because I am Henry Ford and I am the one that created your car. So as you learn to trust and rely on God to guide you through life and solve your problems, you will find that He can do easily what you and I cannot do. After all He created us and the world that we live it. He understands man. He knows how we tick. He knows your problems, your ambitions, your needs and He wants to help you. The greater your knowledge and understanding of the Bible, the greater your faith.

Now this sounds like a lot of work. Study the Bible. Listen to long, boring sermons. Isn't there an easier way to get faith? Well men have been working on that angle for centuries and the truth of the matter is NO! There is no other way to get faith. At least there is no other way to get real faith. And the reason is God, your creator, knows all about you and He knows what is the way for you to get faith. Actually, if you will go to work studying the Bible and listening to the preacher preach God's Word, you will soon find that the work is easy and that real preaching is enjoyable to listen to. Try it and see.

One of the great misconceptions that people have about faith is that they think that their faith will come by seeing miracles happen or by seeing mystical things take place. This is a reasonable sounding theory and the only thing wrong with it is that it does not work. And why does it not work? It does not work because it is not God's plan. God's plan for you to get faith and to increase your faith is through the preaching of His Word. Jesus said that He would build His church. His church has a divine mission to preach the Word of God. This is your creator's method to bring faith into your life so that you can please God and reap the benefits of righteousness, peace and joy in this life and in the life to come.

Let us now look at our Lord's instructions to the preachers. (John 21:1-17 KJV) After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise showed he himself. {2} There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. {3} Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. {4} But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. {5} Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. {6} And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. {7} Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. {8} And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. {9} As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. {10} Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. {11} Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. {12} Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. {13} Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. {14} This is now the third time that Jesus showed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. {15} So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. {16} He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. {17} He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

What was Jesus' message to Peter? Feed my lambs, Feed my sheep! What was Peter supposed to feed them? (Jer 3:15 KJV) And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. Yes, the prophet, Jeremiah had told us that God would provide pastors that would feed his people with knowledge and understanding. Since Peter knew what the prophet had said, he could easily understand that his job was to feed the people of God with knowledge and understanding of God, God's creation, God's commands, God's understanding and of God Himself. This instruction was not only for Peter.

(Acts 20:26-31 KJV) Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. {27} For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. {28} Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. {29} For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. {30} Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. {31} Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Here we have the Apostle Paul testifying to us that he has done his best to feed Thai church of God and charging the preachers to also feed the church of God. This is the primary mission of the preacher and you can understand that as you learn the importance of hearing the preached Word of God to get and increase faith. Also Paul reminds us that every preacher is not interested in preaching knowledge and understanding. Some he tells us with only be interested drawing away disciples after themselves. And indeed Paul's prophecy has come to pass many times over as the years of history have recorded. And yet today we have many who are interested in gaining a following for themselves instead of feeding the church and teaching the people to follow Jesus. Be careful that false prophets don't draw you away from following the Lord. Do as the Christians of early times did so that you will know that you are being fed the truth of God's Word. (Acts 17:10-12 KJV) And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. {11} These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. {12} Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

They received the word with all readiness of mind; they paid attention to what was being taught. They wanted to know the truth of God's word. They were not interested in fables. They did not just want their ears tickled with their favorite sayings. They wanted to know the truth! They double checked what the scripture said to see if the preacher was feeding them the truth. Yes, the preacher has the responsibility to feed with knowledge and understanding and the hearer has the responsibility of searching the scripture to see if the things they are being taught is so. The preacher does his part and you do your part so that your faith is established in God. No preacher can do your study for you; you must do your part.

And so we see that Faith comes by listening to the anointed preaching of God's Word and by studying the Word of God. It is God's plan and no substitute method will do it. As you learn about God and His creation, your faith will increase. As your faith increases, you will receive the blessings of righteousness, peace and joy in this life and in the life to come.