Introductory Thoughts
The Bible refers to faith in a couple of different ways: (1) it speaks of “the faith,” which generally signifies faith as a body of doctrine, and (2) it speaks of faith as trusting God. This study focuses on the latter of the two uses, one’s personal faith distinguished from the faith. Simply put, one who has faith takes God at His word. This faith refuses information, regardless of how seemingly reliable, that deters one from fully accepting the words of God as true. It is not a mystical feeling to be sought or the proverbial “blind faith.” Instead, the scripture describes faith as “substance” and “evidence” (Hebrews 11:1). It is real and it is a choice. Faith is the very thing that carries a man to heaven for eternity and determines the outcome of the rewards received at the judgment. Every man must decide whether or not to take God at His word or continue in unbelief and faithlessness.
Devotional Thoughts
-
(For children): You ask a younger child to jump into a wagon so that you can pull him around the yard. Yet, he refuses to get in because he is scared. You assure him that there is nothing to fear, but he doesn't believe you. Likewise, God wants us to believe His word and do what He tells us, fully trusting in Him.
-
(For everyone): The Bible has much to say about having weak faith. God uses this description of faithlessness far too often to describe the faith of His own people. What type of faith do you possess?
-
Do you take God at His word? What about times when His word is contrary to what your flesh wants? Do you still trust Him even during those times when your mind and body say no?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to give you a desire to increase in faith.
- Ask God to soften your heart so that you might believe His word even more assuredly.
Song
Trusting Jesus (STITES)
