1 Corinthians 13:13, “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”
Introduction:
Faith is one of the three greatest graces a believer can have. Peter listed faith as one of the 7 necessary virtues (2 Peter 1:5). It is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Jesus told us to “Have faith in God” in Mark 11:22. 1 Peter 1:7 tells us that our faith will be on trial someday. Will your faith pass the test?
Today I want to show you four different types of faith.
1. Saving Faith
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ephesians 2:8). God’s gift is salvation through faith. It is forsaking your beliefs, religion, works, baptism, morals, good deeds. If I offered you a gift then asked you to pay for it or work for it, it wouldn’t be a gift! “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23). It may be helpful to remember this acronym: Forsaking All I Trust Him.
2. THE Faith
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,” (Jude 1:21). This refers to the whole spiritual realm of Christianity. We often say “the Christian Faith.” This refers to our doctrine: our beliefs and our behavior.
A. Beliefs
This year we are studying the major doctrines in our Adult Bible Study (9:50am on Sundays). So far we have studied the doctrines of angels, man, Bible, Christ, the church, and end time events. Next month (July) we will study the doctrine of sin. Later this year we will study God the Father, the Holy Spirit, salvation, death, and the Trinity. Why not join us?
B. Behavior
The second chapter of Titus begins, “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:” This is then followed by instructions on behavior. Read through this chapter sometime. It speaks to older men, older women, young men, young women, employees, and all believers in general.
3. Living Faith
Four times the Bible says, “The just shall live by faith.” When you were saved, it was not the end of faith. It began your journey of faith! What is living faith?
A. Confidence, dependance, and beliefs in another person’s strengths, abilities, and decisions.
We all have living faith – and we demonstrate it by flying in an airplane, driving a car, or simply walking into a building. Every day we put our lives into the hands of a mechanic, doctor, engineer, or pilot. We need to put the same faith in God.
The closer you become to a person, the greater faith you have in them. The closer you are with God, the stronger your faith will be in His strengths, abilities, and decisions.
How do grow closer to God? How do we build our faith? Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Become familiar with the Bible. Hear as much preaching as you can. Personally read and study it. The more we hear God’s Word, the more we learn of His strengths, abilities, and decisions.
B. Taking God at His Word
Living Faith is demonstrated by putting what the Bible says into action. What are some areas we may need to practice faith? Maybe disciplining children (Proverbs 13:24). Maybe giving tithes and offerings (Proverbs 3:9). Maybe helping the poor (Matthew 6:4). Perhaps your area of weakness is praying (Matthew 6:7) or fasting (Matthew 6:17) or witnessing (Psalm 51:13). Take God at His Word and put your faith into action!
4. Personal Faith
“Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God.” (Romans 14:22a). This faith is the type that God leads individuals into. For example: homeschooling, listening to certain types of music, eating a particular way, celebrating certain holidays, and so on. God may lead people differint ways in these areas.
But here’s the key: Romans 14:22b, “Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.” Personal faith is not liberty to sin or participate in evil. Be sure your personal faith will not cause someone else to fall! Maybe God knows you can handle something that someone else cannot.
These areas of personal faith should not be areas of contention. Don’t push your standards and beliefs (or lack of standards and beliefs) on others.
Conclusion:
“But without faith it is impossible to please him....” (Hebrews 11:6a).
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17).
