Living By Faith, Part I- What is Faith?

Faith, n.
1.) Confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.

How many times, as Christians, have we been concerned about something, a personal problem, a minor concern, a major decision, and been told to have faith? Faith that God would provide and take care of us. Faith that God would be there beside us. And how many times have we wished that we could just have that bit of faith, and yet felt completely helpless and alone? More importantly, how many times have we taken the promises of God (salvation, forgiveness of sins, eternal life) and felt unsure of how those promises apply to us? The problem that many Christians face, and a problem that often plagued me, is in regards to faith.

The problem seems to be we've mistaken what faith is. We've come to the idea that faith is equivalent to a casual belief in God and his promises. We admit that God is the Almighty, that His Son is the Savior, and that His blood was shed for our transgressions. Many of us, hopefully all of us, have accepted that sacrifice and believe that our sins are forgiven. We even believe that if God wanted to, He could help us find that house we're looking for, get us that job we wished for, or deal with that trifling problem in our lives. We believe He can, but it stops there. It stops there because we question whether He will. Undoubtedly, He can, but will He?

"Faith is not simply believing that God can, it is knowing that He will."
-Anonymous

A friend of mine once said something along those lines to me. The premise is simple, yet profound. The idea is that true faith requires something much stronger than belief that God has the ability to do something. Faith means knowledge. It means knowing that God will deliver on his promises. Essentially, it's not enough to simply believe that God can, one must know that it will happen.

It's simple to believe. It's easy to imagine a world in which you simply ask God for something, and He happily gives it to you. It's not too difficult to believe that the God of the universe could send his Son to die and forgive us of our sins. But it's a bit more difficult to have a steadfast knowledge that God will deliver on those promises. Knowledge implies not only believing that it is possible, but knowing that it is true. Faith then, should be more than simply believing that God's promises could happen, it should be knowing that they are true and guaranteed. And it's not simply believing that God cares for us, and could provide for us. It's realizing that God will!

However, even knowledge of God's promises falls short of the true strength of faith. Knowledge, unless implemented into our lives and habits, is nothing more than useless trivia. It's great to know that God will provide for us and that his promises are guaranteed but what use is that information if we don't do something with it?

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Hebrews 11:1

Faith is assurance and conviction. Assurance and conviction leave very little doubt as to the power of faith. It's much more than a simple feeling of goodwill, a favorable opinion regarding God, or an optimistic belief regarding his promises. It is the steadfast knowledge and guarantee that those promises are real, that they are guaranteed, and that they are irrevocable. Faith guarantees that our salvation is secure and that our hope in God's eternal life is waiting for us. Assurance and conviction are the hallmarks of irrefutable knowledge.

And yet, the two words imply much more than mere knowledge. Assurance and conviction are active, as is our faith. Faith is what allows us to live without worry and toil. Faith is what guarantees our position with God so that we can live for him here. Since we are assured and convicted regarding God's promises, our lives should reflect that. Faith then, means that we believe God can do something, that we know he will do something, and most importantly, that we live our lives expecting it to be done. A life lived by faith is a life lived in the assurance of God's promises. It's a life lived in action. And that life looks much, much more different than a life lived in simple belief.

See What God Can Do

God gives us many promises in His Word. Sometimes we read them and simply feel good inside without testing them. But isn't it pointless for God to make a promise if we don't go to Him with the expectation that He'll follow through?

We may even disregard the promises of God altogether because we don't think God can follow through for us. But is there any situation that is too big for God? I don't think so. Sometimes the situation is just too big for the person who is asking. As humble as that may seem, it may actually be a sign of pride and it may be insulting to God- for someone to go to the Lord thinking, "Lord, I couldn't handle this... I don't think this can happen, so what can you do?" Or a more fearful request may involve something like, "Lord, if it is your will go ahead and do it... but if it isn't your will, I understand because I know its asking a lot... after all, it is for me..."

But let him ask in faith, doubting nothing. For he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed. For do not let that man think that he shall receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, not dependable in all his ways.

I do not mean to say we should never try to do anything for the Lord. When God commands, we should obey. However, if God says He'll do something then we have to trust that He'll do it. But its okay if you've struggled with that. You're not the only one. Even Abraham, the "father of faith" tried to do things on his own many times, doubting God. Just remember- through faith in God, we have access to many amazing things. Through Him, we are more than conquerors.

One of the fundamental promises of God is not only forgiveness, but deliverance from sins.

The only weapon to fight sin with is the spear which pierced the side of Jesus.
-Charles Spurgeon

Lights! Camera! Uh...

We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.                                                       - 1 Thessalonians 1: 2-3

In this letter to the Thessalonians, they were not commended for their thoughts or internal values.  In other words, it did not read like this: "We continually remember before our God and Father your faith, your love, and your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."  Rather, the Thessalonians have gone one step further, and allowed their faith to produce works, their love to prompt labor, and their hope to inspire endurance.  These Thessalonians took action.

Lets say I'm in culinary school.  In this school, I study books all day long about the techniques, recipes, and devices needed to be a successful chef.  Would this get me a spot on Iron Chef?  Probably not.  To be a real chef, I would need to get my hands dirty.  I would need to exercise those techniques I studied, and use all those recipes I memorized.  Unless I put  all my knowledge of the culinary arts to good use, it would be useless. 

So here are the real questions I need to ask myself concerning my faith as a Christian: Am I putting my faith into action?  Are all my bible readings, bible studies, church attendences and fellowships producing good works, labor and endurance? or am I just sitting around with a faith I am not using?