This post is a work in progress

If being hurt by the church causes you to lose faith in God, then your faith was in people, not God. A.W Toser

What is faith? There are many misconceptions of what faith is. Faith is not positive thinking. It is not, if you just believe enough, if you have enough faith, it will happen. As if we could manipulate or coerse God into doing something that is not within His will.

Obviously we need to believe that God is in control, that He has power and authority, that He can do anything that aligns with His nature, His will. But having the faith that He can do it does not somehow force Him into doing something. He has the final Word.

Faith bows its knee to God’s will, not our will. It trusts that God loves us, that He will take care of us, but this is not heaven. Things will happen. The Lord’s prayer says “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.” This is a couplet, a literary device very common in the Old Testament, especially Psalms. God’s kingdom=God’s will being done. Sometimes God’s will being done is a real blessing, other times it requires clinging tight to God in the middle of a raging storm.

There are a lot of things proclaimed in the Word that we know are God’s will. We know if we confess our sins he will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We know if we trust in Jesus we will be saved. We know that His Word needs to be preached in all the world, etc. There are also lots of promises, though in some cases we need to seek God’s will to see if particular promises made to Abraham, Moses, Israel, etc., are to be applied in our particular situation.

In fact we need more faith when we are going through hard times and we do not receive the answer we were hoping and praying for. We need to have the faith that He is there, that He is with us and no matter the outcome, He is our God and we can trust him. We need more faith to stay firm with God when we are not healed, etc. Some people claim you do not have enough faith to be healed, etc., but that is all backwards. As long as we know for sure that God “can” heal us, all the rest is in His hands.

That is the most important concept of faith, trust. We trust Him no matter what. We are in His hands. If we live, if we die, we are His. If we are healed, if we are not healed, we never stop thanking Him and glorifying Him. This trust/faith leads us to having peace and hope no matter the circumstances. We live in a world full of sin. In Luke 4:5-7 the devil says the world is under his power. As counter-culture followers of God, things will happen. This is not heaven, but one day all tears, sorrow, pain and death will be wiped away. But not yet.

Of course a fundamental component of faith is the belief, complete confidence in the truth: knowing, trusting, believing that Jesus is the only way to salvation, that the Old Testament prophesied His coming, that He is the promised Messiah, that He was the medium for all of creation, that through Him all things hold together, that He was born of a virgin, the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us, that He grew up and did many things to show that He is the Son of God, God in the flesh, through His teachings, His miracles, His love, His compassion, etc. Faith is knowing without a doubt that He died on the cross in our place, that He took the punishment we deserve, that He became sin for us. That He rose from the dead three days later and sits on the right hand of God, that He is over all creation and that He will be on the throne for all eternity, worthy of all praise and adoration forever. Faith is also knowing that when we give our lives to Him, when we ask Him to be our Lord and Savior, asking for His forgiveness and repenting of our sins, that He comes into our hearts, makes us a new creature and gives us His Holy Spirit to be our guide and helper. Then one day, when we die, will be stand before Him with boldness because all our sins have been wiped away, erased, and He will receive us into His heavenly home to live with Him forever and ever.

Some people talk about “blind” faith. But the faith in Jesus and the Word of God is not blind. I would say that it takes more faith to not believe in God, to think that all creation and its marvels all came about by mindless chance, that out of absolute nothing came order, precision and everything that exists. It takes more “faith” to believe that all this came from nothing than it takes to know that there is an eternal God from whom it all originated. Same with His Word. There is infinite more manuscript and archaeological evidence for the veracity of the Scriptures than any other ancient document, or anything else in history. Everyday it seems there is a new archaeological find that confirms some truth of the Bible. Thousands of manuscripts and documents which all agree except for some very minor scribal errors in a small percentage of them, nothing which in any way affects the basic tenets of the message held therein.

Plus, think about the resurrection of Jesus, one of the most verified events in all of history. Many of those who have set out to disprove it have eventually had to admit that it did actually happen. There is nothing that could shake my confidence. My trust in the veracity of the Bible, of God, Jesus, etc. is firm, unmovable. It is exciting, though, when more and more evidence points to its veracity, things that confirm things I already know, that I already trust in, have faith in.

So truth is the foundation of faith. The above truths are what our faith is based on, what we know to be true about God, Jesus, the way of salvation, etc. Later on we will see how many times Paul talks about the faith of the followers of Jesus. It is not only that they trust in Jesus but that they know the truth, they have a firm foundation of the basic teachings about Jesus, all the things just previously mentioned, and more. When false teaching comes along, they have spiritual discernment and stand firm with the truth. When persecution and suffering come, they keep their eyes on Jesus. This is the main teaching about faith in Paul’s epistles. Many of Paul’s letters speak of their faith being strong in the face of teachings, especially the Judiazers, which lessen the importance of Jesus and try to get them to think salvation is earned by following a bunch of religious rules, like circumcision, food regulations, religious rituals, etc.

Faith is all about Jesus, trusting in Him and knowing, guarding and clinging to the truth about Him. Instead of making the Gentiles become Israelites, in his letters Paul spells out over 75 specific sins to avoid based on their culture and the temptations they are facing in their lives. At least ten sexual sins to avoid, a big emphasis on sins that destroy unity, especially between Jewish and Gentile Jesus followers. It is like Frances Shaffer taught. We have been made right with God through Jesus, “how then shall we live?” Jesus fulfilled the ceremonial law and even much of the civil law, we now follow God’s moral guidance in living out our lives for His glory.

Being a part of translating the Scriptures into the Mixtec language helped to clarify to me the different aspects of faith. Some equate faith with belief. That, as mentioned when combined with trust, is an important aspect of it. Hebrews 11:6 says: “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

In Mixtec, it is an incomplete idea to say that you believe in someone. Believe what about them? You must say what it is that you believe about that person. I believe the truth about Jesus, the message proclaimed by the original apostles, I believe His words, His teaching, that He died and rose again, that He exists, etc. In Mixtec the concept that most approximates to the idea of faith is trust. Trust in Jesus. Trust in God. Trust that all truth is found in Him. Trust and believe that He can do such and such a thing. Not that He will, but that He can.

Faith is not possible if we do not trust and cling to every word that come from the mouth of God. While we can get a personal word from God, we really have all the instruction and guidance that we need in the Holy Scriptures. All the most important and basic things we need to know are found in His Word. Heb. 1:1-2b: “Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.”

Since Hebrews 11 is the “faith” chapter, lets look a a few more verses from there and see what we trust, what we know about God

Trusting everything God has said is true and will happen

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Heb 11:1. The background of this verse is what God told the patriarchs, the prophets, the people of the Old Testament who served and followed Him. He made promises to them, He told them certain things were going to happen. As a result, they were sure of the things they hoped for because He had told them about it. They were certain of things they could not see, but because God had said it, they trusted Him, they believed it would happen. In their mind, there was not doubt about it. God keeps His word. Even if it happened long after they died, they knew if would surely come to pass as He had promised.

He created all things

Heb. 11:3: “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” God’s Word says it. This proclamation is taken directly from Genesis. We believe that is true, we trust it is true because we believe and trust in Him, in His infinite power, and His Word. Period.

He sometimes asks for the “impossible”

Heb 11:7a: “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family.” Noah heard God say something and he did it. He did not doubt, he did not question it though there were many human reasons to wonder what was going on, probably no water nearby, etc., but He did it. The same as the previous mentioned verses. God says it, we believe it, and we trust Him for it.

He calls us to trust and obey Him even when it will be hard

Heb. 11:24-26: “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.” Many times believing God’s words and trusting Him leads to suffering. It leads to problems. The world does not like what God says! But Moses knew that it was much better to follow God than to give in to the pressure of the world.

People who trust and obey God will sometimes suffer greatly and even die for Him

Heb. 11:35a-38 makes this obvious as it relates all the suffering that people who took God at His Word experienced. This trust does not save us from problems and trouble, it sustains us during it. It provides a peace and a hope no matter what is going on around us. “others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword.” If you have faith, if you truly trust God and believe in His Word, all this could happen to you. Your faith will not necessarily “save” you from it, but it will sustain and under gird you in the middle of it.

What Jesus said

Trust in God. He will take care of you. Do not worry.

Mat. 6:30-33: “If God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” These verses state clearly the idea of faith as trust. Trust in Him. Why are you worrying? Lack of trust=lack of faith.

I trust/believe that you have power, authority. Just say the word.

Mat. 8:10: When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! Jesus was going to go heal the man’s servant, but the man had faith, trusted that Jesus had the authority to command the sickness to leave, even from a distance.

Trust me! I am with you.

Mat. 8:26: Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. Another clear ample of trust. Trust me! I am here with you! Why do you doubt? I can take care of you. I have a purpose for your lives, you will share my Word to many far-away places and many will come to know me through your message.

You trusted me, and made the effort to come to me even when it was hard

Mat 9:2: Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.” There are quite a few instances when people came to Jesus to be healed, and he commented on their faith, their trust in Him. You believe/trust that I have the power/authority to heal you, or to heal your friend. You have put legs to that trust by coming to me, even when it was hard.

It will be all right. Trust me!

Mat. 14:30-31: When he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” Similar to the calming of the sea, Peter was right there with Jesus, but began to doubt, to have a lack of trust that Jesus would take care of Him.

Remember how I have helped you in the past. I am still with you.

Mat. 16:8: Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “You have so little faith! Why are you arguing with each other about having no bread? They are in the boat and forgot bread. But who are they with? The one who does miracles, feeds 5,000, 4,000, calm seas, heals people. And you still do not trust him?

Trust in God. He has given you authority and power to do His will.

Mat. 17:19-20: Afterward the disciples asked Jesus privately, “Why couldn’t we cast out that demon?”

“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” The disciples were having a hard time learning that Jesus was training them and teaching them that they had the authority to do God’s will. To perform works given to them by God. Not for their own benefit, but for the furtherance of the Kingdom of God. Obviously once Jesus was risen from the dead and they received the Holy Spirit, their minds were enlightened to this truth and authority, and they were filled with boldness, to the point that they were daily risking their lives to further God’s kingdom, the doing of His will on thus earth.

The Holy Spirit will turn your doubt to faith, to trust that God will use you for His Kingdom

Mat. 21:20-22: “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” This teaching by Jesus is almost the same as the example above. God has given you power and authority. As His followers, use it for His glory, for His purposes. When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you will become aware of how He wants you to use this authority. Have faith in Him, trust Him to give you this power and use if for His Kingdom. Do not be double-minded, live waves of the sea, as my servant James will teach people later on.

The law of Moses has as its basis trusting in God, serving Him at all times

Mat. 23:23: “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. The law of Moses, God’s words, also teach us to trust in God, to trust in His commands, His instructions. Do justice, love others with mercy and trust in God as your God, you are His follower, His servants. Act like it!

Trust me even when it seems impossible

Mark 5:36: But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.” Like the other times of healing, there are lots of reasons for Jarius to doubt, but Jesus encourages him to trust in Him, in His power, in His authority.

Things will get hard. Keep trusting in me, in God

Jn. 16:1-2: “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. We know all the things that happened to the apostles, all the suffering, mocking, and martyrdom. But no matter what happens, trust in me, trust in God. Do not renounce your faith, proclaim it in the streets and in front of officials. The Holy Spirit will give you the boldness and the words. Be prepared. There is something far better than this world waiting for you, so keep trusting, keep doing what you know is true.

The message of faith in Acts

Acts 3:16: “Through faith in the name of Jesus, this man was healed—and you know how crippled he was before. Faith in Jesus’ name has healed him before your very eyes.

6:5a: Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit),

11:24: Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.

14:9: and listening as Paul preached. Looking straight at him, Paul realized he had faith to be healed.

14:22: They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.

14:27: (They) reported everything God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, too.

15:9: He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith.

15:32: Then Judas and Silas, both being prophets, spoke at length to the believers, encouraging and strengthening their faith.

16:5: So the churches were strengthened in their faith and grew larger every day. (cluster some of these verses together)

20:21: I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.

24:24: A few days later Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus.

26:18: to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’

Selections from the writings of Paul

Our/Your faith

Rom. 1:8, 1:12, 3:22, 5:2, 10:10

1Cor. 15:14, 15:17

2 Cor. 1:24, 8:7, 10:15, 13:5

Gal. 2:16, 5:6

Eph. 3:12, 5:6

Php. 1:25, 2:17, 3:1

Col. 1:4, 2:5, 2:7

1Th, 1:3, 1:8, 3:2, 3:5-7, 3:10

1Th. 1:3, 1:11

1Tim. 1:19, 3:16, 4:12

PHM. 1:5-6

His (Abraham’s) faith

Rom. 4:3, 9, 20

Gal. 3:6, 9

Their faith

Rom. 4:5, 11

Gal. 3:7-9

1 Tim. 1:19, 3:13

My faith

2 Tim. 3:10

by faith

Rom. 1:17 (2), 3:30, 4:13, 16, 5:1, 9:30

Gal. 2:16, 5:5

through faith

Rom. 1:17, 3:28

Gal. 2:!7, 3:11, 14, 24, 26

Php. 3:9

2Tim. 1:1

in faith

Rom. 14:1

1Tim. 1:4, 2:5

have/had faith

Rom. 3:1, 4:11, 16

the faith

Rom. 12:3 (2)

1Cor. 16:13

Php. 1:27, 3:9

1Tim. 1:2, 14, 3:9, 6:21

2Tim. 1:5,13, 2:18

Titus 1:1, 4, 13

Phm. 1:1

1-2 Peter

Your faith

1Pe 1:5, 7(3), 21, 5:9

2Pe. 1:5

the same precious faith we have. This faith…

2PE 1:1 who share the same precious \\faith\\ we have. This faith was given

Revelation

Your/their faith

2:19, 14:12, 19:10