Faith Essential to Christianity

Memory Verse: "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" (Hebrews 11:6).

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:1-13.

Introduction: Without faith in the Supreme Being one is in complete spiritual darkness. God's will is not known, and without a knowledge of His will one cannot serve Him. Many say that they believe in God, but theirs is only an intellectual assent that there is a God in existence. Saving faith means to place full confidence in the existent God, and to act on that faith by acceptance of God's will. Without spiritual knowledge of God, there can be little foundation for either faith or belief. An increased knowledge of God through His Word brings saving faith and confidence. (See Romans 10:17.)
  Faith is defined in Hebrews 11:1, as "the substance (margin, proving) of things not seen." The Christian hopes for the promised righteousness of Christ, and with faith accepts Him. Man cannot see the invisible God, but faith tells him of God. With the assurance that a faithful God exists, one can learn His will; by doing God's will, one can please God and have full assurance that He will reward and reveal Himself. (See Hebrews 11:6).
  Faith is needed in today's world. Our daily newspapers report destruction, accidents, crime, sorrow and seething trouble throughout the world. Without faith in God, men and women can only tremble or accept the tragic fate ahead. This is a time when Christian people need to exercise great faith, for they stand at their own "Red Sea." Hear the promise of God: "Fear not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord" (Exodus 14:13).
  Nuclear holocaust, nations gathering to do battle, moral corruption and societal meltdowns created by technological bugs are the future we face. Seeing that we live in such an age of great events, is it a time to relax faith and effort? Is it a time to neglect the Word of God and prayer, or fall prey to deceivers and false teachings? Is it a time to lose faith? Jesus is concerned: "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8).

Questions:

1. How is faith defined in Hebrews 11:1? How does saving faith differ from merely believing that God exists?

2. If we act without faith, of what are we guilty? Romans 14:23 (last clause).

3. What command did Christ give concerning faith? Mark 11:22.

4. What request did the disciples make of the Savior? Luke 17:5.

5. How did Jesus seek to increase the faith of His disciples? Matthew 8:23-27; 14:23-31; 17:14-21. (Note: Since the disciples wavered so much in faith--until after Pentecost--does this not show that our faith cannot be sufficient if we neglect prayer and the Word, and the full presence of the Holy Spirit? Jesus was constantly doing things to instill faith in His disciples.)

6. How may faith be increased? Romans 10:17. (Note: Our faith and spiritual power will ebb or flow in relation to how much we study the Word and pray.)

7. How can man please God? Hebrews 11:6. Can one please God without a knowledge of His will? John 7:17; Ephesians 5:17; Romans 12:2; Hebrews 11:6.

8. Who are some of the outstanding characters (Scriptural and present day) who manifested great faith?

9. How will the Holy Spirit aid in times of doubt and confusion? John 16:12-14.

10. What is the one characteristic of God's Remnant Church? Revelation 12:17; 14:12; Romans 9:27,28; 11:5.

11. What then is saving faith? Romans 10:8-11; Revelation 7:13,14.