Bible Study on Faith
By Brenda Ramirez
The biblical definition of faith is found in the book of Hebrews 11:1 it reads:
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Google definition of faith- a firm belief in something of which there is no proof.
Hebrews 11:6 says:
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 to those who diligently seek Him.
So we read here that without faith it is impossible to please Him (God).
We must believe in God, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, whom He sent, and that He (God) is the rewarder of those who believe and seek Him.
Some of the best known and loved verses are about faith and believing, and our reward, such as in:
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Faith must have some action (works) to it.
James 2:17 reads:
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Let’s read more here in James.
James 2:18
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew you my faith by my works.
James 2:26
So as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Here are some scriptural examples of faith.
Hebrews 11:4-5
4) By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
5) By faith, Enoch was translated that he should not see death
and was not found because God had translated him: for before his translation, he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
Hebrews 11: 7-8, 11, 13, 17, 20-26, 29-34, 36-39
7) By faith Noah, being warned of God of all things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
8) By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after recieve for an inheritance,obeyed, and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
11) Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
13) These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on earth.
17) By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac, and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten Son.
20) By faith, Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21) By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
22) By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel and gave commandment concerning his bones.
23) By faith, Moses, when he was born, was hid for three months by his parents because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the kings commandments.
24) By faith, Moses, when he had come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.
25) Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of reward.
26) By faith, he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
29) By faith, they passed through the red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
30) By faith, the walls of Jericho fell down after they were compassed about seven days.
31) By faith, the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
32) And what shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
33) Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouth of lions.
34) Quinched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, and turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
36) And others had a trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
37) They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wondered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
38) Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39) And these all having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
Some examples of our work through faith might include:
Serving others, this could include volunteering in a soup kitchen or nursing home. Or even caring for our family or friends without complaint or expecting something in return.
For a mother it may be how she teaches her children to love and serve God through her actions with them and others.
Sharing the Gospel.
Opening yourself up to be used by God.
Pray and seek God daily.
And clothing yourself in the fruits of the Spirit might just be considered acts of faith…which include love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, and self control.
Showing compassion, charity, kindness, being slow to speak, slow to anger, being a peacemaker, helping when you can, avoiding negativity and gossip, forgiveing , and keeping your word.
Remember the work you do is proof of the nature of your faith, and living faith is shown by our service and obedience to God and his word.
Matthew 5:44-47
45) But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitfully use you and persecute you, that you might be sons of your Father in heaven.
One cannot become a child of God without faith.
John 1:12 reads:
But as many as received him, to them gave he, the power to become sons of God, even to those who believe on his name.
1st John 3:1
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.
Galatians 3:26
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:14
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
And finally we must understand that faith is necessary for salvation, and hope for eternal life, and living in that faith has a reward.
Believe in the Gospel, which is the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins and made a way for us to be right with God and offered eternal life to those who believe in him and the one who sent him.
John 17:3
And this is life eternal, that they may know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.
And again, John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Our faith is expressed through our love and everyday life, and without our faith it is impossible to please God.