The definition from our scripture today provides us with a profound understanding of what faith is. It is not merely a belief in something, but a deep-seated confidence and assurance. It is a conviction that goes beyond the physical and the visible, reaching into the realm of the unseen and the hoped-for.
A fundamental aspect of our relationship with God: It is the very foundation upon which our Christian walk is built. Without faith, we cannot please God, as Hebrews 11:6 tells us. It is through faith that we come to know God, to trust in His promises, and to live per His will.
A confident step into the light of God's truth: It is not a vague hope or wishful thinking, but a firm assurance based on the reliability of God's Word. It is not a feeling or emotion, but a decision to trust in God and His promises, despite what our circumstances or feelings may tell us.
Not static, but dynamic: It grows and develops as we walk with God and experience His faithfulness in our lives. As we read and meditate on God's Word, as we pray and commune with Him, as we obey His commands and serve others in His name, our faith is strengthened and deepened.
Not a solitary endeavor, a communal one: We are part of a community of faith, the body of Christ, where we encourage and support one another in our faith journey. We learn from each other's experiences, we share in each other's joys and sorrows, we bear each other's burdens, and we spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Not a passive acceptance, an active engagement: It involves not only believing in God, but also obeying His commands, following His guidance, and relying on His strength. It is a commitment to live out our faith in our daily lives, in our words and actions, in our attitudes and relationships, our choices and, priorities.
Not a human achievement, a divine gift: It is not something we muster up on our own, but something God grants us by His grace. As Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
THE ESSENCE:
Definition of Faith: Faith is more than mere belief; it is a deep-seated confidence and assurance. It extends beyond the physical and visible, reaching into the realm of the unseen and hoped-for.
Foundational Aspect of the Christian Walk: Faith is the foundation of the Christian walk, without which it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Through faith, believers come to know God, trust in His promises, and live in accordance with His will.
Confident Step into God's Truth: Faith is not vague hope or wishful thinking but a firm assurance based on the reliability of God's Word. It is a decision to trust in God and His promises despite circumstances or feelings.
Dynamic Growth of Faith: Faith is not static; it grows and develops as believers walk with God and experience His faithfulness. Strengthened through reading and meditating on God's Word, prayer, obedience, and service to others.
Communal Nature of Faith: Believers are part of a community of faith, the body of Christ.
Support, encouragement, shared experiences, and mutual sharing of joys and sorrows characterize this communal aspect.
Active Engagement of Faith: Faith involves not only belief but also active obedience to God's commands, following His guidance, and relying on His strength. It is a commitment to live out faith in daily words, actions, attitudes, relationships, choices, and priorities.
Divine Gift, Not Human Achievement: Faith is not a human achievement but a divine gift granted by God's grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). Emphasizes that salvation through faith is not from human works, preventing boasting.