Foundation: Building Blocks of the Faith: Week 2
1 Corinthians 3:9 (NKJV) …you are God’s building.
Hebrews 6:1-2 (NKJV) Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
The Doctrines of Christ…
1. Repentance from dead works
2. Faith toward God
3. Baptisms
4. Laying on of hands
5. Resurrection of the dead
6. Eternal Judgment
Where faith begins…
Hebrews 11:6 (NET) Now without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who approaches God must [first] believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.
A. He is
Romans 1:19-20 (NLT) They know the truth about God because He has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
B. He is a rewarder
Genesis 15:1 (NKJV) I am…your exceedingly great reward.
Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT) If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me.
In a person’s salvation experience — repentance and faith are inseparable.
Mark 1:15 (NIV) Repent and believe…
From — “a separation which causes the fellowship of two to be destroyed.”
Toward — “moving in the direction of someone with the intention of staying with them once you arrive.”
What faith is not…
1. Mental Assent
Is true faith not more than mentally agreeing with a set of beliefs that center around a couple of Bible facts and truths?
James 2:17-20 (NLT) So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. 18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” 19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 20 How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?
If we believe in the God of the Bible, then how does our life show it?
2. Presumption
Presumption — “to take something for granted OR to assume a reality that doesn’t exist.”
Hebrews 11:29 (NIV) By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
What faith is…
Faith — “to have trust and confidence in, to rely on.”
Proverbs 3:5-7 (NLT) Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend [lean] on your own understanding. 6 Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. 7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
If God accomplished what He did at my start, and if He can accomplish my end…then I believe He is more than able to accomplish what He said He would do in the middle!
“Faith is an inward confidence that knows God is who He says He is, and that He will do what He said He would do.”
The source of faith…
Romans 10:17 (NKJV) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV) For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.
”One of these days some simple soul will pick up the Book of God, read it, and believe it. Then the rest of us will be embarrassed.” —Leonard Ravenhill
Faith in action…
They did the possible and God did the impossible.
Different measures of faith…
No faith (Mk. 4:40)
Little faith (Mt. 6:30)
Weak faith (Rom. 14:1)
Strong faith (Rom. 4:20)
Great faith (Mt. 8:10)
Rich in faith (Js. 2:5)
Full of faith (Acts 6:5)
Mature faith (Js. 2:20)