A Commentary On Faith

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. Faith Defined

2. Faith Directed

3. Faith Demonstrated

Remarks.

1. In this lesson, we will examine the words "faith" and "belief" from their source, the Greek. The writer of the Book of Hebrews in our text uses both terms almost synonymously. Though there is a similar correlation, their meaning in the context of its use will prove different. One describes the "results" of a process or system of faith. "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God," Romans 10:17. The other defines the process or the "system" of faith or the gospel of Christ. Paul asked the Galatians: “This only would I learn of you, Received you the Spirit (of God) by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” Here the emphasis is: “the Galatians had received the Spirit by the hearing of the faith," Galatians 3:2; Galatians 3:5-7. They have received the gift of the Spirit through their belief and obedience to the gospel, Galatians 3:14; Acts 5:42; Galatians 4:6.

2. First, the writer defines faith. He wrote: “It is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen,” Hebrews 11:1. Faith is the foundation and pillars of one’s hope and trust in God; and provides assurances regarding all of His promises. Paul wrote: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him,” 1 Corinthians 2:9.

3. Secondly, the writer orients our faith. He provides for us a direction or to a person to whom one's faith must be aligned. And that is to God. Paul wrote: "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. The comer must believe that He is (exist) and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Notice Jesus: "For if ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins,” John 8:24. David wrote: “The fool hath said in his heart – There is no God,” Psalms 14:1.

4. Lastly, the writer gives numerous examples where the believer not only trusts God but was willing to demonstrate their faith in Him through some corresponding action or act of obedience. Faith is never dormant, but it is active and alive. It must work through love and obedience. Paul wrote: “For in Jesus Christ that which availeth is faith which worketh by love," Galatians 5:6. And James: "Was not Abraham, our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac, his son upon the altar?…And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, not by faith only," James 2:20-24. Abraham’s faith was demonstrated through the offering of his son Isaac upon the altar. In this act of obedience, he was justified by faith; his faith was made perfect, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness, and he was called the friend of God. Abraham's faith and obedience resulted in his acceptance, righteousness, and justification before the Lord God, Jehovah. Abraham’s faith has forever been inscribed in the “roll call of faith.” With this introduction, let’s consider our first point in this lesson.

BODY OF LESSON

I FAITH DEFINED

A. What is faith? "Now (Pistis) faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen." Here the writer defines faith as one's substance of hope in the things unseen. This is in keeping with Paul’s other writings:

1. To the Corinthians:

a. First, “For we walk by faith and not by sight,” 2 Corinthians 5:7.

b. Further, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal,” 2 Corinthians 4:18.

c. Finally, “Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith; prove your selves. Know ye, not your selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates," 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:21. This is our first mentioning of the term: "the faith" in this lesson. Its importance will be understood as we move forward in the study, in the believers' lives. Paul continues--

2. To the Hebrews: "Through faith, we understand that the word of God framed the worlds so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear," Hebrews 11:3. Finally, Paul states--

3. To the Romans: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God... and have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God," Romans 5:1-2.