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.
4. Conclusion: In these verses, we learn that faith is the building block of our walk in the faith of Christ. When things are no longer apparent to us, it will require us to remain strong in faith and the grace of God. And here is why!
B. Many will argue that "faith" and "belief" are not the same word, but have different meanings. To some extent, this is true. In the original language, Greek, they are not the same word. But they derive their meaning from the same Greek root word, i.e., “Peitho.” Let’s consider both of these words, as they are used in the New Testament, before going too far in the lesson. Observe--
1. First, (4100): Belief (pisteuo). This is the verb of faith and belief. This is a belief that is acquired through the hearing of the faith, Romans 10:17.
a. Faith in the gospel of Christ, Romans 1:16. Colossians 1:23.
b. This is faith acquired through the hearing of Christ's suffering, death, burial, and resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. Paul, in these verses: defines the facts of the gospel of Christ.
c. To believe in or on Christ, implying knowledge or consent to and confidence in Him, John 3:16; John 12:11; John 14:1.
d. Since believing in Christ or the gospel is the distinguishing characteristic of a Christian, believing is often used when referring to one that believes in Christ, Mark 16:15-16.
2. Second, (4102): Faith (Pistis). This is the “noun of the word faith.” Of faith W. E. Vine provides for our understanding of its essential meaning.
a. W. E. Vine wrote: “It is the primary, firm persuasion, a conviction based upon hearing (akin to Peitho, to persuade), is used in the New Testament always of faith in God or Christ, or things spiritual…The content of belief, the faith,” Page 71.
b. It implies the divine truth, the gospel that saves, Romans 1:16-17; Romans 16:25-26; Ephesians 1:15.
c. It can also describe the doctrine or the system of faith; the gospel was first propagated, by the gift of working miracles, signs and wonders through the Holy Spirit, Hebrews 2:1-4; Acts 2:42-43, Galatians 3:1-5.
C. Summary of these words. The word "pisteuo" defines the results after the hearing of the faith (the gospel). It is a belief in the gospel that is preached. While the word "Pistis" defines the system; the process; or the doctrine of the faith that is preached.
1. It is the gospel of the grace of God that is preached, Acts 20:24. One describes the "results" of a process or system of faith. Paul wrote: “Faith (belief) comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God,” Romans 10:17; Acts 8:12; Acts 18:8.
2. The other defines the process or the “system” of faith or the gospel of Christ. “This…I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” See Galatians 3:2; Galatians 3:5-7.
3. Therefore, (Pistis) is used by Paul when referring to the teaching; when it is preceded by the article (the); its meaning then is: “the faith,” or the, “system of faith,” the gospel of Christ. Observe--
a. First, “The faith which once he destroyed,” Galatians 1:23.
b. Second, “The promise of the Spirit through the faith,” Galatians 3:14.
c. Third, “But before the faith came,” Galatians 3:23.
d. Fourth, "But after that, the faith has come," Galatians 3:25.
e. Fifth, “For ye are all the children of God through the faith in Christ Jesus,” Galatians 3:26-27. These are a few mentions of "the faith" in Paul's Letter to Galatia's saint.
4. The same “article” is present in Ephesians 2. It reads: “For by grace are ye saved through the faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9.
a. It does not infer we are saved by “our faith without works," but through "the system of faith," that is found in Christ Jesus.
b. B. W. Johnson wrote: “NOTE –In the study of this Letter, it is well to keep in mind that the term faith is used by Paul often in a sense that means more than the act of belief. When...in contrast with the law, it is used in the sense of The Faith, that is, The Gospel. It comprehends what is believed, believing, and the results of believing. The fact that the apostles so often places the definite article before the word faith, so that in the Greek he speaks of The Faith, leaves no doubt of his meaning. Unfortunately, the translators have obscured the meaning by omitting the article. Thus in this chapter (Galatians 3), the Greek gives a definite article before the word (the faith) five times where it is omitted. The examples are verse 14, verse 23 (twice), verses 25 and 26,” Page 460. I wish I had some help with this lesson!
c. Paul is referencing “the faith” and not “belief.” I might remind the readers of this lesson that it would be a great benefit in your study to have a good Interlinear; to learn of other omissions of the article "the" in your translation. I refer to several at the end of this lesson. Moving on--
5. Other references. Faith is also referred to in the scriptures as:
a. The "common faith," Titus 1:4.
b. The "faith once delivered to the saints," Jude 3.
c. The "one faith," Ephesians 4:5.
d. The "unity of the faith," Ephesians 4:13.
6. Conclusion: Therefore, be careful of claiming salvation "though your faith," having not "obey the gospel,” whereby we are saved: “through the faith in Christ Jesus.” Preaching brings about “belief” in hearing of “the faith,” which is the gospel of Christ.
NOTE: Download our lesson entitle: “Justified by faith only?” We answered the “faith only claims” in this lesson. You will be blessed to study this lesson!
D. The faith of the gospel. Therefore, the difference to be learned by these two words are these:
1. First, (pisteuo) is a belief that is acquired due to hearing the faith or gospel being preached (Romans 10:17).
2. Further, faith requires obedience to it that originates from (ek - out of) the heart (Romans 6:17-18).
3. Finally, the other is (Pistis), the doctrine that is preached for the obedience of the faith, among all nations. This faith is the revelation of the “mystery of God,” Romans 16:25-26; Romans 1:5.
4. Conclusion: The belief is the gospel preached by Paul and the other apostles, ministers, and evangelist. This is the message given to them by Jesus to be preached unto all the nations, Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:44-47. We can summarize this faith and the gospel as:
a. The gospel of Christ, Romans 1:16.
b. The gospel of the grace of God, Acts 20:24.
c. The faith he once sought to destroy, Galatians 1:21-24.
d. The gospel they have not all obeyed, Romans 10:18; Romans 6:17-18.
e. The gospel the priests were obedient unto, Acts 6:7.
f. The gospel preached to make the Gentiles obedient, “by word and deed” to the faith, Romans 15:18-19; Romans 1:5.
E. Centered in Christ. The faith mentioned here is centered in Christ; as a result of the learner hearing and believing the word of truth, the gospel of their salvation. 1. Paul wrote: "In whom ye also trusted, after that, ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed (pisteuo), ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory,” Ephesians 1:13-14.
a. This language sounds like Acts 19:1-7, Acts 19:10; Acts 20:17.
b. Here is an example of the word “belief" as a result of Jesus’ preaching.
2. Jesus and believing Jews. He said: “To those Jews which believed (pisteuo) on Him: If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” John 8:31-32. And, "If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, then ye shall be free indeed,” John 8:36.
a. Apparently, “belief” existed in these Jews, which followed Jesus.
b. But these Jewish followers:
1) “Were not His disciples.”
2) “They did not know the truth.”
3) “They were not made free from their sins.”
4) Belief alone did not make these believers, Jesus' disciples. We can also be sure: “belief,” alone, does not make us His disciples either!
c. Conclusion: It is possible to be a believer in Christ, but not indeed His disciples, nor fully knowing the truth, nor being made free from your sins. It is the truth that makes one free. If you are free from sins, you are free, indeed, John 8:36.
d. The truth Jesus speaks of here was not given, believed, or obeyed during His ministry. No miracle, healing, cleansing, the act of forgiveness, or example of salvation performed by Jesus during his ministry can claim to be: “the truth that makes one free from their sins.”
1) These were all done under the Old Testament – or during the close of the old covenant – the Law of Moses. The truth that makes one free was promised but not preached, in fact, during the personal ministry of Christ.
2) It would be after His death, burial, and resurrection the truth that: “makes one free” was preached in the city of Jerusalem. We will speak briefly to this point in a few moments. But for now, let’s consider Paul’s preaching to the Romans.
3. Paul’s letter to the Romans. He wrote: “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness,” Romans 6:17-18. Consider--
a. He wrote, the Romans had: “Obeyed (ek - out of, or) from the heart that form of doctrine; which was delivered them; and at which time they were made free from their sins.”
b. They had heard, believed, and obeyed the truth (the word of truth, the gospel of their salvation) being then (adverb of time) made free from their sins, they became servants of righteousness,” Romans 6:22.
c. Sounds like the Ephesians in 1:13-14; John 8:31-32 and Peter in Acts 2:38.
4. Advent of the Holy Spirit. In this text, the truth Jesus speaks of is the truth that was made known by the Holy Spirit. Observe—
a. Jesus promised Spirit to the apostles. He said: "Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth has come; He will guide you into all truth...He will shew you things to come," John 16:13-15. The truth would be revealed unto them by the Holy Spirit.
b. Spirit made His advent on Pentecost. Luke wrote: “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles He had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things about the kingdom of God... But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost has come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth,” Acts 1:1-8; Luke 24:49; Acts 2:1-4; Acts 2:36-42.
c. Revelation is made known to the apostles. Paul wrote: “For this, cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ): Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power,” Ephesians 3:1-7.
5. Truth made know unto us. This truth is made know unto us through our search and study of the word of God, 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 5:39; Isaiah 34:16. The knowledge of this truth comes from our desire to know it, to become Jesus disciples, and to be made free from our sins.
NOTE: Download our lesson entitled: "If ye Abide in My Words," from SermonCentral.com, explains this truth more fully. With this, let's move to the net point in this lesson.
II FAITH DIRECTED
A. What are the possibilities of faith? To please Him – that is God. Just like Enoch, we too must please Him, Hebrews 11:5. Paul further wrote: "But without faith (Pistis) it is impossible to please Him: for him, that cometh to God must believe (pisteuo) that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him,” Hebrews 11:6.
1. In this verse, one word is used to describe both "faith" (Pistis) and the other "belief" (pisteuo).
2. In this case, faith that God exists; and, then belief that God rewards them that diligently seek Him.
3. He illustrates this process: "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 11:5.
B. Who must have faith? He that cometh: – “the believer.” Paul says clearly, that if the “believer” would come unto God, he must believe that He is (exist).
1. Jesus said: "Search the scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life, but they are they which testify of me," John 5:39.
2. Jeremiah wrote: "And ye shall seek me, and find me when ye shall search for me with all your heart,” Jeremiah 29:13.
3. These verses indicate one can come to God when he searches for Him diligently through the Holy Scriptures. He will then believe in Him, that he exists as His sovereign Lord and God, and turn to him for his salvation.
4. He “wills” to hearken and come unto the Lord. Notice these scriptures that indicate one's “wills” to approach and hearken unto God.
a. And whosoever will: "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will let him take the water of life freely," Revelations 22:17.
b. Whosoever will come after me: “And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me,” Mark 8:34; Matthew 16:24. See also Matthew 11:28-30; John 3:16.
c. Whosoever will not hearken: “And the LORD said unto me …I will raise them a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him," Deuteronomy 18:17-19.
d. Peter preached: “And Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord…And it shall come to pass, that every soul which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people,” Acts 3:22-23.
C. To whom is this faith directed? The writer refers or orients the searcher's devotion to God. This faith must be in God. It is in the True God. In each case below – the believers expressed their faith and trust in God. Each illustration of faith was demonstrated in a corresponding act of obedience. Each act of obedience was done in faithfulness. This is a faith that worked through love and trust in God.
1. The Ephesians, even as with all these, demonstrated their faith through an act of obedience, and that was baptism.
2. We, too, as true believers in Christ, have shown our dedication through the same act of obedience, our baptism into Christ, Ephesians 2:4-9; Colossians 2:11-13; Romans 6:1-7, Galatians 3:26-27; 2 Corinthians 5:17.
D. What must be believed? All must believe that He is (exist).
1. David wrote: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want,” Psalms 23:1.
a. First, "Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we: we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture," Psalms 100:3.
b. Further, “The fool has said in his heart there is no God,” Psalms 14:1.
c. Finally, “The fool has said in his heart there is no God,” Psalms 53:1.
2. Believe I am he. Jesus said: “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins,” John 8:24.
3. Believe as scriptures saith. The Lord said: “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying: If any man thirst; let him come unto me and drink. As the scripture hath said, He that believeth on me out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) Therefore, when they heard this saying, many of the people said: Of a truth, this is the Prophet. Others said: This is the Christ. But some said: Shall Christ come out of Galilee? Hath not the scripture said: That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? There was a division among the people because of him,” John 7:37-43.
4. Believe “I Am.” Jesus said: “Unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am,” John 8:58. Before Abraham was, Jesus was the “I Am,” in the burning bush, Exodus 3:14; Genesis 15:1.
5. Declarations of Christ. Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” John 14:6. He made these three declarations. I am the way to the Father. I am the truth that leads to eternal life. I am the resurrection and the life," John 11:25-26.
NOTE: Download our lesson entitled: “The declarations of Christ,” from SermonCentral.com.
6. Believe He is the Son of God. Martha said to Jesus: “Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world,” John 11:27; John 4:25-26; John 4:41-42.
E. Why is such belief necessary? He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. In each example of faith below, God rewarded the “believer” in different ways.
NOTE: Illustrate: I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, Acts 8:26-39. This text describes the faith and obedience of the Treasurer, through the preaching of Philip the Evangelist. Let’s consider our last point in this lesson.
III FAITH DEMONSTRATED
A. By faith Noah. Notice that each mentioning of faith had a corresponding action or act of obedience, Hebrews 11:7. Moses wrote: "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord," Genesis 6:8. God was pleased with the life he lived before Him. Paul wrote:
1. “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet.”
2. “Moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house.”
3. “By which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith,” 1 Peter 3:20-21. Noah became a preacher of righteousness, 2 Peter 2:5.
4. Faith resulted in the act of obedience (on Noah’s part). That faith and obedience pleased God. Who, in turn, saved Noah and his house; and declared him righteous through faith. This was not faith ONLY. This was Noah's faith and obedience at work – which culminated in the salvation of his house, "by which he condemned the old world, and he became an heir of the righteousness which is by faith," Hebrews 11:7.
5. Peter refers to this event and describes baptism as a “like figure to the ark,” 1 Peter 3:20-21.
B. By faith Abraham. "By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure," Heb 11:17-19.
1. Summary of Paul’s account. Abraham justified by faith and work. Observe--
Paul’s review of this event: “By faith Abraham when he was tested:”
a. “Offered up Isaac, whom he had received by promise.”
b. “His son, his only begotten son.”
c. "Whom it was said: In Isaac, your seed shall be called."
d. “He concluded that God was able to raise him:"
1) “Even from the dead.”
2) “By which he had also received him in a figure,” Hebrews 11:17-19. Do you see a “type” of Christ in this text?
3) Conclusion: Paul wrote regarding the events on the mount. Abraham was "justified by works" when he offered up Isaac on the altar, as God had commanded him. He did it in faithful obedience to God. If you want a definition of "faith and works," it is this: “faithful obedience.”
i. He believed that if he took the lad's life, God would similarly raise him, in which he had received Isaac, his son beforehand. Abraham's faith was working though obedience unto the voice of God.
ii. Jehovah said: “Now I know that you fear me, you have NOT withheld thy son, thy only son from me. In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed: because you have obeyed my voice,” Genesis 22:15-18.
iii. We are now at the seeming conflict of Paul and James’ account of Abraham’s “faith and works,” Romans 4:1-2.
2. Abraham’s faith was enjoined with an act of obedience. That act was his offering of Isaac.
NOTE: For a more exhaustive study of Abraham’s offering of Isaac, download our lesson entitled: “Justified by faith only?” You can obtain this lesson from SermonCentral.com.
3. James wrote: “Ye see then how that by works (ones’ obedient deeds, doings, or acts of faith unto God) a man is justified, and NOT by faith ONLY,” James 2:24; James 2:26. Observe--
a. Abraham justified by works. James wrote: “Was not Abraham...justified by works when he had offered Isaac, his son upon the altar?" James 2:21. James begins with a question to his audience. That is, was not Abraham justified by works, when: He offered Isaac his only son? Was Abraham's offering of Isaac a profession of faith and obedience? How else can we describe this act of sacrificial faith?
b. Abraham’s faith made perfect: “Seest thou how faith wrought with his works (obedience), and by works (his) faith was made perfect?” James 2:22. James uses the phrase: “how faith wrought with his works." We must look at this word also to ascertain its meaning in the Greek.
1) The word “wrought” in Gr., is synergeo or sün-er-ge'-o, which means to be a fellow-worker, i.e., co-operate:—help, to (work) with, work (-er) together. It means that “faith” has put forth power together with “works” and thereby to assist in "making one's faith perfect."
2) The word synergeo forms our English word: “synergism.” It is a medical term, “synergistic effect.” In medications: “the dose of one medication taken in conjunction with another medication; has a synergistic effect, in the treatment of an illness or disease.”
3) James wrote: Abraham’s faith and works (of obedience) worked together to make the working of his faith perfect.
c. Conclusion: Having faith without works, deeds, or acts of faith in compliance: such faith is incomplete; it is dead being alone. Therefore, faith alone cannot save; no more than words of peace and comfort alone, feed and fill a hungry belly. Faith without works, deeds, or acts of obedience, is dead being alone. True faith must work (be active) "through genuine love,” Galatians 5:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; 1 Corinthians 13:13.
C. Faith of Israel. By faith, they passed: “Through the Red sea as by dry land (were saved): which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned,” Hebrews 11:29.
1. Saved on the other side. By faith, they passed through the Red Sea. The Lord “saved Israel that day,” Exodus 14:30-31.
2. Baptism unto Moses. They were baptized unto Moses under the cloud and in the sea, 1 Corinthians 10:1-4.
3. Faith and baptism. Here we see Israel's children being saved through faith and obedience (baptism); as they moved by faith through the Red Sea.
a. Faith and baptism saved Israel “that day.”
b. Just like faith and baptism save us today, Mark 16:15-16.
c. All Israel, who passed through the Red Sea in faith, were delivered from their enemy, Pharaoh.
d. When we pass through the "waters of baptism," we are delivered from our enemy, sin. Baptism is said to be done: “To wash away our sins,” Acts 22:16.
D. Saved by Grace. Paul told the Ephesians: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast," Ephesians 2:8-9. See also Titus 3:5. He calls this a Gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast. Observe--
1. First, the questions that lay before us at this time to be asked after reviewing all the statements of faith, the examples of faith, and the scriptures on faith? Could Ephesians 2:8-9; be teaching: "That salvation is by faith – only?" If we are honest, one must conclude “no.”
2. Further, "Is being saved by grace through faith – by grace only?" The answer to this question is also “no.” Neither of these positions is correct.
3. Finally, “Is it through our belief we are saved by grace?" This is also a resounding "no." Paul was reminding the Ephesians that they were saved by "grace through their faith in Christ." Brother Johnson states it more clearly.
4. B. W. Johnson wrote: “Lest they might forget the doctrine that he...preached, he reminds them...that they were saved by God's grace shown in the gospel; that this salvation was obtained through the faith. The definite article is found before faith in the Greek, showing that the faith, or the gospel, is meant ...(Salvation) is not due to ourselves, but is God's gift. The grammatical construction of the Greek does not allow us to make “faith” the subject of the last clause. It is not “faith,” but salvation through the faith, which is the gift of God. So says John Wesley in his Notes: “This refers to the previous clause: That you are saved, etc.,” Page 472.
5. Conclusion: Therefore, Paul was reminding the Ephesians, it was God’s grace reveal unto them through his preaching of “the faith” or the “gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24; Galatians 1:23-24; Romans 1:16.
E. The will of man in his relationship to God. I want to make it clearly understood that man's salvation is not possible without his willing obedience. "God's will is that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth," 1 Timothy 2:3-7. But not all desire to be saved. Here are some examples where the will of men was necessary for cleansing, salvation or to do the will of God:
1. “Wilt thou be made whole?” The man at the pool of Bethesda, John 5:1-6.
2. “What wilt thou have me to do?” Paul asked of the Lord. He replied, “Go into the city, and it will be told thee what thou must do," Acts 9:5-6.
3. "Men and brethren, what shall we do? The believers on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:37.
4. The Jailer: “And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house,” Acts 16:30-31.
5. Jesus: "Not every one that saith unto me Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven,” Matthew 7:21-23. Hear Jesus regarding “hearing and doing,” Matthew 7:24-27.
6. The people: “Then said they unto him: What shall we do, that we might work the works of God. Jesus answered and said unto them: This is the work of God: that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent,” John 6:28-29. And that is on Jesus.
7. If any man will do his will, he shall know the doctrine, John 7:16-17. (One can do, has done or doeth the will of God), Mark 3:35; Hebrews 10:35-36; 1 John 2:15-17.
8. One can do the will of the devil. “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lust of your father ye will do,” John 8:44. How surprising; one can do the will of the devil! But cannot do the will of God!
a. Summary: These verses indicate that one must “will to be cleansed, to be saved and to hear the word of the Lord.” To ignore this clear truth of scriptures is to fly off foolishly against the divine will of God for man’s salvation.
b. Conclusion: How does all this relate to one being "justified by faith" or "saved by grace?" I know we went the long route to this conclusion. But it was necessary. Faith and obedience justify and saves. Obedience is that work of faith: "justifies by faith" and "saves by grace." All must believe (pisteuo) the preaching of the faith (Pistis) - with a corresponding act of obedience - "baptism into Christ," Romans 6:3-6; Galatians 3:26-27.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Faith Defined
2. Faith Directed
3. Faith Demonstrated
B. Summarize main points.
1. In this lesson, we examined the words "faith" and "belief" from their source, the Greek. Though there is a similar correlation, their meaning in the context of its use has proven different. One described 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 defined the process or the "system" of faith or the gospel of Christ. Recall Paul wrote: “This only would I learn of you, Received you the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” See Galatians 3:1-7.
2. First, we saw the writer defined the word faith. It is "the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." It is the foundation and pillars of one's hope and trust in God and provides the assurances that He will do all that he promises even though we cannot know how or when it will occur.
3. Secondly, we noticed the writer oriented our faith. He provided for us a direction, or to a person to whom our faith must be aligned and entrusted. And that was to God. Recall: "But without faith, it is impossible to please him: he that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him,” Hebrews 1:6. The comer must believe that He is or (exist) and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
4. Lastly, the writer gave numerous examples where the believers not only trusted God but were willing to demonstrate their faith in Him through some corresponding act of obedience. Faith was not dormant but alive and active. Faith was seen to work through love and obedience in our lesson. And we also saw, that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only," James 2:24. And finally, that Paul's teaching regarding the Ephesians being "saved by grace" did not eliminate their will, trust, and obedience to God. No more than being "justified by faith" eliminates one's submission to the gospel of Christ.
C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, H.B.R.C.B.
D. Persuade. Paul wrote: "Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord we persuade men," 2 Corinthians 5:11 Also, “Today is the day of salvation," 2 Corinthians 6:2.
E. Motivate. Jesus said: “Come unto me all ye that labor,” Matthew 11:28-30. I hope it shall not be said of you, as it was of the children of Israel by Jeremiah: "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved," Jeremiah 8:20.
NOTE: Illustrate, "There is no pillow as soft as a clear conscience." John wrote: "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will let him take the water of life freely," Revelations 22:17. Jesus is the answer. Won't you decide to follow Him right now?
To: “Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due),” Romans 13:7. I acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors.
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
6. Smith's Bible Dictionary, William Smith, Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Printing 1884.
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
323-823-0856
Ronald.e.freeman@wwmchurchofchrist.org
https://wwmchurchofchrist.org/
Website: https://en.gravatar.com/refreeman
This lesson was updated on 10/2/2020.
