Introduction

Good morning, Church Family. Today, we are going to delve deep into the Word of God to explore a topic that is fundamental to our Christian walk – Faith.

Our focus will be on Hebrews 11:1, which says,

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

I love how A.W. Tozer put it, "Faith is the gaze of a soul upon a saving God." This quote wonderfully encapsulates the essence of what faith means. Today, we'll be discussing the definition of faith, the power of faith, and the necessity of faith in our lives.

Before we get started, let's open in prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you today with open hearts and minds, ready to receive your Word. We ask for clarity and understanding as we dive into the subject of faith. Help us to apply what we learn today to our daily lives, that we may walk by faith and not by sight. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Alright, let's dive in.

The Definition

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 in accordance with 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, in 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 Power

The power of faith is the driving force behind our relationship with God and the catalyst for our spiritual growth ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO