THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FAITH: ABC’S

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FAITH: ABC’S ---> INTRODUCTION

FOCUS SCRIPTURE: The just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17)

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Believe: Believe more deeply that Jesus dwells in our hearts by faith Feel: Feel more passionately that faith is an active tool in the life of the believer Do: To demonstrate a lifestyle of faith

During the month of September, we are going to delve into the Fundamentals or “ABCs of Faith”. People have many beliefs and definitions of what faith is and what it is not. Faith is one of the most important weapons the believer has to fight against the attacks of the enemy. However, it is ineffective if you do not understand how to use it. Therefore, our goal is to build an “Unmovable, Unshakeable, Steadfast Faith” that can withstand being tested time after time. We will accomplish this by seeing what God has to say about faith and its importance in His Holy Word. In this week’s lesson on “Fundamentals of Faith” we will cover the basics of “Faith”. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as the “substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen” but before we get started, what does faith mean to you?

WHAT IS FAITH?

In the New Testament, the Greek word most commonly translated "faith" is pistis (pis'tis), meaning "a conviction of the truth of anything; belief."

Faith is conviction of truth without tangible proof. The Bible says that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". What do we hope for?

We hope that God is trustworthy and honors his promises. We can be sure that his promises of salvation, eternal life, and a resurrected body will be ours someday based on who God is.

The second part of this definition acknowledges our problem: God is invisible. We can’t see heaven either. Eternal life, which begins with our individual salvation here on earth, is also something we do not see, but our faith in God makes us certain of these things. Again, we count not on science, tangible proof, but on the absolute reliability of God’s character.

Where do we learn about the character of God so we can have faith in him? The obvious answer is the Bible, in which God reveals himself fully to his followers. Everything we need to know about God is found there, and it is an accurate, in-depth picture of his nature.

One of the things we learn about God in the Bible is he is incapable of lying. His integrity is perfect; therefore, when he declares the Bible true, we can accept that statement,

based on God’s character. Many passages in the Bible are impossible to understand, yet Christians accept them because of faith in a trustworthy God.

Hebrews 11:1. To have faith is to believe God's Word before it comes to pass. This acronym for the word faith says it best: Forsaking All I Trust Him.

Hebrews chapter 11 pays tribute to many Old Testament heroes of faith, such as Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Joseph, and Moses. These men and women were strong in faith, and out of their faith came strength to endure suffering, obedience to God's commands, the hope of a coming Messiah, and patience for a heavenly country.

NOAH- BIBLE LESSON ON FAITH

When God saw the wickedness of mankind, He decided to start over with Noah. The Bible says that Noah found favor in God’s eyes because he lived right and feared God.

Noah was asked by God to build an ark, which surely took a lot of faith. It must have been even harder when God told him he would have to wait 120 years for the flood to happen. Noah preached faithfully trying to convince others that judgment was coming.

God spared Noah and his family along with the animals on the ark. Noah and his family had faith in God’s words and obeyed.

ABRAHAM- FATHER OF FAITH

God called Abraham to leave his country and start a new nation. From the family of Abraham God would bless the earth. This ultimately came in the form of Jesus Christ. Abraham could not understand at the time how God would bless the world through him and his family, but he trusted God to lead him to where he was supposed to go.

He left his home and family in Ur of the Chaldees (probably in modern Iraq) and traveled to what would become Israel. This new land was also known as Canaan at that time.

Based only on the promises of God, Abraham followed as Jehovah led him and his servants. He took his nephew Lot and many other family members and servants. He was a rich man. The decision to pack up everything he owned must have been a difficult one.

Abraham is noted in the Bible for his faith, particularly as it relates to leaving his home in Ur to travel west. He is mentioned in Romans 4 and Hebrews 11 because of the faith it took to follow God’s leading.

JOSEPH- LESSON ON FAITH THROUGH PERSEVERANCE

As a young boy, Joseph was given a couple of dreams by God to let him know that God had big plans for his life. Though Joseph did not know how God would bring it to pass, he trusted the Lord to work.

Joseph was hated by his brothers, thrown down into a pit and sold as a slave. After being bought and given a job he was falsely accused of a crime and sent to prison. He helped in the prison and was well liked by the warden. He even showed God’s power to a couple of men in prison. One said that he would do what he could to have Joseph released soon. However, it was two more years in prison before Joseph’s kind actions were remembered and rewarded.

God was faithful to Joseph as he was faithful to God. Joseph eventually saw the fulfillment of the dreams God had given him. The story of Joseph in the Bible is one of the longest stories contained in its pages. While there were some difficult times in his life, Joseph’s is a story full of hope and faith.

MOSES- BIBLE LESSON ON LIVING OUT YOUR FAITH

Moses was born to a Jewish family in a time when the Egyptian ruler had ordered all male babies born to the Jews to be killed. Moses’ mother was able to effectively hide him for a short time. Eventually she sent him down river in a basket with a prayer that God would protect him. God did and Moses was discovered by the Pharaoh’s daughter.

Moses grew up in a home of royalty even though he was born to a slave. God used the experiences that Moses had to help train him as a leader. One of Moses’ first acts of leadership was to walk away from the royal family and trust God to lead him in his life. God showed Himself faithful to Moses by leading him to a family who taught him about God and his family heritage. Moses met God in a burning bush where He once again led Moses back to Egypt to lead the Israelites out of captivity.

When the time was right, Moses came back to Egypt and demanded that Pharaoh allow the people of God to go free. Moses stood strong in his faith, knowing that God would do a mighty work. As a man broken by God, Pharaoh allowed Moses and his people to flee Egypt. Moses knew that Pharaoh let them go against his will. Moses stood strong as a leader and quickly moved the people of Israel to the land that God promised them. Sadly, though Moses believed God’s promises and trusted Him in faith, he could not convince the Israelites to inhabit the land that God prepared.

Moses shared an intimate relationship with God that was built on faith.

JOSHUA AND CALEB- FAITH WHEN THINGS SEEM IMPOSSIBLE

When Israel arrived at the edge of the land promised by God, Moses sent in 12 spies to see what they would be up against. Ten of the spies brought back news of giants and impenetrable walls, but two of them brought back news of great natural beauty and wealth. These two young men were Joshua and Caleb.

Joshua trusted that God would help them take the land. They spent the same 40 years wandering in the wilderness as all the other Israelites. One thing that sets Joshua and Caleb apart from the rest was that they had faith that God would bring them back to the land He promised. They were the only two people who left Egypt, who were allowed into this great land of promise because they had faith in the God who promised it.

The writer of Hebrews exhorts us to imitate the faith of those who have gone before us (Hebrews 13:7), because we, too, must "walk by faith, not by sight" (II Corinthians 5:7). When we encounter the wickedness of society or feel the pull of the world to conform us to its system (Romans 12:2), then we should cry out to God: "Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner" (Psalm 39:12; also see 119:19). We who are born again do not belong to this world, for our citizenship is in heaven (see Philippians 3:20). Jesus said, "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you" (John 15:19). Because this is true, faith is absolutely essential for our journey.

Biblical Admonitions About Faith

The Bible is full of verses about faith. In it, we discover the following:

• Faith is a gift of God. "According as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" (Romans 12:3).

• Without faith, we cannot please God. "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)."For whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Romans 14:23).

• We are made righteous by faith, not by keeping the Law. "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe" (Romans 3:22). "And be found in him [Jesus], not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith" (Philippians 3:9).

• We are justified (declared righteous) by faith, not by works. "Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ ... for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified" (Galatians 2:16).

• We are sanctified (made holy) by faith. "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me" (Acts 26:18).

• We become the children of God by faith. "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26).

• Jesus Christ dwells in our hearts by faith. "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love" (Ephesians 3:17). "But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe" (Galatians 3:22).

• The Holy Spirit is received by faith. "Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" (Galatians 3:2). "That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith" (Galatians 3:14).

• God's grace is received by faith. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8).

• We increase our faith by hearing the Word of God. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (II Timothy 3:15).

• Hearing the Word does not profit without faith. "For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it" (Hebrews 4:2).

• Faith works with God's love (agape). "And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick" (Matthew 14:14). "Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned" (I Timothy 1:5). "And though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing" (I Corinthians 13:2; also see Galatians 5:6).

• Faith is our shield against the lies and attacks of evil. "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" (Ephesians 6:16).

• Faith is what makes us overcomers. (Revelation chapters 2-3 and 21:7 lists the rewards promised to those who overcome.) "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" (I John 5:4-5).

• Faith must be held fast to the end. "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you [act] like men, be strong" (I Corinthians 16:13). "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses" (I Timothy 6:12).

In addition to the scriptures mentioned above, there are hundreds of other verses, which clearly show that faith is absolutely essential to the process of our Salvation.

For example, it takes faith to believe the Scriptures; it takes faith to believe that God exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him; and it takes faith to seek a heavenly Kingdom when the world tells you to store up treasures on earth and seek the comforts of life now. "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" (II Corinthians 4:18).

CONCLUSION: Now that we have had our introductory lesson on faith, we will dig deeper as we Activate, Build and Cultivate our faith for the remainder of September through thoughtful discussions and careful interactions with the Word of God. You may find it helpful to preview next week’s lesson on Activating your Faith. As stated before “God has dealt every man the measure of Faith” Romans 12:3 However, every man does not use that measure of faith they have been gifted from God.

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FAITH: ABC’S ---> [A]CTIVATE YOUR FAITH

FOCUS SCRIPTURE: The just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17)

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Believe: Believe more deeply that Jesus dwells in our hearts by faith

Feel: Feel more passionately that faith is an active tool in the life of the believer

Do: To demonstrate a lifestyle of faith

Whenever we receive a new debit card from the bank, it tells us to activate it. We follow the instructions to activate the card. The card holder is required to connect with the source when proceeding to activate the card. The card represents what we have stored up and the amount we can spend. The same is similar to “faith” for believers. Just like that debit card, faith needs to be activated. Debit cards have an expiration date, wear out and need to be replaced. But this faith that God gives us doesn’t have an expiration date and never runs dry!

Activate your faith just like you activate that card. Christians need to connect with the source. Philippians 4:19 says, “But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God is our source and supplier. We need to connect with him by any means necessary. Imagine having a “faith debit card” and never activating it. Imagine faith dollars not being used to your benefit. They sit in your spiritual wallet or purse waiting to be used. How many situations have occurred, and you left your faith debit card in the wallet or purse? It’s time we activated it and put it to use immediately.

Definition: Activate - to cause something to start.

Faith should be an active tool and arsenal in the life of every believer. Imagine a carpenter without a tape measure, nails, or hammer. It wouldn’t make sense. If the carpenter showed up to your door to complete work but had no tools, you would turn him away. Think about someone going fishing without any gear. They are really going to stare at the water for a few hours.

Luke 8:24-25:

24 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

Jesus asked the disciples, where was their faith? They were riding with the source and didn’t activate the card. God has equipped us to handle certain things better than what we realized. This is an example of faith not activated.

What aspects of your life aren’t you activating faith?

Every believer has Faith.

1. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”

2. Romans 12:3 says, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”

3. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 says, “ 8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”

Activate through following Directions.

God gives us the ability to cause things to start. Look how Moses tapped the rock and water flowed for everyone to drink in the wilderness (Exodus 17:6). A flow was activated for others because Moses believed God. He followed his verbal directions. We can activate our faith by following God’s verbal or written directions. Of course, this requires us to stay connected with the source.

How do you connect and stay connected to your Heavenly source daily?

Activate Faith Holistically

Don’t pick and choose when to activate your faith. Apply it to all aspects of your life. Activate it Spiritually, Physically, Mentally, in your Finances and in every part of your life. Your faith should be well-rounded. In other words, take the limits off!

What places aren’t you activating faith and why?

Take the limits off your Time and Age.

1. Luke 8:43-48

43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, 44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. 45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? 46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. 48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

This woman activated her faith. She drew closer to Christ, to the point he felt it! Her faith canceled her diagnosis of 12 years! Her faith made her whole. Our faith can put the pieces back together again. Our faith should touch God and cause him to react on our behalf. Take advantage of faith opportunities.

Hebrews 11:11

11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

Sarah didn’t allow age or time to prevent her from activating faith.

Have you ever thought it was too late? List items you need to go back and review. What opportunities or task can you apply faith to complete, or see come to pass?

Take the limits off your Creativity.

Hebrews11:7. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

This is so deep that we don’t have enough time to dig all the way in. But let’s observe the fact that Noah built something that had never been prepared before. Do you have enough faith to build or create something by faith? With no earthly blueprint,

Noah built! Activate your faith to do the unknown. We can build and create inventions, concepts, books, and more! Create something new! We were made in his image and likeness. Our Heavenly Father is a Creator.

What are some goals and opportunities for you to build and create? Activate your Faith!

Take the limits off what you’re “Working With.”

Mark 9:23-24 (I believe but help my unbelief- Spiritual)

23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Matthew 17:20 (Spiritual)

20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

1 Kings 17:7-16 (Activate Faith through Obedience - Finances)

7 Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. 8 Then the word of the Lord came to him: 9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” 10 So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” 12 “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread— only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.” 13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’” 15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FAITH: ABC’S ---> [B]UILD YOUR FAITH

FOCUS SCRIPTURE: The just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17)

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Believe: Believe more deeply that Jesus dwells in our hearts by faith

Feel: Feel more passionately that faith is an active tool in the life of the believer

Do: To demonstrate a lifestyle of faith

The Foundation – Living a Life Pleasing to God

Hebrews 11:6 says, "Without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

What are we presented in this scripture passage? God is saying that all things depend on faith. If we have faith, we have everything; if we do not, we have nothing. Faith must be a mandate if God cannot be pleased without faith. A mandate is an official order or commission to do something. Faith is not an option or an "I might or guess I will do it." A life pleasing to God requires faith because faith is the Foundation of our relationship with God. Without faith, our Foundation would be superficial, flimsy, or empty. A foundation not built on faith will not stand this world's trials, tribulations, and other tests. If faith is not your Foundation, your relationship with God will begin to lean and, eventually, fail.

Physical Aspects - The Three Little Pigs

Do you remember the story "The Three Little Pigs?" The Three Little Pigs is a bedtime story told to millions of children, passed down from generation to generation. The story's characters include the three pigs and an antagonist, the wolf. What or who does the wolf symbolize? The wolf is the character who directly opposes or is hostile to the pigs. We will not leave the pigs out of the analogy. The first two pigs display their shortcomings as lazy behavior and an "I don't care" attitude. The third pig establishes a positive attitude of working hard and being a planner in life.

As they got older, they went their own way. The first pig was very lazy. He built his house of straw. In other words, he took the easy way out and was content. The second pig said, "I will build my house with sticks." He was not thinking about what might happen in the future. The third pig was intelligent and took time to choose the best materials to build his house. He selected bricks, which are heavy, hard, back-breaking, and could be challenging. Then he addressed his brothers and said, "Your materials seem weak, and your house won't be strong or sturdy enough. "Come on, brothers; we should build a strong house to save us from danger." The other two pigs said, "You do your house your way, and we will make our house like we want. "By the way, those bricks look very

heavy; that is too much work for us." They ignored his suggestions and built their houses the way they wanted. Each pig was satisfied with their home.

You know the rest of the story. The wolf came along and blew down the house of straw and sticks. They ran to the third pig's house for him to rescue them. The wolf could not blow down the brick house on a solid foundation. Jesus said, I say also unto thee, thou are Peter, and on this rock, I build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)

The strength of a building is its Foundation. A poorly constructed foundation can be dangerous for the inhabitants. Quality and cost of materials are essential. The Foundation is critical because it supports the load of the entire building. A wellconstructed foundation keeps the occupants safe during earthquakes, floods, strong winds, etc. A solid foundation keeps the ground moisture from seeping in and weakening the structure. The Foundation must withstand "dead" loads and "live" loads. The dead load is the weight of the load (burden) of the basic structure. The dead load remains constant. On the other hand, the live load is the weight of the people and objects they bring. A good Foundation is built to accommodate both. (The Importance of a Good Foundation, Maloney Construction)

Spiritual Aspects – The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-8)

The parable of the sower is about a farmer who went out to sow seeds (the farmer represents God; the seed is His message). When planted, the growing process begins (the word of God, the seed, begins to take root and grow within a person). The seeds were scattered in different places. Some fell on a path, on a rocky road, among thrones, and on good ground.

· The bird ate the seeds that fell on the path (the birds represent satan). People who hear the message and it is immediately lost.

The Pull: Some people don't live a good Christian life because they focus on other things.

· Some seeds fell on rocky ground where there was little soil. The seed did come up and sprouted, but the heat from the sun was too much for the young plant. Seeds on the rocky road are characteristic of people who respond to the word with initial enthusiasm, but the word does not sink in deeply. When hardships occur, they give up and run for the hills.

The Pull: Some people cannot commit to the Christian lifestyle. At first, they are attracted but give up when the going gets tough.

Some seeds fell among thorn bushes, which grew up and choked the plants. The thorn bushes choked the message of God. The message of God was heard, but people's concern for riches and their worries about life caused the plants to die.

The Pull: Some people are overly concerned about what others think, and they worry too much. They may be jealous, angry, or concerned with material things.

· Some seeds fell on good soil, and the plants produced. Good soil represents people who hear and live the message in their lives.

The Pull: Some people have strong faith and remain dedicated to a Christian lifestyle, even when things are difficult.

God's teachings are given to us for a reason, as it teaches us how to live. The parable of the sower is a warning. If we do not nurture our relationship with God, the good soil, we will not grow into the faithful Christians, He desires us to be. Feeding our faith through the word of God and seeking Him produces lives that please God. Read your word and pray. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. It is all about relationships! God already knows you; get to know Him! Begin to build your faith now! List what you will do.

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FAITH: ABC’S ---> [C]ultivate your Faith

FOCUS SCRIPTURE: The just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17)

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Believe: Believe more deeply that Jesus dwells in our hearts by faith

Feel: Feel more passionately that faith is an active tool in the life of the believer Do: To demonstrate a lifestyle of faith

We have Activated our faith. We have built a strong foundation. Now it is time for us to cultivate what we have established. Let’s face it, cultivation requires work and commitment. It cannot be approached in a casual manner. How dreadful it would be to expect the activation of faith without a genuine desire to work at its sustainment, productivity, and growth.

Merriam Webster defines the word cultivate as:

• To prepare and use for the raising of crops (to loosen/break up soil)

• To foster the growth of

• To improve by labor, care, or study

By definition alone, we can agree that cultivation is not a passive activity. When cultivating a garden, every intention must be made to ensure that the end result, which is the harvest, comes to pass. If a farmer chooses to throw seeds on the ground, walk away, and hope for the best; he may find himself with minimal or less desirable results. On the contrary, if he commits to the proper preparation of improving the area in which he plants, he will yield a much better harvest.

As defined, cultivation is a laborious task. Simply put, it requires WORK. Providing the appropriate attention and care gives room for immediate adjustments to take place. Studying patterns, seasons, growth companions, and conditions are all factors included in this immensely intentional process.

We Cultivate through our Living.

Romans 1:17 is the foundational scripture for this lesson series. The just shall live by faith. Paul carefully explains to the church in Rome the sinfulness of humanity and how forgiveness is available to all through faith in Christ. It is this faith, as Paul describes, how the believer experiences new life. In essence, apart from faith we have no hope in life.

In order to fully grasp “the just shall live by faith”, we must examine Paul’s stance. In verse 16 he reveals his heart to the sophisticated city of Rome. He declares, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Paul was clearly proud of his

belief and faith in the Gospel. Some may have been embarrassed to embrace a religion based on a crucified Jewish man, but Paul was far from it. This demonstrates the prerequisite for faith. We must not be ashamed of what we declare and profess. It’s hypocritical to quote Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace we are saved through faith”, then be ashamed of it. Paul clearly understood why he had no need to be ashamed. He stresses, ‘for it is the power of God unto salvation.’ There is inherent power in the gospel.

Living by faith is a fundamental concept of Christianity. We can’t live by thoughts, feelings, or empty promises of others. We are identified by our lifestyle of faith. It is how we live that should compel others to know who Christ is. Oftentimes it is not our speech, but rather our deeds that draw others unto salvation. Because of this, we must be careful of our presentation at all times.

How does your lifestyle demonstrate faith?

Does your living draw or repel others to/from Christ?

What are the areas of your lifestyle that can improve?

We Cultivate through our Study.

It would be grand if faith came by osmosis. However, the study of God’s word is an essential tool in the cultivation of our faith. Romans 10:17 informs us that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. We must dedicate time to reading, studying, and hearing God’s word. This is a sure method of producing faith. Study must be a priority!

Corporate study of the bible is indeed beneficial. It should be accompanied by personal time of combing through the scriptures and praying for revelation. When you transition from solely depending on others to teach you to diligently seeking

God yourself, you reap major rewards. Take time daily to study a portion of scripture. Becoming knowledgeable about what you believe aids in sharing the gospel with confidence.

What level of faith do you desire?

How much time can you commit daily to study?

We cultivate our faith by application.

Faith without works is dead. There is an application of what we believe that must be present in every believer. The story of the centurion’s sick servant is a great example of application. This story is found in Luke 7:2-10.

And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

This centurion demonstrated a level of faith that impressed Jesus beyond anything he had seen in all of Israel! Picture this, a Gentile Roman soldier has sent for Jesus to come see about him. Today we refer to this as audacity. This centurion was an instrument of Israel’s oppression and yet he sends Jewish leaders on his behalf to speak to Jesus. This centurion’s faith was so great that he understood that he could rely on the word alone. He didn’t need Jesus’ presence; he knew the power of his word! If Jesus was willing to

enter a Gentile’s home, we should be reassured that he will surely come to see about us.

We too can demonstrate this application of faith. Boldly ask God to send his word to your situation. Declare his word over your circumstances. Then believe that HIS word has the power to perform. If we are not afforded opportunities for religious leaders to lay hands, pray, or prophesy, we know that His word alone is sufficient.

Conclusion

The cultivation of our faith is valued. As we go through various seasons of our life, we can be encouraged. As a farmer has to know when to cultivate, we too have insight from the holy spirit in identifying our seasons. He teaches when it’s the best time and what we are seeking to produce. Gardeners follow the Farmer’s Almanac for the best possible harvest. We have a more accurate guide, God’s word, that allows maximum opportunities to exercise the fundamentals of faith.

ACTIVATE, BUILD, CULTIVATE!