Faith

Let’s consider faith for a moment, and how we can have more of it. But like the Lord does, He loves to contrast things, so, before we consider faith, we must consider fear.

Fear is the negative expectation of something to come or happen and can be a good thing when we have a realistic fear concerning dangers to ourselves or those whom we care about. Fear is imposing, controlling, and intimidating – so unless it is realistic, it is very destructive in our lives. And from early childhood fear can become a stronghold in our lives, especially through abandonment and rejection. Why is this important? Faith needs a foundation of trust, which is why perfect, yes, perfect love casts out fear. Love is the key. All our considerations of how to gain faith will rest on the processes of gaining trust and feeling, as well as operating in God’s love.

Perhaps we should just take a moment and ask ourselves, “If faith was so inherently part of our new being, why did the writer of Hebrews write a whole chapter dedicated to bringing it to life”? The reason is that it is not so simple. The currency of heaven is initially granted to us, as Paul wrote, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” (Romans 12:3).

So we are gifted faith as we start believing … that’s interesting in itself, the seed we bring is immediately blessed and increased by God. We also read that faith is also a fruit of Holy Spirit, which means that as we spend time in His presence and as we are conformed to His image, faith increases.

What is faith then? In the Bible the word “faith” comes primarily from “pistis” or “pisteou” - meaning primarily “a firm persuasion” or “a conviction” based upon hearing. It is also used in context of “trust”, “trustworthiness”, “that which is believed” or “the contents of belief” as well as “the ground for faith as an assurance” or “the pledge of fidelity”.

But for us, our primary sources are the trust we have in God and His love, as well as His willingness to be involved in our lives.

It would be good to consider Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].”  Hupostasis [Greek], for me, is best defined as “standing under a guaranteed agreement.”

The normal process in Hebrews 11 is:

hearing or seeing what God‘s plan or intention is, then hope is born (a positive expectation of things to come or happen), and then faith takes that word (seen or heard) and brings it into reality, mostly through speaking or announcing it, or acting on it.

This is important, as there are two mutually dangerous misconceptions.

Just acting on a Scripture verse, or a godly principle, will only produce a golden calf - a godly principle dressing the desire of one’s flesh, even if it is well intended. However, if we take the promise to God and wait upon Him, so often He will realise one’s faith because of our involvement with Him.  Just trying to blackmail God into acting upon His word is detrimental, ignorant and a real form of presumption. The other is to assume it all depends on the sovereignty of God, e.g. I stubbornly believe for something, while living in denial of the prerequisites of employing prudence and God’s wisdom and Will in the matter.

I have seldom heard sermons on Jesus’ answer when His disciples asked Him, “Lord, teach us how to have more faith” in Luke 17. The key to His answer lies in being vigilant to serve Him above and beyond what is expected (even when He desires to bless others), to become prudent, and serve the Master and His guest(s) with the table He requires for them.  That’s when the miraculous overflows and faith is increased.

Why do miracles, signs and wonders increase faith for many? Because it demonstrates the authenticity of the gospel of reconciliation with God. His love is not just demonstrated on the Cross, but also by His interventions in this world to heal, restore, bless and deliver.

For us faith must become the lifestyle of living out of His Presence in and through us, saying what He wants us to say and doing what He wants us to do. And then faith is that promised fruit that comes from a lovingly devoted “one who is one” with Him who is Love. Now and forever.

Be blessed

Ben

Our thanks to Ben for this month's Blog contribution

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