Facts We Must Know to Be Strong in Faith
The Bible tells us, to live by faith, to walk in faith. What’s the first thing that we
normally feel like doing? We feel like confessing all our doubts speaking all our
fears, saying everything that probably will go wrong or that ever could go wrong.
Our faith is being tested. Are we going to consider this an opportunity to rejoice in
the Lord? Are we going to stand firm in the faith knowing that we will come through
victoriously? The Bible also tells us in Hebrews 11:6 “but without faith it is impossible
to please Him, for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a
rewarder of them that diligently seek Him”. So it’s important to grow our faith. Faith
is a part of the Christian life from beginning to end.
1) The reality of the Word of God. We have to know that the Bible is God speaking
to us (II Timothy 3:16-17) “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable to doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works”. Jesus
used the Word of God to answer the devil by saying “it is written”, then quoting the
answer for what the devil was trying to tempt Him with. Jesus tells us in John 8:31-32
“if you continue in My word, then are you My disciple indeed. And you shall know
the truth and the truth shall make you free”.
2) The reality of what Jesus did. The reality of our redemption in Christ (Galatians 3:
13) “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us,
for it is written, cursed is everyone that hangs on a tree”. Ephesians 1:7 says “In
whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to
the riches of His grace”. In Ephesians 2:1-10 we see our redemption. Just as by
one man’s sin (Adam), so also by One man’s righteousness (Jesus) the free gift
comes upon all men to justification of life (Romans 5:17-19). Saving faith involves
personally depending on the finished work of Christ’s sacrifice as the only basis for
forgiveness of sin and entrance into heaven. We have to trust Him, as it says in II
Timothy 1:12 “for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to
keep that which I have committed to Him against that day.”
3) We must know the reality of the New Creation, the New Birth. Jesus tells
Nicodemus in John 3:3 “verily, verily, I say to you, except a man be born again, he
cannot see the kingdom of God”. In II Corinthians 5:17 it says “therefore if any man
be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away, behold all things are
become new.”
4) The reality of our righteousness in Christ: In II Corinthians 5:21 it says “for He
(God the Father) has made Him (Jesus Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that
we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (Jesus).” Any one that says life
is not fair, must thank God because it was not fair for Jesus to die for my sins, but He
did, and not only did He take my sins, but He gave me His righteousness
5) The reality of the Indwelling Spirit: Jesus tells us before He left that He would
send the Holy Spirit as our guide and teacher (John 16:7-14). The Spirit is our
source of power (Acts 1:4-8, 2:1-4; Romans 8:1-4, 9-11). The Book of Jude says in
verse 20 “But you, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying
in the Holy Ghost”. Paul said, “I speak in tongues more than you all”. We have to
put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6;10-18). You will notice that the above
armor of God is not weapons, but the Word of God and the Spirit of God, because
we are not fighting against flesh and blood.
6) The reality of our authority in the Name of Jesus: in Luke 10:19 Jesus says
“behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all
the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you”. Prayer and the
Name of Jesus gives us the authority to stop the work of the devil and bind the work
of God. In Matthew 28;18-20 Jesus gives us the great commission and in Mark 16:
17-18 He shows us the signs that should follow us.
The Bible tells us in Romans 10:17 “so then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by
the Word of God”. Get understanding, because satan can only steal what you don’t
understand. Put yourself in an attitude of hearing His Word. Any time a
circumstance comes into your life, find out what God says about it. Meditate and
confess the Word on what God says about the circumstance until things change.
You must exercise your faith, by applying His Words to your life. God’s faithfulness
should be so deeply reflected in the lives of His people.
Study by: Harriet Bond
Date: June 20, 2006