Main Texts – Romans 1:16 – 17 | Hebrews 11:1-13
What is Faith?
In Christianity, faith is defined as complete trust, confidence, and reliance on God, His character, and His promises, rather than just intellectual belief. According to Hebrews 11:1 (Amplified Bible) – Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. Hebrews 11:1b (Message Bible) – is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see.
The Bible says, “the just shall live by faith” – Romans 1:17b. This is an interesting wording because when we choose to follow God, it means we are trusting Him to lead us in the right direction. It means taking steps even when things don’t make sense…even when we don’t see “the bigger picture.” Faith is a process. When God speaks something to your heart, you take a step and see what happens. Then you take another step and see what happens, allowing God to direct your steps all along the way.
Faith requires step after step of obedience. It requires walking in trust and choosing to believe what God has spoken when it looked like it would never happen. Faith is a total, daily reliance on God’s character and promises rather than on visible circumstances or personal understanding – 2 Corinthians 5:7. It is a relational trust that acts on what God says, even when we can’t see anything. This, in essence, is the foundation for a life of obedience and intimacy with Christ.
Key Aspects of Faith in the Christian Walk according to Hebrews 11:
· Trusting the Unseen: Faith acts as a lens, enabling believers to see beyond immediate, into God’s perspective.
· Reliance on God’s Character: faith allows us to trust in God’s goodness, power, and faithfulness to fulfil His promises.
· Active Obedience: it involves ‘taking action’ based on God’s word and following His guidance, even when it is difficult. True faith is not passive; but positive and active.
· Surrender over Self-Reliance: faith involves giving up the need to control situations and, relying on God’s sovereignty instead.
· Foundation of Relationship: Without faith, a relationship with God is impossible; it is the fundamental mechanism through which salvation and daily, guided living occurs.
· Enduring Hard Times: Faith helps us to find peace and stability in uncertain or dark times, trusting that God is working for our good.
· Focusing on the Eternal: it helps the believer to prioritize spiritual growth and eternal impact over temporary, earthly desires.
What “Living by Faith” looks Like
. .. it is filtering life through Scripture: Allowing decisions and attitudes to be guided by God’s word rather than emotions or worldly logic. Ultimately, the essence of faith is not just believing in God, but placing confidence in Him, knowing that He is trustworthy.
Discussion:
1. What is the role of faith in the Christian walk? Hebrews 11:6 | Ephesians 3:16-17 | Isaiah 41:10
2. What does walking by faith look like in practice? Proverbs 3:5-6 | 2 Corinthians 4:18
Prayer
