Mat 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

*An extrinsic experience of outward appearances

5.  Faith - O ye of little faith (1)

Mat 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Mat 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

Mat 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Mar 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

     Let's take our questions, fears, doubts, and limitations and replace them with the words of the Lord and expect His faithful response. 

Instead of questioning our worth we believe

"shall he not much more clothe you"

Instead of dwelling on fear we believe 

"he rebuked the winds and the sea and there was a great calm"

Instead of giving in to doubt we believe

"he stretched forth his hand and caught him"

6.  Faith - Overcoming faith (1) 

1Jo 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

1Pe 5:9 Whom [the devil] resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

1Pe 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

1Pe 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

       God assures us that our faith is greater than the tribulations of the world.  He warns us to stay alert to our spiritual enemy, and know that the adversary pulls the same tricks on all of God's people; however, we have the power to resist him in faith.  Even though we don't see the Lord, His Spirit resides within us, and through our faith we experience the joy of the Lord, our true victory. 

7.  Faith - Identifying a weak faith (1) 

Mar 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

Luk 8:25 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.

Rom 4:19 And being not weak in faith, he [Abraham] considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:

Rom 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

       Abraham didn't hesitate or drop his faith in God's promise to him even though the reality of his circumstances said something different. He received the promise of God.

Signs of a weak faith: fear, doubt, dwelling on our circumstances.

     We know that our faith is in a weak state when we find ourselves struggling with fear and doubt.  The only way to strengthen our faith is to develop our personal trust in God and His promises.  By filling our minds and hearts with verses that will inspire trust in God, and basing our decisions on these truths, God will perfect our faith in His grace, love, faithfulness and power.

A sign of unwavering faith: Giving glory to God!

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8.  Faith - In The Hall of Fame (1) 

Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Heb 11:2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

Heb 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Heb 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

Heb 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
 

       Faith guarantees fruit.  When we have faith we have those things we are hoping for but without yet seeing its manifestation.  Faith brought good news for the elders, and by faith Able pleased God.

As for Enoch,

Gen 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

Faith is walking with God and doing those things that please Him. Faith changes lives and creates a potential for wonder, working miracles.

9.  Faith - In The Hall of Fame (2) 

Heb 11:6 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.

Heb 11:7 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.

Heb 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Heb 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

       We "completely gratify" God through faith because at first it is an act of trust based on God's promises alone and allows His will to be fulfilled in our lives by that trust.  The believers listed in the hall of fame, as examples of faith, could not fully see what God was preparing for them.

     Noah and his family were spared and he became an heir of the Lord's righteousness well before Christ's sacrifice and victory on earth.  In contrast, as Christians we see what God has prepared for us in Christ, and now is the time to understand and take hold of all that God has given us in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ.

1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

1Co 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

10.  Faith - In The Hall of Fame (3) 

Heb 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
 

Heb 11:25 (Moses) Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

Heb 11:27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

Heb 11:28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

Heb 11:29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

       Moses rejected the glory of the world for the glory of God.  He trusted God in all of His promises.  Again we see faith and courage versus fear in the heart of Moses.  He also did not yet see Christ's work of salvation, yet was protected by the blood of the Lamb against the judgments that fell upon Egypt; he trusted God and was able to lead God's people to safety.  We too have our deliverance in Christ and trust God to fulfill all the promises He has given to us, His church.  Even though our full physical redemption is not yet, we are spiritually seated with Christ in the heavenlies. 

11.  Faith - In The Hall of Fame (4) 

Heb 11:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

Heb 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
 

Heb 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

Heb 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:

Heb 11:33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

       Concerning things to come — Greek, “even concerning things to come”: not only concerning things present.

Faith alters history, our current lives, and how we prepare for the future.

All is made possible because of the work of Christ!

2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new
creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

12.  Faith - In The Hall of Fame (5) 

Through faith - continued

Heb 11:34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
 

Heb 11:35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
 

Heb 11:36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
 

Heb 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
 

Heb 11:38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

       There are various ways of expressing the power of faith.  Some witnessed great miracles of life while others refused deliverance and looked forward to a greater glory; These great men and women of the Old Testament received miracles and overcame the greatest of obstacles through faith, even in the face of severe persecution. 

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13.  Faith -  Built on understanding (1) 

Mat 9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

Mat 9:5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?

Mat 9:6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

Luk 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

Luk 7:50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

      Sin has brought physical, mental, and emotional bondage to humanity.  Our true deliverance and healing are found through faith in Christ alone.  The paralytic was physically set free, however for the woman, she was made mentally and emotionally whole.  She loved the Lord because she truly understood the destruction of sin and the great sacrifice the Lord would perform in her behalf to set her free.  She understood the Lord's love and forgiveness and this deeply and genuinely affected her response to Him.  The power of her faith is seen in her actions.  She was set free from all of her past sins and any accusations the people or the devil might continue to throw her way. 

     Those who are not yet able to fully comprehend the great work of Christ will lack the passion seen in this woman.  Paul, who persecuted the Christians in ignorance, became one of the most sold out (willingly as a slave) for Christ that the Church has ever known.  The power of our faith also lies in our understanding. 

14.  Faith -  Strengthens us (1) 

Psalms 27;13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

1 Timothy 4;10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

Luk 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Rom 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.       

     Faith keeps us focused on the ability of God and safeguards our hope.

15.  Faith -  Receiving God's promises (1) 
 

Ro. 4:21: And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

James 1:3: Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Heb. 6:12: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

2Co 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

2Pe 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

     All of God's promises inspire and keep us focused, while patience under girds our faith as we continue to take hold of them.

16.  Faith -  In Warfare (1) 
 

1Ti 1:18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;

1Ti 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

1Ti 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

1Ti 6:12 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.

Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.


     The good fight of faith is backed by a good conscience, in which our faith is purified and our journey solidified.  Faith provides the shield that conquers ALL the fiery darts of the devil.

Shield — the large oblong oval door-like shield of the Romans, four feet long by two and a half feet broad; not the small round buckler (JFB).

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17.  Faith -   A fruit of the Spirit (1) 
 

Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Ja. 2:22  Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect (complete)?

1Th 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
 

     Many wonder how we might increase our faith.  Paul says if we walk in the Spirit we will produce the fruit of faith.  A fruit that is born of the Spirit.  Believing or following after the spiritual things of God causes His Word to be effectual or "energeō" (to be active, efficient, and mighty) in us. 

18.  Faith -   Effectual by love (2) 

Gal 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

1Ti 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

1Ti 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

Phm 1:5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;

Phm 1:6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

     Faith unfeigned - From G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of G5271; undissembled, that is, sincere: - without dissimulation (hypocrisy), unfeigned (Strong).

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19.  Faith - Sanctification (1) 

Act 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

Act 26:18 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.

Tit 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

Jam 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

     Genuine faith involves action.  In faith, we sanctify the Truth of God in our hearts and manifest it in our lives.  Is our faith dead or alive?  If our faith is alive, we will grow in the Spirit and visibly reflect what we believe in all that we say and do.   

20.  Faith - Sanctification (2) 

2Co 1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

2Co 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

Heb 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

2Ti 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

1Th 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

Stand - Continue to hold up

Walk - "walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary): - go, be occupied with, walk (about)" (Strong's).

Day / Sober - As children of the light be watchful.

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21.  Faith - Believing & Receiving (1)

On behalf of others:

Mat 8:5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,

Mat 8:6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

Mat 8:7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

Mat 8:8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

Mat 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

Mat 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

Mat 8:13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

   The centurion, motivated by a deep compassion for his ailing servant, sought the Lord, and confessed his faith in the power of the Lord to heal the sick.  That day, the centurion's faith in the Lord saved his servant's life.  We should never underestimate the power of our faith in God on behalf of others.

22.  Faith - Believing & Receiving (2)

On behalf of others con't . . .

Mat 15:22 A Canaanite woman who lived in that region came to him. "Son of David!" she cried out. "Have mercy on me, sir! My daughter has a demon and is in a terrible condition."

Mat 15:23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

Mat 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Mat 15:25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

 Mat 15:26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.

Mat 15:27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.

Mat 15:28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

     This woman persisted in her quest for the Lord's help.  In spite of her circumstances, and the negative remarks of Jesus' disciples, her faith remained focused and steadfast, thus her daughter was delivered from from a ferocious evil.  It would seem that the Lord knew that his analogy (of the children's bread) would reveal the wisdom in her great confession of faith.  This verse reminds us that all things are possible to the person who believes.

23.  Faith - Believing & Receiving (3)

On behalf of others con't . . .

Mar 9:17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;

Mar 9:18 And whosesoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.

Mar 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

Mar 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Mar 9:25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

     This gospel account demonstrates to us that as we walk in faith, to the best of our ability, God will do the rest. Nonetheless, Christ confirms to us over and over again the limitless possibilities of faith in Him.

24.  Faith - Believing & Receiving (4)

On one's own behalf

Luk 8:43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,

Luk 8:44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.

Luk 8:45 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?

Luk 8:46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.

Luk 8:47 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.

Luk 8:48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

     This gospel account is quite unique! The afflicted woman believed that by touching the hem of the Lord's garment she would receive her healing, in which she was immediately made whole.  As the crowd pressed upon Jesus, it was the woman's unwavering faith that caught the attention of Christ, for He knew that power had gone out of Him. 

   Mar 5:28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

Who touched me (Luk 8:45)? — “Askest Thou, Lord, who touched Thee? Rather ask who touched Thee not in such a throng (JFB).”

25.  Faith - Believing & Receiving (5)

On one's own behalf

Mat 9:27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.

Mat 9:28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

Mat 9:29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

Mat 9:30 And their eyes were opened . . ."

     One cannot help but be moved by the earnest plea of the blind men,  and understand the joy they must have experienced in having their needs miraculously met on that wonderful day.  The blind men did not receive an immediate answer, but followed Jesus into the house.  This account inspires us to hold onto the promises of God in faith and know that what God is willing to do, He is also able to perform - Ro. 4:21.

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26.  Faith - Access to God (1)

Heb 10:21 And having an high priest over the house of God;
 

Heb 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
 

Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

     We are fully accepted in Christ, and therefore we can approach God (our Father) in strength and confidence.

Heb 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

 All out spokenness, that is, frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication assurance: - bold

   (Strong's)

27.  Faith -  In Prayer (1)

Jam 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

Jam 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraided not; and it shall be given him.

Jam 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Wisdom:  Practical use of knowledge

Let him ask (aiteitō): Present active imperative of aiteō, “let him keep on asking.”

(RWP)

28.  Faith -  In Prayer (2)

Luk 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not . . . "

Mar 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Jud 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

Mat 13:57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.
 

Mat 13:58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

In the Lord's hometown of Nazareth - Jesus did not many mighty works there, because of their unbelief — “save that He laid His hands on a few sick folk, and healed them” (Mar 6:5).
 

     29.  Faith -  In everything (1)

Rom 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
 

Rom 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
 

Rom 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
 

Rom 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

     When we act, at least according to what we think is right, we are happy and will not condemn ourselves, but even when we act, not necessarily against the knowledge of God, but believe that we are acting against our conscience, a sense of condemnation remains.

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     30.  Faith -  because He's faithful (1)

Psa 36:5 Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.

Psa 40:10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

Psa 88:11 Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? or thy faithfulness in destruction?

Hos 2:20 I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.

Psa 143:1 <A Psalm of David.> Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.

God is faithful in unlimited mercy, loving kindness, truth, in personal relationships, righteousness and salvation!

     31.  Faith -  because He's faithful (2)
 

Isa 25:1 O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

1Pe 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Lam 3:22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
 

Lam 3:23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

2Ti 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

2Ti 2:13 -
 

believe not — “If we are unbelievers (literally, ‘unfaithful’), He remains faithful." The oldest manuscripts read, “For He cannot (it is an impossibility that He should) deny Himself.” He cannot be unfaithful to His word that He will deny those who deny Him, though we be not faithful to our profession of faith in Him (Rom 3:3).

JFB

     32.  Faith -  because He's faithful (3)
 

1Th 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

2Th 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1Co 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

     God is always faithful!  We can exchange fear for faith in every situation, knowing that God protects us from evil, He will give us the victory in temptation, and has provided the way for eternal fellowship now and forevermore. 

     33.  Faith -  because He's faithful (4)

1Pe 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
 

Rev 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
 

Rev 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

     When we let go of our fears and follow the Lord, we will never be without strength.  When we're in conflict with the flesh and choose to be guided by His Word and Spirit, we will handle every situation without future regret; in this, we are trusting in a faithful and true Creator, in which we are promised the heavenly:

2Pe 1:10 - 11

" . . . for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
For so an entrance shall be ministered (supplied) unto you abundantly (richly) into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
 

What a beautiful promise!

     34.  Faith -  Because His Words are Faithful (5)

Rev 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Rev 22:6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

Tit 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Heb 4:2 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.

   Mixed with faith - agreeing with the Word to the point of responding to or obeying its truth. 

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     35.  Faith -  Because He is Trustworthy (1)

Psa 4:5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

2Sa 22:3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

2Sa 22:31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

1Ch 5:20 " . . . for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.

Psa 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
    

       If we're trusting God, then we are believing God.  

1. Refuge - Shelter or protection from danger or distress.

2. Buckler - A kind of shield, or piece of defensive armor, anciently used in war. It was composed of wood, or wickers woven together, covered with skin or leather, fortified with plates of brass or other metal, and worn on the left arm. On the middle was an umbo, boss or prominence, very useful in causing stones and darts to glance off. The buckler often was four feet long, and covered the whole body (Smith).

     36.  Faith -  Because He is Trustworthy (2)

Psalm 7:1  O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:

Psa 9:10 . . .And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

Psa 11:1 <To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.> In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?

Psa 11:7 For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

Psa 16:1 <Michtam of David.> Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.

Psa 17:7 Shew thy marvelous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.

     David's faith in God, as depicted in his psalms, is astounding.  He always rose to the occasion and took hold of his confidence in God.  Violent and wicked men sought to take David's life, but David knew better.  What did David know?  Described in Scripture, as a man after God's own heart; David knew God!  In Psalm 9, David says, those who know God will trust Him.

The Prophet Daniel tells us,

Dan 11:32 . . . but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.

     37.  Faith -  Because He is Trustworthy (3)

Psa 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Psa 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

Psa 31:6 I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.

Psa 31:19 Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

Psa 31:20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

The various terms used to describe God as an object of the most implicit and reliable trust.

rock — literally, “a cleft rock,” for concealment.

strength — a firm, immovable rock.

horn of my salvation — The horn, as the means of attack or defense of some of the strongest animals, is a frequent emblem of power or strength efficiently exercised.

tower — literally, “high place,” beyond reach of danger.

JFB

     38.  Faith -  Because He is Trustworthy (4)

Psa 34:22 The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

Psa 36:7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

Psa 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Psa 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Psa 37:40 And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
 

     We understand the value of God's loving kindness and therefore we remain under His shadow, and as we trust in Him and continue to do good, we will be satisfied.  God not only asks us to commit ourselves to Him, but that we firmly rely on His integrity and character.

desolate — guilty or punished

Excellent - valuable

Strong

     39.  Faith -  Because He is Trustworthy (5)

Psa 40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Psa 40:4 Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

Psa 44:6 For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.

Psa 49:6 They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;
 

Psa 49:7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:
 

Psa 49:8 (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)
 

     First and ultimately, we place our trust in God because He alone is the giver of life, as He gave David "a new song" into his heart and into his mouth.  David suffered great personal tragedy in his family life, but he died praising the Lord.  Life is to be valued far above any human or earthly power:  Psa 49:17 "For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him."

Psa 49:8 -
 

it ceaseth for ever — that is, the ransom fails, the price is too precious, costly.

JFB

Psa 73:28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

Psa 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Psa 115:9 O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.

Psa 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Psa 118:9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

Psa 119:42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
 

     Psalm 91 - Trusting in the Lord delivers and protects us from "the fear of all evil." 

    Psalm 115 - Three times we are told in Psalm 115 that the Lord is our "help" and 

our "shield."

    Psa 119 - The Lord will equip us to answer those who reproach us for our trust in Him and ask, "where is your help from God?"

      It is better to trust in the Lord than man or prince, because man, "though he may have a will to help, oftentimes has it not in his power; and when it is in his power, and has promised it, he disappoints, being changeable or unfaithful. Wherefore trust not in man, but in the Lord" Gill).

*Verses from KJV or ASV, definitions from Strong's Heb./Gk. Dictionaries. All sources - esword, unless otherwise stated.

     43.  Faith -  Because He is Trustworthy (9)

Psa 125:1  They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.
 

Psa 125:2 As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
 

Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
 

Pro 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
 

Pro 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
 

Pro 3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

     We can understand that by trusting in the Lord we are relieved of the pressure and anxiety that often accompanies tribulation, in which the health of our minds and bodies are preserved in Him.

Mount Zion — as an emblem of permanence, and locality of

Jerusalem — as one of security, represent the firm and protected condition of God’s people

44.  Faith -  Because He is Trustworthy (10)

Pro 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
 

Pro 29:26 Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.

Isa 26:4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Isa 31:1 Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Isa 31:3 Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.

Isa 30:3 Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.

     There is nothing wrong with seeking to provide oneself with the necessities and enjoyments of this life.  It is when we compromise our conscience, because we trust more in human power for our security, than God, that we become ensnared.  At the end of this type of mentality awaits failure, confusion, and shame. 

From H3369; a noose (for catching animals), (literally or figuratively); by implication a hook (for the nose): - be ensnared, gin, (is) snare (-d), trap.
(Strong)

45.  Faith -  Because He is Trustworthy (11)

Isa 50:10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.
 

Nah 1:7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

2Co 1:9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

2Co 1:8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

2Co 1:9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

2Co 1:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

Isa 50:10

Feareth the Lord - hear intelligently

Walketh in darkness - misery

Hath no light - brilliance or (clear) shining

Stay upon his God - to support oneself by leaning on God

"Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous" (Psa 112:4).

46.  Faith -  Because He is Trustworthy (12)

2Co 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
 

2Co 3:4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
 

2Co 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
 

2Co 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

       The "fleshly tables of the heart" is speaking of the living Word residing in every believer which is the Holy Spirit.  Yes, we have the written Word, but we also have the living Word within us.  We have life now, not just later when we get to heaven, but in heaven we will be perfectly conformed to the Prince of Life, where both soul and body will be made wholly incorruptible.  Presently, it is the Spirit of God within us that is incorruptible, and our power on earth over sin and darkness. 

47.  Faith -  God's promises to those who practice believing (1)

2Ch 20:20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

Luk 1:45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
 

Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
 

Joh 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Mark 9:23 . . . all things are possible to him that believeth . . .
 

       In a figurative sense (2 ch 20), Christians are not exempt from entering their own wilderness journeys in this world, but we are never abandoned by God.  Look at the meaning of the words "be established" and "prosper," in which we do well, when we allow this hope to comfort and guide us through our darkest times. 

be established - built up and supported

prosper - push forward, break out, go over, be good

We are never alone in the wilderness: never, never, never!

(Strong)

48.  Faith -  Caution against unbelief (1)

Heb 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
 

Heb 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
 

Heb 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

Heb 3:18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
 

Heb 3:19 So we see that they (wilderness journey) could not enter in because of unbelief.
 

  Heb 3:14 - In the Contemporary English Version the 2nd part of this  verse reads,

". . . So let's hold tightly to our faith until the end."

Partakers - We share in the nature and character of Christ