I. Understanding & Applying a Divine Faith

A. In Heb. 11:6a, God says, “Without faith…” – thus it is very important for us to understand faith!

a. (Heb. 11:1a), “Now faith is the assurance…” – primarily, faith = trust (so all people have faith)
1) Therefore the question then becomes, “In what do you trust?”
2) For the Xn, II Cor. 4:18, “For we do not look at the things …”

b. (Heb. 11:1b), “…the evidence of things not seen.”
1) The “evidence” of our trust – is demonstrated by our obedience to God.
2) (Matt. 7:24-27), “Everyone who hears these words of Mine AND ACTS UPON THEM…”
3) (James 2:14), “What use is it, my brethren, if a man says he was faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him?”

c. So when God says in Heb. 11:6, “Without faith it is impossible to please God – for those…”
1) Thus the “Faith Equation” – is demonstrated by two parts…
(i) The “believe that He is” – is shown by our trust.
(ii) The “…those who seek Him” – is shown by our desire to live in obedience to His will.

B. So What Does It Mean to be “Faithful”?

1. Historically we have dealt with only half of the faith-equation when defining faithfulness…
a. A person’s “Faithfulness” is usually defined - by the focus of the people who is being asked.
1) Education Deacon – “He is become more faithful in his attendance in Bible class.”
2) Involvement Deacon – “She is showing a lot of faith and getting more active in ministry.”
3) Finance Deacon – “He has increased his giving. He is really growing in faith.”
4) Evangelism Deacon – “She has really been inviting people to church. She is truly faithful.”
5) Worship Deacon – “He now wants to take part in our public worship. Truly a faithful man.”
6) Etc.!!!
b. I don’t believe any of these statements are wrong. – But they primarily deal with obedience.
1) As we have seen in our “faith-equation” – obedience is essential if we are to please God.
2) (Heb. 4:18-19), “

2. But if we are truly going to be “faith-FULL” (as opposed to half-full) – then we are going to need to deal with the other half of the “Faith-Equation.”
a. Back in Heb. 11:3, “By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, - so that what was seen was not made out of things that are visible.”
1) Thus, the trust side of the “Faith-Equation” – understands that God is able to make something out of nothing – IF WE ARE WILLING TO TRUST IN HIM AND HIS WILL!!!
2) This doesn’t mean God makes the “unreal” real – that’s a fairy tale.
3) It means we will trust God – to make the unseen real – IF we are to accomplish His will!
b. So… while obedience puts us to the test – (to see if we truly have faith in God to do His will) – Trust puts God to the test – to see if He can be counted on - to see if He wants His will done!
C. Two Examples of People Who Trusted God (in spite of what folks with common sense may have said)!

1. “You won’t be able to do this. You have never done anything like it before!”
a. One of the main reasons why people are afraid to trust – is it forces them out of their “zone”
1) The 7 pall-bearers of the church = “We/I have never done that way before!”
2) Simply because it is something we haven’t done before – doesn’t mean we can’t do it!!!
3) Remember, “Faith is able to bring into existence – that which had not existed before!!”

b. The story of Abraham – is a still filled with examples – of his willingness to trust in God.
1) (Rom. 4:17), “As it is written, ‘A father of many nations have I made you’ – in the sight of Him whom he believed – God, who give life to the dead – and CALLS INTO BEING THAT WHICH DOES NOT EXIST! - Abraham trusted God to make him able to do God’s will1
2) (vs. 18-19), “In hope against hope he believed, - on order that he might be the father of many nations, - according to what God had spoken, ‘so shall your descendants be.’ - And without becoming weak in the faith (Obedience? or Trust?) – he contemplated his own body, - now as good as dead since he was about 100 years old, - and the deadness of Sarah’s womb….” – Abraham had every reason not to trust – yet he believed God to make up for where he lacked!
3) (vs. 20-21), “…yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waiver in unbelief, - but grew strong in faith (Obedience? or Trust?), giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was also able to perform.” – Remember, “Faith is the assurance
4) (vs. 22-23), “Therefore also it was reckoned to him as righteousness. – Now not only for his sake was it written, that it was reckoned to him, but for our sake also, - to whom it (R.) will be reckoned, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.”
5) ABRAHAM AND TRUST – AS AN EXAMPLE TO ALL OF US!!!!

2. “You think God is going to be able to do WHAT?!”

a. Not only is God able to make changes in the individual who trust in Him – He is willing to “move the heavens and the earth” – for those who trust in God.
1) Read Joshua 10:1-15
2) God had never done anything like what Joshua asked – so why did Joshua believe He would?
3) Because in v. 8, God had promised him victory – Joshua was only asking (and trusting that God would) – God to do what He had already promised!
4) Remember – Obedience puts us to the test / Trust puts God to the test!!!
5) ILLUST.: What would be required to cause BOTH the sun & moon to stand still???! “Star Birth in Serpens!” – OUR GOD IS FAR BIGGER THAN WE BELIEVE!!!!!!!

3. So … are you faith-full?
a. If you say yes – is it because you are closer to God in your obedience – than in times past?!
1) That’s good!!! – Because we can’t be faithful – while at the same time being disobedient

b. If you say yes – is it because you are trusting God in a greater way than you have in the past?
1) That’s good!!! – Because we can’t be faithful – if we are not living in trust to God!

c. Thus, for your elders, deacons/ministry leaders, and EACH OTHER – pray for each other’s faith.
1) Then begin TRUSTING IN GOD – AND ACTING UPON THAT TRUST.
2) Start encouraging your leaders – to be men & women – who refuse to make any plan – that does not demand – God to supply what we do not have – AND TO TRUST HIM TO GIVE IT

INVITATION… (So are you “Faith-FULL” – or are you only “Faith=1/2 Full”???!!!