46 The Trial of our Faith

Anchor of Truth

Episode 46 The trial of our faith

As Christians we often speak of faith and rightly so. But what is faith? How do we know we are walking in faith? What is the “trial of our faith”? We find ourselves challenged in this matter at every turn, yet the only way we can please God is by walking in faith. Sometimes what we call faith is only a strong determination to believe God for what we want to see happen. But faith that originates from us and our desires is not faith. Faith must originate from God and is given to do His will. This is where the weakness often is found. We are here for God, and God gives His grace to enable us to do His will, not ours. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith.

• Faith is not o Wishful thinking o Mind over matter o The way we get what we want • What is faith? o Faith is the “assurance of things hoped for” because God has spoken (Heb. 11:1) o Faith is based on the word of God (Rom. 10:17) o Jesus is the Author of our faith (Heb. 12:1,2) o Jesus is the Finisher of our faith • Faith comes as we abide in Christ o Faith requires relationship (John 15:7) o Faith is imparted for the purpose and glory of God (Acts 3:1-10) o Living in faith takes issues out of our hands and puts them in God’s hands • A central issue is death to the natural man o Paul—I have been crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20) o God has designed that we live His life by His faith o No flesh shall glory in His presence (I Cor. 1:29) • The trial of our faith works eternal issues o Patience (James 1:1-7) o Experience of God’s wisdom o Steadfastness o A testimony that brings glory to God, not man

• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/ • Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne • Comments and questions welcome. Email [e-mail]