Stay Strong With Scripture: Faith-Filled Verses

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Faith is a central tenet of many religions, and the Bible contains numerous verses that address the topic of losing faith. For instance, Hebrews 10:35 encourages believers not to lose their bold, courageous faith as they are destined for a great reward. Similarly, Luke 22:31-33 relates how Jesus prayed that Simon Peter's faith would not fail, despite Satan's desire to test him. The Bible also offers reassurance to those who fear losing their faith, such as in First John 3:19-20, which states that God is greater than our hearts and knows everything, and in Romans 8:38-39, which asserts that nothing in creation can separate us from God's love.

Characteristics Values
Book Hebrews
Chapter 10
Verse 35
Message Don't lose your bold, courageous faith
Reward Great reward
Book Luke
Chapter 22
Verse 31-33
Message Don't lose your faith
Book Luke
Chapter 17
Verse N/A
Message Don't cause someone to lose their faith

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Luke 8:13 — Losing faith in times of temptation

In Luke 8:13, Jesus explains the parable of the sower, describing the seeds on rocky ground as those who hear the word of God and receive it with joy, but who ultimately fall away in times of temptation because they lack deep roots. This passage highlights the importance of having a strong foundation in one's faith to withstand trials and challenges.

Jesus' disciples, including Peter, faced similar trials. In Luke 22:31-32, Jesus warns Peter that Satan has asked to test him and the other disciples. However, Jesus reassures Peter that he has prayed for him, so that his faith will not fail. This passage underscores the importance of prayer and spiritual support during times of temptation.

Jesus himself faced intense temptation, as described in Luke 4:1-13. After fasting for 40 days in the wilderness, Jesus was physically vulnerable when Satan appeared and tempted him to turn stones into bread. Jesus resisted, demonstrating that we must be vigilant and prepared to face temptation, especially when we are at our weakest.

Satan's tactics are subtle and deceptive, often presenting sin as a "golden opportunity" or a "chance of a lifetime." He mixes truth and error, appealing to our desires and needs, but failing to mention the consequences of our actions. To resist, we must be wise to his schemes, armed with God's strategies, and firmly rooted in our faith.

Jesus provides us with several strategies to overcome temptation:

  • Spend time alone with God in prayer and Scripture study.
  • Be prepared for temptation, especially after spiritual victories.
  • Be filled with the Holy Spirit and rely on God's strength.
  • Know and apply Scripture to counter Satan's lies.
  • Recognize that victory over temptation is not final, and we must remain vigilant.
  • Be cautious of false teachers who mix truth and error.
  • Be aware of our vulnerabilities and guard against them.

In conclusion, Luke 8:13 and other passages in the Gospel underscore the importance of maintaining faith during times of temptation. By learning from Jesus' example and following his strategies, we can resist Satan's schemes and stand firm in our faith.

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Hebrews 10:35-39 — Losing faith as a result of casting away confidence

Hebrews 10:35-39 is a powerful reminder to maintain faith and confidence in God, even in the face of adversity. The passage begins with the exhortation, "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded" (Hebrews 10:35). This confidence is rooted in the truth of the gospel and the promise of a great reward for those who persevere.

The following verses emphasise the need for patience and perseverance in doing God's will (Hebrews 10:36). It is through faith and obedience that believers will receive the promised reward. Verse 37 provides reassurance, stating, "In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay" (Hebrews 10:37). This assurance reinforces the importance of remaining steadfast in faith.

Hebrews 10:38 draws a clear distinction between those who live by faith and those who shrink back: "But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back" (Hebrews 10:38). This verse underscores the importance of actively living out one's faith and not wavering in the face of challenges.

The passage concludes with a declaration of belonging and salvation for those who maintain their faith: "But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved" (Hebrews 10:39). This final verse serves as a reminder that faith is an active choice, and those who persevere will find their souls saved.

Overall, Hebrews 10:35-39 encourages believers to hold fast to their faith and confidence in God, even during difficult times. It promises a great reward for those who persevere and live by faith, while also warning against shrinking back or losing confidence. This passage is a powerful testament to the importance of bold and courageous faith in the face of adversity.

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Hebrews 11:1-40 — Losing faith and the evidence of things unseen

Hebrews 11:1-40 is a powerful passage that speaks to the nature of faith and the assurance of things we hope for but cannot see. It begins by defining faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1, NKJV). This means that faith is not merely a blind belief but a confident assurance in the promises of God, even when we cannot fully comprehend or see them with our physical eyes.

The passage then goes on to provide examples from the lives of various biblical characters, highlighting how their faith was demonstrated through their actions. Abel, for instance, offered God a sacrifice that pleased Him, showing his righteousness through faith (v. 4). Enoch walked with God and was taken away without experiencing death because of his faith (v. 5). Noah, warned of God's impending judgment, built an ark and saved his family (v. 7). Abraham obeyed God's call to go to a land he would inherit, even though he did not know where he was going (v. 8). These examples demonstrate how faith led these individuals to act on God's promises, even in the face of uncertainty.

The passage continues with more examples, including Sarah, who, despite her old age, believed in God's promise and gave birth to Isaac (v. 11). Abraham's faith was further tested when God asked him to sacrifice Isaac, and he obeyed, believing that God could even raise Isaac from the dead (v. 17-19). Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses are also mentioned for their acts of faith (vv. 20-28). The Israelites' escape from Egypt and the fall of Jericho's walls are also attributed to their faith (vv. 29-30). The harlot Rahab, who sided with the spies and was spared, is another example of faith in action (v. 31).

The writer of Hebrews could go on, mentioning heroes of the faith like Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, performed miracles, and endured great trials (vv. 32-35).

The passage concludes by emphasizing that all these faithful individuals received a good testimony, yet they did not fully receive what was promised during their lifetimes (v. 39). Instead, God had planned something better, so that they would be made perfect together with those who follow in their faithful footsteps (v. 40).

This passage is a reminder that faith is not just a passive belief but an active trust in God and His promises, even when we cannot fully see or understand them. It encourages us to follow in the footsteps of these biblical heroes, trusting that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing.

Additionally, in Luke 22:31-32, Jesus encourages Simon Peter, saying, "Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." This assurance from Jesus to Peter is a powerful reminder that even when we face trials and testing, we can be confident that God is with us, strengthening our faith and using it for His glory.

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1 Peter 3:15 — Losing faith and the need to sanctify the Lord God

The Scripture 1 Peter 3:15 says:

> But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.

Here, the word "sanctify" means to declare and proclaim God's holiness, as seen in the example of the seraphim in Isaiah's prophecy and the four living creatures in the Revelation. It also means to glorify Him, praising and giving thanks for His perfections. This includes His work in creation, providence, redemption, and grace.

By sanctifying the Lord God in our hearts, we are setting Him apart as holy and acknowledging His sovereignty in our lives. This internal sanctification is opposed to the fear of men and unbelief and is an exercise of the grace of fear upon Him. It involves glorifying God, bearing witness to His truth, and proclaiming His holiness.

The Scripture further instructs us to be ready to give a defense or explanation of our hope in Christ to anyone who asks. We should do this with gentleness, respect, humility, and fear, recognizing the importance of honoring God in our response.

In summary, 1 Peter 3:15 encourages us to sanctify the Lord God in our hearts and be prepared to share the reason for our hope in Him with others, always doing so with meekness and reverence.

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Luke 17 — Losing faith and causing others to lose faith

In Luke 17, Jesus warns his disciples about losing faith and causing others to lose faith. He says that situations that cause people to lose their faith are certain to arise, but those who cause others to lose faith will face horrible consequences. Jesus instructs his disciples to correct a believer who sins and forgive them if they change their ways.

The apostles then ask Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus responds by saying that even a small amount of faith, like a mustard seed, can achieve great things. He uses the example of a mulberry tree, saying that with faith, they could tell the tree to uproot itself and plant itself in the sea, and it would obey.

Jesus goes on to talk about the importance of forgiveness and humility. He gives the example of a servant following orders and how they should not expect praise for simply doing what they are told.

The passage then shifts to Jesus healing ten men with a skin disease. Only one of the ten, a Samaritan, returns to praise God and thank Jesus. Jesus highlights this foreigner's gratitude and tells him that his faith has made him well.

Jesus then answers the Pharisees' question about the coming of God's kingdom, saying that it cannot be observed and that it is within people. He also talks about his return, comparing it to the time of Noah and Lot, and warns that those who try to save their lives will lose them, while those who lose their lives will save them.

Overall, Luke 17 emphasizes the importance of faith, forgiveness, and humility, and highlights the consequences of causing others to lose faith.

Frequently asked questions

The Bible offers several verses that speak to those who fear losing their faith or have lost it. For instance, Hebrews 10:35 says, "So don't lose your bold, courageous faith, for you are destined for a great reward!"

Yes, there are several verses that can provide comfort and reassurance. For example, Romans 8:38-39 states, "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

In Luke 17, Jesus told his disciples, "Situations that cause people to lose their faith are certain to arise. But how horrible it will be for the person who causes someone to lose his faith!" He further instructed them to watch themselves and forgive others, even if they wrong us multiple times.

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