What Is Faith And How Do We Know We Have It?

Faith is a central tenet of Christianity, and the Bible offers guidance on how to recognise it in oneself. According to 2 Corinthians 13:5, believers should examine themselves to see if they are in the faith. The first epistle of John was written to help believers recognise signs of genuine faith. These include enjoying fellowship with Christ and His people, walking in the light, obeying God's word, loving God, doing what is right, seeking a pure life, and loving other Christians. Additionally, faith is associated with absolute rest, no anxiety or fear, and praise and thanksgiving. Faith is also built by hearing God's word, and it is the key to receiving salvation and manifestations of God's power.

Praying expecting an answer

Praying while expecting an answer is a crucial aspect of strengthening one's faith. The Bible provides valuable insights and guidance on this topic, offering believers a roadmap to navigate their spiritual journey with confidence and assurance.

Firstly, it is essential to recognise that faith is a gift from God, and Romans 12:3 affirms that "God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." This understanding serves as a foundation for believers, assuring them that they have been endowed with faith by God Himself. Building on this foundation, Romans 10:17 highlights the importance of hearing God's Word: "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Regular engagement with Scripture, whether through personal Bible reading, listening to testimonies, or attending church services, is vital for strengthening one's faith.

Additionally, the Bible encourages believers to pray with expectation. In Jude 20 and 1 Corinthians 14:14, we are instructed to pray in the Holy Spirit, allowing our faith to be built up through this intimate communion with God. The Bible also provides assurance that God hears our prayers. 1 John 5:14-15 states, "if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him." This assurance is further reinforced in Matthew 7:7, where Jesus invites believers to ask, seek, and knock, promising that the door will be opened.

However, it is important to remember that prayer is not a means of getting whatever we want but rather a way to align ourselves with God's will. 1 John 5:14 reminds us that we can approach God with confidence, knowing that "if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." This alignment with God's will requires obedience to His Word and a life characterised by righteousness and purity. As believers, we are called to examine ourselves and our lives to ensure that our faith is genuine and bearing fruit (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Lastly, prayer is not just about asking but also about confessing our sins and seeking forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 states, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Through confession and repentance, we position ourselves to receive God's grace and experience the power of His forgiveness.

Faith brings rest

Faith is discernible. You can tell if it's in your heart or not. Faith has corresponding actions, and when these are absent, you can be sure faith is not there either.

Faith brings absolute rest. It doesn't matter if your circumstances have changed; you will have rest when faith has settled in your heart. This means there will be an assurance in your heart that what you are believing in God for is settled. You will envision a better future, days of good health, prosperity, and bliss, according to the promises of God.

Rest also indicates patience. If you have believed, you will not be hasty. You will be patient enough to trust God for your future. You can have rest concerning the salvation of your soul. Your physical needs will not be enough to put you in a state of unrest. That is when faith is resident in your heart.

Faith rests on the integrity of the Word of God. It means casting your cares upon the Lord. Your level of rest is your level of faith.

The Bible says, "Be careful for nothing; but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6). If you truly have faith, you will be so confident in God's word that fear or anxiety can no longer take hold of you.

God desires that we come to rest (or perfect peace) concerning our lives, and that is what faith does.

Faith dispels fear and anxiety

Faith is a gift from God, and it is a measure that is dealt to every man. Romans 12:3 says, "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."

Faith is a powerful tool that can help us overcome fear and anxiety. It is a source of peace, assurance, and confidence. When we have faith in God, we can find strength and comfort in knowing that He is in control, even during times of uncertainty and adversity.

The Bible tells us that Jesus loves to free His people from their anxieties and fears. In fact, much anxiety, according to Jesus, stems from a lack of faith. By placing our trust in God and His promises, we can find courage and peace that surpasses all understanding. Philippians 4:7 speaks of this peace, saying, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

To strengthen our faith, we can follow these steps:

• Hear God's Word: Romans 10:17 says, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." By reading the Bible, listening to testimonies, and attending church, we can build our faith.
• Pray: Build your faith by praying in the Holy Spirit (Jude 20, 1 Corinthians 14:14). Pray with expectation and faith, knowing that God hears and answers your prayers.
• Live by Faith: This means having confidence in God's promises, even when we don't see the outcome with our natural eyes. It's about trusting God and His plans for us, even in difficult times.

By following these steps and keeping our focus on Christ, we can find the strength to hush our fears and experience the peace that comes from a deep faith in God.

Faith leads to obedience

Faith is a gift from God, and it is the key to receiving His blessings and power in our lives. But how do we know if we truly have faith, and what does that faith lead to?

Signs of Faith

Firstly, we can examine ourselves and look for signs of faith in our lives. Do we enjoy fellowship with Christ and other Christians? Do we walk in the light, confess our sins, and obey God's Word? Do we love God and strive to do what is right? These are some of the questions we can ask ourselves to assess our faith.

Additionally, we can look for specific signals that indicate the presence of faith in our hearts. These include:

• Absolute rest: Faith brings assurance and peace, even in challenging circumstances. We can trust God's promises and rest in His salvation.
• No anxiety or fear: True faith casts out fear. When we have faith, we are confident in God's Word and power, and anxiety cannot take hold of us.
• Praise and thanksgiving: People with genuine faith give thanks and praise God, regardless of their situation. They focus on God's goodness and power rather than complaining or murmuring.

Faith is not just a passive belief; it leads to action and obedience. As the Bible says in James 2:17, "Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." When we have genuine faith, we will obey God's commands and live according to His Word. This obedience is not to earn our salvation but is a natural outcome of our faith and gratitude for what Christ has done for us.

Obedience to God's Word demonstrates our love for Him and our trust in His plans for our lives. It is an expression of our faith and our recognition that God's ways are higher than our ways. By obeying His commands, we align ourselves with His will and purpose for our lives, which brings blessing and fulfillment.

Furthermore, obedience is an act of worship. When we obey, we acknowledge God's sovereignty and our dependence on Him. We demonstrate our faith in His goodness and our belief that He will fulfill His promises.

In conclusion, faith is not just a feeling or a passive belief; it leads to active obedience and a transformed life. As we trust in God and His Word, we will find rest, peace, and the strength to obey His commands. This obedience is a testament to the power of our faith and our relationship with our Creator.

Faith produces works

Firstly, faith brings Absolute Rest. This means that irrespective of your circumstances, you will have rest when faith has settled in your heart. You will have assurance and patience, and you will not be hasty.

Secondly, faith does not co-habit with fear. If you have true faith, you will not give fear and anxiety any space in your heart. Your heart will be filled with strength and courage as you read and meditate on the Word of God.

Thirdly, faith is characterised by Praise and Thanksgiving. A person with faith gives thanks regardless of their situation. They rejoice in tribulations and speak with authority, irrespective of their circumstances.

These signals of faith are important because faith is necessary to please God. It is how we receive salvation, and it brings signs, miracles, and wonders. Faith is the key to unlocking God's power in our lives.

We are all given a measure of faith by God, and we can build upon it by hearing God's Word. We can read the Bible, listen to testimonies, or listen to the Word of God in church. By building our faith, we can live by it and please God.

Therefore, faith produces works. It leads to open confession, obedience, and a life characterised by doing what is right. It is not enough to simply believe in God; our faith must lead to action and bear fruit in our lives.

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