Do I understand what true genuine faith is?

Yesterday

We came to understand God is the One who tests us.

Today

Because God tests us to prove our faith, we are going to LOOK at faith

See the video at the end!

Open GODcha to the Book of James.

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NOTE:

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Or, you can use your hardbound Bibles and follow along.

You can print off this post and put in a Notebook!

 

As We Meet With God, Let’s Pray

Oh Lord, we thank you that Your Word is right at our fingertips. Make us understand the way of Your precepts, so we will meditate on Your wonders, (Psa 119:27). Thank you!

 

Remember, LOOKING is where we are learning to spend our time. So. . .

Let’s LOOK at What God SAYS 

Let GODcha lead you in your discovery.

Open GODcha’s LOOK Segment >

What will you do today to LOOK at what God says?

Yes, you guessed it . . .

READ God’s Word

Read James 1:2-4. Yes again!

Ask the 5W’s and H Questions.

There is no substitute for repeated readings of the text. And even better – read it aloud.

You will find yourself subconsciously memorizing these verses.

Engage now>

 

Unlock the Meaning 

GODcha Recommends Key Words

Let’s uncover ‘faith’ that is Key.

 

Understand God’s Words

Zoom In On The  Meaning of Faith 

Dictionary Tutorial >

Faithpístis; A firm persuasion, conviction based on hearing: of who God is; of who Christ is; of Christ’s death/resurrection as the ground of justification before God; in the truth; in the gospel.

 

Just a side note for you all to know!

Faith and believe come from the same Greek root word.

Faith is a noun, and

Believe is a verb.

To believe is to have faith!

 

Now, to understand faith so we can live by it, we need to understand the three vital elements of faith.

I want to give you the definition I learned years ago, that comes from the Vine’s Bible Dictionary showing that faith is so much more than an intellectual assent.

 

The Vine’s Bible Dictionary tells us that

there are 3 main elements in faith in relation to the invisible God, as distinct from faith in man and are especially brought out in the use of this noun and corresponding verb.” 

1. “a firm conviction producing a full acknowledgment of God’s revelation of truth. e.g. (2Th 2:11-12) “

a Firm Conviction: of who God and Jesus are, and who and what I am, a sinner in need of a Savior;

2. “a personal surrender (a total abandonment to God), (Joh 1:12)”

an Absolute Total Surrender – Commitment: to Jesus as Lord and Savior.

3. “a conduct inspired by such a surrender, (2Co 5:7).”

a Conduct:that gives evidence to one’s conviction and commitment.

Faith is:

Conviction,

Commitment, 

Conduct!

Understand: True faith not only believes, it behaves!

Understand: Faith is more than an intellectual assent!

I want to encourage you to memorize these 3 C’s so you can share with others, as the Lord would lead.

 

TIP: Remember to take what you have learned back to the text, to see what it means in its context.

knowing that the testing [the proof] of your faith [conviction, commitment and conduct] produces endurance…”

Hear God Speak!

LISTEN…

What might the Spirit be asking?

Do I believe?  Do I have a true faith?

What do I believe about God and Jesus Christ?

Do I have a firm conviction believing God is who He says He is, and Jesus is the Christ? 

When did I commit (surrender) my life to Jesus as Lord and Savior? 

What is my conduct?  Does it give evidence of my conviction and commitment? 

If I don’t believe, do I want to believe?

Respond to God…LIVE it out! 

 

Check Out Other Truths About

Faith

CR-Cross References-Word Search Tutorial

And Hear God Speak!

Remember:

THINK and REASON through what God is saying by asking the 5W’s and H.

1. According to Romans, how does faith come?

Faith comes by hearing, hearing by the Word of Christ. (Rom 10:17)

LISTEN. . .

 

Have I come to faith?

What did I hear that brought me to faith?

Respond to God. . .LIVE it out!

 

2. What is faith, according to Hebrews?

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Heb 11:1)

LISTEN. . .

 

What do I believe that I hope for?

What am I convinced about that I cannot see?

Why am I banking my life on what God has promised, the things I cannot see?

Respond to God. . .LIVE it out!

 

3. In Hebrews, how important is faith to God?

In the context of Enoch, who walked with God we see:

a. Without faith it is impossible to please God. (Heb 11:6)

 

b. He who comes to God, must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who seek Him. (Heb 11:6)

Understand: the only thing that pleases God is that we believe in Him.

LISTEN. . .

 

Am I pleasing God because I believe in Him? Believing He is who He says He is?

Am I seeking God 0n His terms, or mine?

Am I seeking God through Christ?

Am I daily walking in the presence of God?

Or, am I one of those who does not please God?

Respond to God. . .LIVE it out!

 

4. What does Paul tell us faith rests on?

Faith does not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. (1Co 2:5)

LISTEN. . .

 

What does my faith truly rest upon?

Respond to God. . .LIVE it out!

 

5. According to Ephesians, what does faith have to do with salvation?

By grace you are saved through faith and not of yourselves, it is a gift of God; not a result of works(Eph 2:8-9)

We see: we receive salvation when we trust in who Jesus is and what He has done for us.

LISTEN. . .

 

Am I saved? When was I saved by grace through faith?

Do I understand my works do not save me?

Respond to God. . .LIVE it out!

 

What Did You LEARN About Faith?

You Sum it Up!

You’re on your own today. 

You can do this!

 

That’s a Wrap! Take a Breath!

 Reflect and Meditate.  

 

Be quiet and think about these truths you have learned about faith.

O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day,” (Psalm 119:97).

 

Journal Your Discovery in Your Notes 

As we bring this day to a close, journal your discovery, thoughts and communion with the Lord in your Notes.

You might also jot the 3C’s, the definition of faith, in your hardbound Bibles next to this verse.

If room, perhaps the Cross References too.

You will be so glad you did.

 Video Tutorial >   Notes Tutorial>

 

Turn What We Have LEARNED into a Prayer

This will help you remember what you have learned.

Let me help. . .

GRACIOUS FATHER GOD, open our hearts and fill them with praise for You today.  Oh Lord, You have made it very clear that the way of salvation is clearly by grace through faith lest anyone should boast.  I pray earnestly Lord that all who are joining in this discovery of James, that each of us truly believes that You are God and there is no other, and that Jesus, You are indeed God’s Son, God in the flesh, the Christ, Messiah. I pray each of us has been convicted, understanding we are sinners in need of a Savior and forgiveness, utterly helpless to save ourselves. I pray that each of us has surrendered our lives to You, possessing this true faith and are empowered to express it and live it in the midst of our trials.

We come to You and thank you for our salvation.  By faith alone we come to You desiring to please You.  Oh, may we glorify You Father God, and You sweet Jesus, our Savior and Lord, in whose name we pray and ask these things.  Amen!  

 

Rest tomorrow and worship God!

Meet you in a couple of days to LOOK Trials: Produce Endurance in James 1:2-4.

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