Faith Pleasing Unto God

But without faith it is impossible to please him: 

for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that 

he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 

Hebrews 11:6

The word of God shows that if we are not faithful in trivial or small matters, we cannot expect to be faithful when confronted with weightier matters. 

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.  Proverbs 24:10

God tests our faithfulness in our day-to-day activities, and it is in them that the believers's maturity emerges. The Laodicean attitude, one of indifference to the things God considers important, often reveals itself as faithlessness. 

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.  Revelation 3:15

God's words to the church in Smyrna show that faithfulness does not guarantee a life free of persecution. 

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.  Revelation 2:9

In fact, the more faithful we are, the more at odds with the world we become.

®      Faithfulness is necessary in all situations:

His master answered, 'Well done, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.'  Matthew 25:23

The one who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and the one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.  If then you haven't been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will entrust you with the true riches?  Luke 16:10-11

Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. The devil is about to have some of you thrown into prison so you may be tested, and you will experience suffering for ten days. Remain faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown that is life itself.  Revelation 2:10

Being truthful, doing God's work and being loyal are also faithful works.  We are faithful when we lovingly conceal the sins of others rather than making it public and have private intervention rather than gossip about them.  

The one who goes about slandering others reveals secrets, but the one who is trustworthy conceals a matter.   Proverbs 11:13

As believers, we must make faith a living reality in our lives so that we can produce faithfulness.

We cannot please God without true faithfulness.

Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6

®      We demonstrate true faithfulness as revealed in the following scriptures:

A truthful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies.   Proverbs 14:5

Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the heart of his masters. Proverbs 25:13

Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves their food at the proper time?  Blessed is that slave whom the master finds at work when he comes.  I tell you the truth, the master will put him in charge of all his possessions.  Matthew 24:45-47 

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. James 2:18-24

The faith through which we please God and receive salvation is God's gift. 

Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit.  1 Corinthians 12:4 

to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,  1 Corinthians 12:9

Those in His true church have the faith of Jesus. It is not just our faith in Him, but His faith placed in us. Faithfulness, therefore, is a gift of God produced through the Holy Spirit.

®      We accumulate faithfulness ourselves:

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, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.  Romans 12:3

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.   Ephesians 2:8-9

®      It’s Jesus’ faith:

In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Ephesians 3:12

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Philippians 3:9

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 14:12

Apostle Paul says that Jesus dwelt in Him through the Holy Spirit. This indwelling of God's Spirit enables us to be faithful. Jesus' faithful mind is imparted to us and becomes part of our mind. If we provided the faith to obey God, it would be self-righteous. Our righteousness must come through the faith of Jesus Christ.

Faithfulness includes loyalty, conscientiousness, dedication and truthfulness. This not only refers to our feelings and actions toward God but also to the influences of the Holy Spirit in directing and controlling our behavior toward others. A believer must always be faithful—as a child, spouse, parent, friend, neighbor, and employee. The believer is faithful to his contracts and promises. Faithfulness is a character trait of one whom others confide in and trust.

®      The effect of Jesus living in us:

And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.  Acts 3:16

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.  Romans 1:17

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. Romans 8:9-10

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.  Galatians 2:20

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:   Philippians 2:5

(Biblical Studies)

06/09/16
04/15/20