Where Is Your Faith

          Jesus asked the question of the apostles, after having calmed the sea, “where is your faith” (Luke 8:25)?  The question offers many points of consideration such as: the meaning of faith; faith is not optional and faith must be personal.  Let us notice this question and these points as we do a self analysis of our faith.

          The meaning of faith – Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).  This verse gives the biblical definition of faith but then the chapter of Hebrews 11 defines faith by the wonderful examples.

          In the definition the Hebrew writer speaks of “substance” and “evidence”.  The word “substance” carries with it the idea of, a setting under, assurance or confidence.  The inspired writer states that the one who has faith can be confident in those things which he expects to receive.  The word “evidence” is described as proof or conviction, but this is proof or conviction of things one has not yet seen.  This faith is possible because of the substance and evidence gained through the truthfulness of God.  God’s truthfulness has been proven time and time again from the beginning of time and will continue to be so without failure (I John 1:1-3).

          The examples given in Hebrews 11, of the faith of those listed, show faith to be that of action; By faith Able offered (11:4), By faith Enoch…pleased God (11:5), By faith Noah…moved…prepared (11:7), By faith Abraham…went (11:8), By faith Moses…refused (11:24).  Each of these individuals and all others listed took action in obedience to God because of their faith.  In light of these examples, where is your faith?

          Faith is not optional - 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).  To be acceptable in the sight of God one must have faith (the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen).  Faith is not blind, nor does God expect one to follow Him blindly nor will he accept one following Him blindly.  One may not understand how God will accomplish all that He has promised, but with the substance and evidence of the things in the past one must have confidence of those things in the future.

          Peter describes faith as belonging to those who are being obedient to Christ, that all who are obedient will have “like” precious faith, and that this faith is through the righteousness of God and Christ (I Peter 1:1).  Because of God and Christ doing that which is right all who desire to obey God, by knowing what God and Christ have done, will have faith (I Peter 1:3-4).

          Faith must be personal – Twenty four times in the New Testament the phrase “your faith” is used and many more times the lesson is taught that the faith demanded by God is a very personal, individual faith (I Corinthians 2:5; Ephesians 1:15; James 1:3).  The phrase “your faith” teaches that it is the individuals’ responsibility to have the proper faith.  One must realize that judgment will be upon the individual not the couple, family, or congregation (John 5:28:29) therefore it is vital that each has his own faith.  One cannot live on the faith of others such as their: spouse, parents, children, grandparents, friends or any one else.

          Notice these truths about faith: faith can be in vain (I Corinthians 15:14, 17); faith can be increased (II Corinthians 10:15); faith can be recognized by others (Romans 1:8); faith can bring joy to others (Philippians 2:17); faith can bring comfort to others (I Thessalonians 3:7) and faith must be in God and Christ (Colossians 1:1; I Thessalonians 1:8).

          Faith is so much more than words, it must be ones life.

          Where is your faith?

                                                                                                             Tim