What is Faith?

O. T. #987  "What is Faith?"
May 23, 2017
2 Chronicles 31


LET IT GLOW

After the Temple was reopened, cleansed, and reformed in Jerusalem and Judah, the priests and Levites were reestablished in their positions as spiritual leaders in worship of God. Many Israelites came to join in the observance of the Passover Feast with Judah. The revival through King Hezekiah spread, resulting in pagan shrines and altars, as well as Asherah poles being removed. We must be careful that we do not allow material possessions, wealth, pleasure, prestige to be in ou thoughts more than God. Then they become an idol to us.

Hezzekiah did that which was good, right, and truth before the Lord his God. He was a man of faith and prayer.

J. Vernon McGee had this to say about faith:

• Faith is not in the feelings; it is an accomplished fact.
• Faith is that which is wrought in the soul by the Holy Spirit.
• Faith is no self-meritorious. 
• Faith is only the instrument, Christ is the Savior and He is the object of faith.
• True faith "brings nothing so that I may take all."
• Faith trusts God.

When Peter made his great confession of faith in Jesus, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God, Jesus said the Father revealed it to him, not flesh ad blood. (Matthew 16:16-17)

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8)

Lord, I believe: help Thou mine unbelief. (Mark 9:24)

Have you ever put your trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior? Will you believe that He died in your place, paying for your sins? He arose from the grave to be your living Redeemer, not just a man. He gives us faith to believe. Will you ask Him to forgive you of your sins and be your Savior, right now?

If you already have, I rejoice. Now we should ask others those questions.
Are we trusting God with everything in your life?
Are we walking by faith today?

LET IT GROW

We see the results of reformation in Judah as they brought such an abundance of their tithe. The priests had not been supported by the government during the evil kings' reign. As the people gave a tenth of their income to the priests and Levites, that freed those men to serve God and minister to the people. The people responded generously and immediately. Are we regularly giving 10% to God through the church?

After we are saved by Lord Jesus, the reformation comes in our life, as we walk by faith. He will change our life, if we let Him. If Christ has forgiven our sins, we walk away from our old life and old sins, just as the sick man with palsy (Luke 5). If we do not walk away from our sinful lifestyle, we are still paralyzed with sin.

Life Application Study Bible informs us of ways Hezekiah led the people in  spiritual renewal:

1. He remembered God's compassion. (verse 9)
2. He kept going despite ridicule. (verse 10)
3. He aggressively removed evil forces in his life. (verse 14)
4. He interceded for the people, asking for the Lord's pardon. (verse 15-20)
5. He was open to spontaneity in worship. (verse 23)
6. He contributed generously to God's work. (31:3)

Are any of theses lacking in our life?
If so, we should recommit to God our all.

LET IT GO

Do what is good, right, and truth before God.

Keep the faith, in spite of ridicule.

Intercede for people.

Be open to worshiping in spontaneity.

Give generously to God's work.

Trust God for faith to walk by faith; keep walking.