Acknowledgments L
iving Logos was the heart-work of Bro Dale Starks and Sis Josephine Starks, missionaries to Singapore in the early 1980s. As the original authors of this devotionals, the Starks meant for these self-study materials to help new converts (and matured saints alike) get a hold of an understanding of God’s written Word. Since Sis Stark’s passing in 2013, the couple had graciously entrusted Tabernacle of Joy with its copyright. Therefore, with every print run, we would like to honour their life work and sacrifice in bringing the gospel to Singapore. This copy is an updated and revised version. Be blessed as you immerse yourself in the Word and allow God to transform you into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
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Spiritual Growth 2
Spiritual Growth 2
Lesson
Eighteen
FAiTh
...If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove: and nothing shall be impossible unto you. — matthew 17:20
1. the deFinition oF Faith: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. — hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen. — hebrews 11:1, authorized version Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title-deed) of the things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see and the conviction of their reality—faith perceiving as real fact, which is not revealed to the senses. — hebrews 11:1, amPlified bible
“Faith is a union of assurance and conviction, the counting or reckoning of a thing desired as though it were already done” — anonymous
“Faith is the golden link binding us to every promise of God” — dwight l. moody
“Faith is trusting and believing without question” — webster’s diCtionary
“Faith is simply taking God at His Word” — a Christian lady
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2. the importance oF Faith: At least 747 verses in the Bible deal with the subject of faith, and trusting and believing God. Few, if any, other Bible subjects have this kind of scriptural coverage: read: hebrews 11:6-7; romans 14:23, and James 1:7 The most important things in life: salvation, health, happiness, peace, joy, contentment, hope—and much more—cannot be purchased with money, but are obtained by faith! 3. the laW oF Faith: Jesus said, “According to your faith be it unto you” — matthew 9:29
Not fate (the belief that what is to be will be). Not fortune (you may have abundant things, but God wants you to enjoy the abundant life). Not fame or friends (being popular doesn’t get you anywhere with God). Not feelings (because we walk by faith and not by sight or feelings). “A little faith may bring your soul to heaven, but greater faith will bring heaven to your soul.” referenCes: ii kings 4:1-7; matthew 8:5-13 4. the obJect oF our Faith: “And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God” — mark 11:22
Do you have faith in prayer? Don’t! Have prayer in faith directed towards God. Prayer is not some kind of hocus pocus (magical formula) that we repeat a few times to get what we want. We know the true God, and our faith must be directed towards Him.
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Don’t put your faith in: a. Material things: Ecclesiastes 2:4-11; Psalm 20:7; I Samuel 17:38-39 b. Man: Acts 3:11-12 c. Methods: Jesus healed the blind using various methods, so that the faith of the people would be directed towards Him, and not His method. 1) He touched them (Matthew 9:27-29). 2) He spit on his eyes (Mark 8:23). 3) He made clay out of spit and dirt, and put it on his eyes (John 9:1-7). 4) He simply spoke, “Go thy way, thy faith hath made thee whole” (Mark 10:46-52). Even in giving people the Holy Ghost, the Lord made sure that our faith would not be directed towards any certain method, but towards God: 1) Approximately 120 people received the Holy Ghost as they were sitting, praising God (aCts 2:1-4). 2) Peter and John laid hands upon the believers in Samaria, and they received the Holy Ghost (aCts 8:14-17). 3) The Holy Ghost fell on them which heard the Word of God (aCts 10:44). 4) Paul laid his hands upon twelve men, and they received the Holy Ghost (aCts 19:1-6).
how To inCreAse our FAiTh 1. Faith comes through Familiarity With god’s Word: ...faith cometh by... the Word of God — romans 10:17
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a. God’s Word reveals His will for us: Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. — ePhesians 5:17
b. God’s Word reveals the true nature of God: 1) It is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18; II Timothy 2:13; Titus 1:2). 2) He is able to do all things (Ephesians 3:20). If this is true (which it is), we can claim whatever He has promised in His Word! On the day of Pentecost, after the approximately 120 people had received the Holy Ghost, not one person more received the Holy Ghost until the Word of God was preached, so that the will of God was made known to the multitude that had gathered together. The multitude had witnessed the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Ghost upon the 120, but they needed to hear the Word of God: ...they that gladly received his word were baptized. — aCts 2:41
Cornelius was fasting and praying, but he did not receive the Holy Ghost until the Word of God was preached, and he understood what God’s will was for himself (Acts 10:44-46). A knowledge of the Word of God enables us to have faith to believe God, so that all our needs might be met—spiritual, physical, and material (Philippians 4:19; Psalm 103:1-5). 2. Faith comes by using the Faith We already have (romans 12:3). a. Caleb (Numbers 13) Where did Caleb get his faith to proclaim so boldly: Let us go up at once, and possess it (the land of Canaan); for we are well able to overcome it. — numbers 13:30
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Twelve spies, including Caleb and Joshua, had been sent to spy out the land of Canaan. They came back and reported that it would be impossible for Israel to defeat their enemies, because the cities were walled, and there were giants in the land. Only Caleb and Joshua came back with the encouraging report. Where did they get their faith? Was it dropped into their laps in one big bundle? No, it was developed through experiences they had gone through previous to their coming to the land of Canaan: the crossing of the Red Sea, the bitter waters that were made sweet, the heavenly manna, the water that flowed from the rock, etc. b. Put whatever amount of faith you have in action. Use it, and watch it grow. Faith without works is dead (James 2:17). c. Faith without works is like a man putting all of his money in the foundation of a house. d. Works without faith is like a house without a foundation. e. Faith with works is faith in action.
VOCABULARY
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conviction
—
state of being convicted
fate
—
the belief that what is to be will be
substance
—
the real or essential part of anything
Lesson Eighteen Test Spiritual Growth 2
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Give Four definitions of faith that you like the best:
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The most important things in life cannot be purchased with __________, but are obtained by ____________.
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What is the law of faith (Matthew 9:29)? _________________________ _________________________________________________________.
7-10 List four things that law the is not:
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Give 3 scriptures that show the importance of faith: ________________ _________________________________________________________.
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A little faith may _________________________________________, but greater faith will _________________________________________.
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Should we have faith in prayer?
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Jesus said, “Have faith in _________________.�
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Name three things that should not be the object of our faith: _________ _________________________________________________________.
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Jesus healed the blind using various methods so that our faith ________ __________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________.
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Faith comes through familiarity with ____________________________ ___________________.
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Faith also comes by using the faith ______________________________ ____________________.
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Faith without works is like a man _______________________________ ________________________.
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What was of special interest to you in this lesson?
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