Understanding the Dual Aspects of Faith

Introduction

As we enter this very important subject of Faith, I just wanted to give some credit to my good friend Apostle David Young Snr, who first suggested that I write a book on Faith, as he had read several of my other writings and felt that I had a God-given grace to write. When he said that a ‘light’ went on inside of me and I knew that I had to, so here is what I came up with. All as a result of my 40+ years of preaching/teaching on the subject of Faith.

Also, please allow me to begin by quoting from the book of Hebrews: Hebrews 11:1-12, 30-40

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, and was not found, because God had taken him; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. . . . By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.

From this passage we understand that Faith has two dimensions to it:

1. Where we use our Faith to acquire and believe God for new things and victories in Him.

2. Where we use that same Faith to resist and battle against all odds to resist that which is thrown at us. Thereby becoming stronger in faith as we overcome. We need to know the difference.

So, it is from this premise we approach this tome. Be blessed, inspired, and encouraged as you read/study through these thoughts, which I have presented here!

CHAPTER ONE

Faith – What Is It?

What is Faith? Hebrews 11:1 AMP

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 what is not revealed to the senses]. [Emphasis and Paraphrase Author’s]

We can’t go anywhere until we deal with the first question: what is faith? Here are a few thoughts that I have heard over the years that I agree with:

1. Faith is confident assurance that God will do what He said He would do.

2. Faith is Biblical evidence of what we cannot see.

3. Faith is the ability to perceive as real what we cannot verify with our senses.

Hebrews 6:11-15 states:

And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

There is a fundamental difference between hope and faith.  Hope is ‘open-ended,’ meaning that it is not tied to anything. You can hope to be successful in life, hope to be healed of a sickness, hope to be promoted, etc.  Faith, on the other hand adds substance to this hope.  Faith must be tied to God’s Word.  When we can tie God’s Word to what we hope for, then we have confidence that He will do what He said He would do.  The Bible tells us that God does not change His mind (Numbers 23:19) and that He cannot lie (Titus 1:2).  So, when we substantiate our hope with the Word of God, we can have confidence that He will bring it to pass.

What is Patience? Hebrews 10:36 KJV

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. [Emphasis Author’s]

Most people think of patience as simply waiting.  In one sense this is true, but Biblical patience is more specific than simply waiting. 

Patience is "the ability to remain, steadfastly the same, no matter what circumstances may bring our way."  Patience is more than simply waiting on something to happen, but rather remaining the same while you wait.  You can see how this ability, coupled with faith, is very important. 

Because as we steadfastly wait on the fulfilment of the promise from God, the enemy will make every attempt to get you to lose heart during that ‘waiting time’.  He will tell you that God is not going to do it, that He did not hear your prayer, that you need to lower your expectations, etc., etc...

This ability to remain the same (patience) will enable you to combat the thoughts of fear, doubt, and unbelief; and make it possible for you to remain in faith.

James 1:4 AMP says:

But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing. [Emphasis and Paraphrase Author’s]

What is the big deal about patience?  Well, the issue is not whether you know how to suffer, or whether you know how to endure pain; the issue is whether or not you can be trusted to remain faithful for the long run.  Does God know that you have the ability to remain the same, no matter what the devil may attack you with?  That is the key issue.

If we search the Scriptures to find people that God used mightily you will see a common denominator in all of their lives – they were people that were proven faithful.  Here are just a few examples:

• Abraham proved himself faithful when he was willing to offer God his only son. 

• Noah proved himself faithful when he continued to seek God, even though he was surrounded by a world of heathens. 

• David proved himself faithful while he was a shepherd boy and protected his sheep from a lion and a bear. 

• Elisha proved himself faithful to serve Elijah for many years before he received his anointing.  And the list could go on.

Remember this:

• Happiness is a result of happenings; joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). 

• Happiness is only available when something good happens, and then only for a temporary period.  Once happiness is over, it is over.

• However, joy is a by-product of the presence of the Holy Spirit and is always available to those who are Born-Again. 

When unbelievers face difficulties they have to endure them without having the ability to tap into happiness.  On the other hand, Believers can face difficulties with the Holy Spirit and can therefore tap into Joy.  A Believer can always rejoice (Philippians 4:4), but an unbeliever can never be in a state of happiness all the time, specially in difficult/trying circumstances.

What good is your faith if has not been tested?  Tested faith is proven faith:  When challenges come your way don’t look at them as an overwhelming obstacle, but rather face them in faith.  Every test is an opportunity to exercise your faith and to prove your faith in that area.

Now Remember This: Faith Works with Patience!

Patience: The ability to remain steadfast, to continue pressing on and pressing in with a calm assurance and a bold confidence, regardless of the adversity or the length of time that has transpired, knowing that what God has said will surely come to pass.

It is the Greek word makrothumia and is rendered – to be long-winded or long-spirited; having fortitude; longsuffering; with long enduring temper. Steadfastness, consistency, endurance; the characteristic of someone who is not swerved from their deliberate purpose and loyalty to faith, even the greatest trials and sufferings; a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance. 

1. Faith and patience are the actual instruments through which the promises of God are received for our lives!

a. They work together – It takes a man and a woman to produce a child. For the sperm and the egg to produce new life; they must go together.

b. Hebrews 11:1 Faith is now – faith sees the end from the beginning.

• Because "faith is now", if from the moment a woman conceives the child, and until it’s birth it would be a matter of seconds instead of months that would be disastrous!

• Think of the contortions that woman’s body would go through stretching and chemical changes. It would devastate her physically, mentally and emotionally. It would be impossible for her to adjust to all the phenomenal changes so suddenly.

• In spiritual terms, that is exactly what would happen if the dream or vision God put in our heart manifested instantly. We would be unprepared to carry it forth.

• James 1:3-4 "Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

2. Patience brings God’s perfect timing into the picture.

a. Without patience there is no Due Season!

b. Due Season means exactly the right time, both for us, and the