No. 8 Public Bible Discourse: True Faith—What Is It, and How Is It Shown?
(Circuit overseer)
Note to speaker:
Warmly encourage newly interested ones and Bible students to cultivate and display faith. Help all to see
the practical benefits of having genuine faith
TRUE FAITH IS BUILT ON EVIDENCE (6 min.)
Many claim that faith and reason are incompatible (g 1/11 28)
In contrast, the Bible defines faith as firm belief based on solid evidence [Read Hebrews 11:1]
True faith is not mental laziness or an emotional crutch (w12 11/1 23)
For us to please God, our faith should be based on reason, not on blind belief (Pr 14:15; Ro 12:2; Heb 11:6)
Faith is not inborn; it is the result of diligent effort combined with God’s blessing (Ga 5:22; 2Th 3:2)
To develop true faith, we must gain an accurate knowledge of Bible teachings (Col 1:9, 10)
We must carefully examine our beliefs and weigh them against what we learn from the Bible
TRUE FAITH IS SHOWN BY ACTIONS (12 min.)
If our faith is genuine, it will be evident in our actions [Read James 2:17, 26]
It is not enough to say we accept the Bible’s teachings; what does our way of life show? (w97 11/15 15 89)
As we grow in knowledge of Jehovah God and his ways, our actions should show that we trust in him and view
his thinking as superior to our own (Isa 55:8, 9)
Consider the contrasting examples of Adam and Jesus:
Adam had regular communication with Jehovah; God’s existence was undeniable
Adam understood the consequences of disobedience, yet he still chose to disobey (1Ti 2:14)
Although he knew facts about God, he lacked faith and love
Jesus showed his faith by submitting to his Father’s will, despite knowing it would cost him dearly (Mt
26:39; w11 5/15 18-19 812)
He trusted that God’s way of doing things was right
Even a new disciple can show great faith (Mt 8:5-10; w05 4/15 25)
By faith, you can apply Bible principles in your family life
Family members may not understand or may even oppose your Bible-based beliefs
Faith enables you to endure with mildness and patience (w14 3/15 5-6)
What if members of your family do not apply Bible principles?
Your faith is demonstrated when you show love, respect, and forgiveness (Col 3:12-15)
By faith, you can put your worship of God ahead of your secular employment
You may discern that your employment conflicts with Bible principles or interferes with your worship
Faith can strengthen you to make wise decisions that safeguard your relationship with God (Mt 6:31-34;
w13 1/15 12-14 84-10)
By faith, you can speak to others about Bible truths
Even if your Bible knowledge is limited, you can share what you have learned about God’s purpose and
his promises for the future (2Co 4:13; bh 162 819)
TRUE FAITH BENEFITS US (7 min.)
Genuine faith brings us peace of mind now and gives us hope for the future
Faith in Christ’s ransom puts our mind at rest over past sins
When we truly repent of our past course and conform our life to God’s requirements, we can enjoy a clean
conscience, confident that God has forgiven our sins (Ac 3:19)
Faith in God’s purpose for the earth calms our anxiety over worsening conditions
God will not allow man to harm the earth beyond repair (Isa 45:18; Re 11:18; w14 9/1 3-6)
If we suffer injustice, we confidently leave matters in Jehovah’s hands, as Jesus did (1Pe 2:21-23)
We are protected from harmful emotions and the dangers of seeking vengeance (Ro 12:17-21; w09 9/1
22-23)
Faith in the resurrection provides real comfort when a loved one dies (Joh 5:28, 29; w08 7/1 7-8)
YOU CAN CULTIVATE TRUE FAITH (4 min.)
Jehovah’s Witnesses will be happy to assist you in studying the Bible and in gaining accurate knowledge that
leads to true faith
CA-cotk17-E No. 8 3/16
No. 8 True Faith—What Is It, and How Is It Shown?—Page 2
Ask Jehovah God to help you to grow strong in faith; he will bless your efforts
Imitate Abraham, who “put faith in Jehovah” and “came to be called Jehovah’s friend” (Jas 2:23)
Like Abraham, you can confidently look forward to God’s promised reward! (1Ti 4:10; Heb 11:8-10)
(Public talk at circuit assembly by circuit overseer, starting September 2016. Not all cited texts need to be read
or commented on, nor must every subpoint be discussed by the speaker)
CA-cotk17-E No. 8 3/16 TO BE COVERED IN 29 MINUTES
5 2016 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
