Living by Faith in Practical Terms
Select Leader who will decide who to read each section by choosing the person who has lived in his or her present home the shortest time.
Personalize. Think of some sentences in which you use the word “faith” in a secular sense, and consider how these usages are the same or different from how you use the word faith in religious language.
Bible Background. The English words “faith” and “belief” are both used to translate one particular Greek word. The meaning of that word is “to have become convinced.” The shade of meaning of the word, both in Greek and English, is affected by whether the word that comes after it is “that” or “in.” To have faith “that” something is true has a different shade of meaning from to have faith “in” someone. Think again of some uses of “faith in” and “faith that” in secular usage, and compare to religious uses.
Read God’s Word.
1.Pleae read John 3:16: God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.
Is this faith “in someone” or faith “that something” is true?
Author comment: I feel that “Being saved by grace through faith” encompasses both “that” and “in,” because it is faith “in” Jesus “as” the Son given by God to do what is necessary so we have eternal life. Do you agree?
NOTE: John 3:16 has explained what is called “saving faith.” There is another category: for those who are already saved, the Bible talks about “living by faith,” that is, the life-style of daily dependence on the God who has already saved us. The next two verses present daily life concepts for those who already believe in Jesus:
2. 2 Corinthians 5:7 We walk by faith, not by sight. What do you think is meant here by “walking by sight?” How is it different from “walking by faith?”
3. 2 Peter 1:4 states that for those who walk by faith and do not walk by sight, God has given us His precious and magnificent promises. Are there certain of God’s promises that you often think about or depend on?
[Note: the verses above all use the word “faith” when it means “depending and trusting.” Some Bible verses have a different usage. When some verses talk about “the faith,” those verses mean “the collection statements about Christian truths.”]
APPLICATION. For each of the following verses, explain what the promise is, and what kind of life situation might motivate someone to draw upon that promise:
1 Corinthians 10:13. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. (New Living Bible), (note; this promise is about a temptation, not an ailment).
Romans 8:28-9. We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose. Those whom God had already chosen he also set apart to become like his Son, (Good News Translation)
Hebrews 13:6. So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
SUMMARY. Based on these verses, I sense that God’s will for me today is …
INSIGHT. What is there about me that keeps me from doing this (this gives you insight into your sin nature, so you know what to ask Jesus to forgive and change. You do not need to share this insight out loud)
CHRIST forgives you and gives you this promise for the future: God is at work in you both to give you the will to follow God, and the power to do what God wants. Philippians 2:14.
Pray together to conclude.
Going forward, as you do your personal Bible reading, watch for promises that are the antidote to the particular struggles you are going through, and mark them for future reference.
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