Definition and Nature:
Lack of faith, within the biblical context, refers to a deficiency or absence of trust and confidence in God and His promises. It is often depicted as a spiritual shortcoming that hinders one's relationship with God and impedes the fulfillment of His will in one's life. This condition is frequently addressed in Scripture, highlighting its significance and the consequences it bears.

Biblical Instances:

1. Old Testament Examples:
· Israelites in the Wilderness: The Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is replete with instances of lack of faith. Despite witnessing God's miraculous interventions, such as the parting of the Red Sea and the provision of manna, the Israelites repeatedly doubted God's ability to provide and protect. In Numbers 14:11 , the LORD said to Moses, "How long will this people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, despite all the signs I have performed among them?"
· Moses at Meribah: In Numbers 20:12 , God rebukes Moses and Aaron for their lack of faith at the waters of Meribah, saying, "Because you did not trust Me enough to honor Me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land I have given them."

2. New Testament Examples:
· Peter Walking on Water: In Matthew 14:31 , when Peter begins to sink after initially walking on water towards Jesus, Jesus immediately reaches out to him and says, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" This incident illustrates how doubt and lack of faith can cause one to falter even in the presence of Christ.
· Disciples' Fear During the Storm: In Mark 4:40 , after calming the storm, Jesus questions His disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" This highlights the disciples' struggle to fully trust in Jesus' power and authority over creation.

Theological Implications:

· Hindrance to God's Work: Lack of faith is often portrayed as a barrier to experiencing God's power and blessings. In Matthew 13:58 , it is noted that Jesus "did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief," indicating that faith is a conduit through which God's power is manifested.
· Call to Trust: Scripture consistently calls believers to trust in God wholeheartedly. Proverbs 3:5-6 exhorts, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Consequences of Lack of Faith:

· Spiritual Stagnation: A lack of faith can lead to spiritual stagnation and a failure to grow in one's relationship with God. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."
· Missed Opportunities: The Israelites' lack of faith resulted in a generation missing the opportunity to enter the Promised Land (Hebrews 3:19). This serves as a cautionary tale of how unbelief can lead to missed opportunities for experiencing God's promises.

Encouragement to Overcome:

· Faith as a Gift: Ephesians 2:8 reminds believers that faith is a gift from God: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God."
· Strengthening Faith: Believers are encouraged to strengthen their faith through prayer, the study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. Romans 10:17 declares, "Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."

Conclusion:
While lack of faith is a common human struggle, the Bible provides numerous examples and teachings to guide believers towards a deeper, more trusting relationship with God. Through faith, believers are called to overcome doubt and embrace the fullness of life that God offers.Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Topicalbible.org

Matthew 16:8
Which when Jesus perceived, he said to them, O you of little faith, why reason you among yourselves, because you have brought no bread?
Topicalbible.org

Matthew 14:31
And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt?
Topicalbible.org

James 2:4
Are you not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
Topicalbible.org

570. apistia -- unbelief
... From apistos; faithlessness, ie (negatively) disbelief (lack of Christian faith),
or (positively) unfaithfulness (disobedience) -- unbelief. see GREEK apistos. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/570.htm - 7k

114. atheteo -- to do away with what has been laid down, set aside
... to (disregard as spurious); nullify, make void; to break faith (); remove out ... disannul,
abrogate (passive, "be set aside" because perceived to lack value); to ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/114.htm - 8k

4641. sklerokardia -- hardness of heart
... dry" and 2588 , "heart") -- properly, of heart because of a lack of moisture ... ie someone
refusing to be receptive (obedient) to God's inworking of faith. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4641.htm - 7k

James i. 6-8
... He who is conscious of his lack of faith, who desires to believe more, to become
stronger in faith, must in this also seek of God that wherein he is wanting. ...
/.../neander/the epistle of james practically explained/james i 8-jun.htm

After the Exposition of his Faith, or Rather his Lack of Knowledge ...
... After the exposition of his faith, or rather his lack of knowledge, he passes on
to another matter; and tries to make excuses for having turned the books Peri ...
/.../11 after the exposition of.htm

The Secret of Effectual Prayer
... This faith has specially to do with God. The great reason of our lack of faith
is our lack of knowledge of God and intercourse with Him. ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter ix the secret of.htm

Proving God's Faithfulness (1902-1908)
... We were traveling homeward by cart at the time and the matter was dropped;
though I felt my husband was hurt by my lack of faith. ...
/.../how i know god answers prayer/vi proving gods faithfulness 1902-1908.htm

A Model of Intercession
... Let us admit that the lack of faith, of which it is the proof, is the symptom of
a life that is not spiritual, that is yet all too much under the power of self ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter iii a model of.htm

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... We are responsible, therefore, not so much for the lack of faith, but for resisting
the Spirit who will create faith in our hearts if we will permit Him to do ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm

Of Faith.
... hath been four days dead, the Lord said, If thou believe, thou shalt see the glory
of God; as much as saying, Supply thou the dead man's lack of faith: and the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture v of faith.htm

The Second Miracle at Cana.
... he also intended them for those who stood by, for he used the plural "ye." That
the Galil??ans in general deserved reproof for their lack of faith, is shown by ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxviii the second miracle at.htm

Prayer and Desire
... True prayer, must be aflame. Christian life and character need to be all on fire.
Lack of spiritual heat creates more infidelity than lack of faith. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the necessity of prayer/iv prayer and desire.htm

The Lack of Prayer
... And what is now the way by which our sense of the lack of prayer can be ... task and
burden, of self-effort and strain, will pass away in the blessed faith that as ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter i the lack of.htm

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