Topical Bible: Faith: Saints should be Strong In

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Faith is a central tenet of Christian life, serving as the foundation upon which believers build their relationship with God. It is through faith that Christians are justified, sanctified, and ultimately glorified. The Bible emphasizes the importance of having a strong and unwavering faith, particularly for those who are called saints, or holy ones, set apart for God's purposes.

Definition and Nature of Faith

Faith, as described in Hebrews 11:1 , is "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." It is a confident trust in God's promises, character, and redemptive work through Jesus Christ. Faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves a deep-seated conviction that influences one's actions and decisions.

Faith as a Gift and a Command

Faith is both a gift from God and a command to be obeyed. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." While faith is a divine gift, believers are also exhorted to cultivate and strengthen their faith. In Mark 11:22 , Jesus instructs His disciples, "Have faith in God."

Examples of Strong Faith

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who demonstrated strong faith. Abraham, known as the father of faith, believed God's promises despite seemingly impossible circumstances. Romans 4:20-21 highlights his unwavering faith: "Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised."

Similarly, the faith of the centurion in Matthew 8:10 is commended by Jesus: "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith." The centurion's trust in Jesus' authority and power serves as a model for believers.

Faith in Trials and Perseverance

Strong faith is particularly vital during trials and tribulations. James 1:2-3 encourages believers to "consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." Trials are opportunities for faith to be tested and refined, leading to spiritual maturity.

The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 , exemplifies enduring faith amidst adversity: "We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." His resilience and trust in God's sovereignty inspire believers to remain steadfast.

Faith and the Armor of God

Ephesians 6:16 describes faith as a crucial component of the armor of God: "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." Faith acts as a protective shield, enabling believers to withstand spiritual attacks and remain firm in their convictions.

Faith and Works

While faith is foundational, it must be accompanied by works that demonstrate its authenticity. James 2:17 asserts, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." Genuine faith manifests in obedience to God's commands and love for others, reflecting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Encouragement to Grow in Faith

Believers are encouraged to continually grow in their faith. 2 Peter 1:5-7 urges, "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love." This progression highlights the dynamic nature of faith and its role in spiritual development.

In summary, faith is an essential aspect of the Christian life, and saints are called to be strong in their faith. Through examples, trials, and the armor of God, believers are equipped to cultivate a robust faith that glorifies God and impacts the world around them.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 4:20-24
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Strong Faith in a Faithful God
... O faith! ... my fears." It is a pity that such a sweet encouraging profitable testimony
should be kept ... O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/strong faith in a faithful.htm

Strong and Loving
... their ears, as it were, that everything should be done ... be bidden to 'stand fast in
the faith.' Their slothful ... which yet he called a Church of saints, and for ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/strong and loving.htm

The Prayer of Faith is the Only Power in the Universe to which the ...
... The prayer of faith is the only power in the ... If, by any chance, a prayer chamber
should be established ... Put the saints everywhere to praying, is the burden of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter v the prayer of.htm

Rahab's Faith
... belong to an infidel club; if you should make them ... of sinners can make the most daring
of saints; the worst ... and the Lord give you that high and singular faith! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/rahabs faith.htm

Modern Examples of Prayer
... Lord, increase my faith.". ... Jonathan Edwards must be placed among the praying
saints"one whom ... of the great New Englander, purity of heart should be ingrained ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/xi modern examples of prayer.htm

Weak Hands and Feeble Knees
... God, and apart from that strength which faith can give ... to thy knees that they be
strong, look well ... Surely the examples of eminent saints should spur us onward. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/weak hands and feeble knees.htm

The Pilgrim's Longings
... The faith of God's elect continues and abides ... it occurs in the text, were hardly
strong enough to ... divine grace, I do not marvel that saints should persevere; but ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the pilgrims longings.htm

The Church as She Should Be
... "God forbid that we should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus ... Let us be
very earnest to maintain the faith once delivered to the saints. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the church as she should.htm

The Day of Rejoicing
... them, he sent letters to Alexandria ordering that Athanasius should be honorably ...
the whole of Egypt was strong and steadfast in the Faith. "The Saints of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/forbes/saint athanasius/chapter 7 the day of.htm

The Communion of Saints.
... And therefore this glorious communion should no longer be belittled ... is evident that
the activity of faith must have ... that there is in all God's saints but one ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxv the communion of saints.htm