Eddie J. Cornelius, Minister Emeritus
To Live by Faith,
One Must First Understand Faith
Gal. 3:11
by Eddie J. Cornelius
THESIS: To gain a clear understanding of Faith and how we are to walk thereby.
INTRODUCTION:
A. When we look at the world today we see so much misinformation, so many people
who are misguided, so much misunderstanding, so many that have been
misadvised, Scriptures misapplied, and thus misapprehended, which leads to
misbelief. Scriptures have been miscounted, and miscited, leading to
misconception, which in turn leads to misconstruction. Is there any wonder that
real faith is missing?
B. How can the just live by faith, as we are told to do in our text for today and in
Rom. 1:17, Heb. 10:38, if they do not understand what faith is?
C. How can the unjust become just? How can men be "saved by grace through
faith" (Eph. 2:8) without a proper understanding of faith?
DISCUSSION:
I. SO THEN WHAT IS FAITH? HOW IS IT OBTAINED
A. Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of
things not seen.
1. Substance - That which stands under, lends support to. Faith is the basis
of all that we do as Christians.
2. As giving confidence to. Giving reality to; that of which a thing is made.
(Heb. 1:3 "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image
of his person..." this shows us that of which makes God real for us. In
the same way faith makes our hopes real.
3. Evidence - reproof. a proof, proving, test. See 2 Tim. 3:16 where the
word of God is "Profitable for reproof..."
B. Faith is a gift of God.
1. Rom. 12:3 "...according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of
faith."
2. 1 Cor. 12:9 "Wisdom or knowledge imparted miraculously, I can
understand. But faith imparted miraculously? Faith here is plain ordinary
faith!..." (p169 Jim McGuiggan)
3. There are, of course, differing opinions on this point. Some believe this
refers to miraculous faith.
4. 1 Cor. 13:13 Faith is one of the three remaining spiritual gifts.
C. Faith comes as the result of hearing God's word Rom. 10:17
II. THE IMPORTANCE OF FAITH.
A. There are so many things that are accomplished "by faith".
1. Our hearts are purified by faith. Ac. 15:9.
2. We are sanctified by faith. Ac. 26:18
3. The righteousness of God is revealed and comes to all who believe by
faith. Rom. 3:21-23. But now the righteousness of God without the law is
manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; :22 Even the
righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon
all them that believe: for there is no difference: :23 For all have sinned,
and come short of the glory of God;
4. Man is justified by faith. Rom. 3:26, 28 and Rom. 5:1. Notice Gal. 2:16-20
5. We have Access to the Grace of God by faith. Rom. 5:2. So we see that
grace is not like snow, falling down on everyone, but grace must be entered
into, and the access to grace is by faith.
6. We "stand" by faith Rom11:2;
We walk by faith 2 Cor. 5:7;
We live by faith Gal. 2:20;
We receive the promise by faith Gal. 3:22;
We become children of God by faith Gal 3:26;
B. So we see that faith is of the utmost importance. Heb 11:6 But without faith it
is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is,
and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
III. WARNING: Do not mistake personal belief or preference for faith.
Rom.14:23 "...for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."
A. Names of Churches
1. Matt. 16:17,18; Christ's church
2. Rom. 16:16 Churches of Christ Salute you.
3. Ac. 4:12 no other name given.
B. Man made worship. Matt. 7:21-23; 15:8,9
C. Evidences of salvation.
D. Plans of Salvation. Eph. 3:8-11
CONCLUSION:
A. We have seen that faith is of the utmost importance.
B. We have seen that faith comes as a gift from God through hearing his word.
C. We have seen that faith is not a matter of personal preference or belief.
D. The question now is; Will you allow the word of God to build saving faith in you?
1. Hear the words of Jesus as they will judge you in the last day. John 12:47,48
Rom. 10:17 They build faith.
2. Mark 16:16 You must believe to be saved.
3. You must repent and believe the gospel. Mark 1:14,15; Luke 13:3,5
4. You must confess before men and confess with the mouth. Matt. 10:32;
Rom. 10:9,10
5. You must be baptized.
a. It is authorized by Jesus. Matt. 28:19
b. It must be for the remission of sins. Acts 2:38
c. It must be water baptism. Acts 8:36-38
d. Because baptism saves. 1Peter 3:21
