People of Faith In Acts and the Epistles (Lesson 27)
Introduction:
1. The admonition given in Hebrews 10:38, "Now the just shall live by faith," indicates that the Lord wants His followers to be "people of faith." 2. To help us understand what is involved in "living by faith," we have studied: a. Hebrews 11, the faith chapter of the Bible b. passages in the Gospels that relate to faith. 3. In this lesson we are concentrating on some important points of information concerning faith that are revealed in Acts and the New Testament epistles [letters].
Discussion:
I. ACTS 14:27
A. When Paul and Barnabas completed their missionary journey, they returned to Antioch and "rehearsed all that God had done with them." B. They also reported how God "had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles."
II. THE EPISTLES
A. Romans 10:17 1. Faith comes by hearing God's Word. 2. However, in order for faith to develop, God's Word must be heard correctly. a. According to Hebrews 4:2, God's Word can be heard with no profit. b. The proper way to hear is explained in Luke 8:15; Acts 17:11. B. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 1. Paul discussed the message he preached in Corinth. 2. His purpose for preaching his message was for people to have their faith stand "in the power of God" and not "in the wisdom of men." C. 2 Corinthians 5:7 -- God's people are to "walk by faith, not by sight." D. Galatians 3:26-27 -- We become God's children "by faith in Christ Jesus" when we are "baptized into Christ." E. Ephesians 6:13-17 1. To stand against Satan we must put on "the whole armor of God." 2. A part of this armor is "the shield of faith" that enables God's people to "quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." F. Philippians 1:25 -- This verse mentions "joy of faith" (3:1a; 4:4). G. Colossians 2:11-13 -- God forgives us when we are buried with Christ in baptism and raised with Him "through faith of the operation of God." H. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 -- Verse 3 mentions "work of faith." I. 2 Thessalonians 1:3 -- The faith of God's people is to "grow exceedingly." J. 1 Timothy 6:11-12 -- God's people are to follow after faith and "fight the good fight of faith." K. 2 Timothy 1:5 -- Faith is influential, as illustrated by Timothy's mother and grandmother. L. Titus 2:2 -- Aged men are to be "sound in faith." M. Philemon 4-6 -- Faith is to be heard about and communicated. N. James 2:17,20,24,26 -- Faith without works is dead. O. 1 Peter 5:8-9 -- Faith is a key to resisting Satan. P. 2 Peter 1:5-7 -- Faith is the foundation upon which the Christian graces are to be added. Q. 1 John 5:4 -- Faith will enable God's people to overcome the world. R. 3 John 5 -- Whatever Gaius did for others, he did it "faithfully" (1 Corinthians 4:2). S. Revelation 2:10 -- To receive a crown of life, God's people must be "faithful unto death."
