Neither Idle nor UnfruitfulSample

Faith - Meaning of the word

The Greek word is πιστις (pistis) which is related to the verb πειθω (peitho) - "to persuade". To believe means to be firmly persuaded. Depending on the context, the word "faith" can mean: firm conviction, persuasion, conviction, belief, trust, reliability. The dictionary definition of the word “faith” in English is: "unquestioning belief that does not require proof or evidence... complete trust, confidence, or reliance… allegiance to some person or thing; loyalty" (Webster).

Faith - A certainty

The classic biblical definition of faith is found in Hebrews 11:1 (AMP): Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. The common perception of faith is that it is wishful thinking that lacks a foundation. In the Bible, we find out instead that it is a certainty on which we can rely (Luke 1:1-4) because God provides “credible proof” (Acts 17:31 AMP).

Faith - Trust in a person

True biblical faith is trust placed in a trustworthy person (2 Corinthians 1:9; 4:13,14; 1 Peter 1:21; Romans 4:19-21). Jesus dwells in our hearts by faith (Ephesians 3:17). The more we know God by faith, the more we see that His character is true (Romans 3:3,4), which leads us to trust His Word (1 Timothy 1:15; Acts 27:21-26). Jesus exhorted the disciples to “have faith in God”, that is, to trust Him (Mark 11:22).

Faith - Persuasion based on experience

Our faith is strengthened by having experiences that confirm our trust in God (2 Timothy 1:12). Thus faith makes us fully convinced (Philippians 1:25). Believers are already assured in their present lives that they are on the right path (1 Peter 1:6-9). Faith "works" - the woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years “felt in her body [and knew without any doubt] that she was healed of her suffering” (Mark 5:25-34 AMP).

Faith - A way of life

The Bible speaks of walking by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7 AMP). This encompasses every part of our lives and actions (Colossians 2:6-7). The Christian life begins by faith and continues by faith (Romans 1:16,17; Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 12:2).

Faith - Understanding the foundations of salvation

The term 'faith' can also be used to refer to the sum of biblical doctrines.

• Acts 6:7 - a great number of priests became obedient to the faith
• Acts 14:22 - the disciples were urged to remain true to the faith
• Galatians 1:23 - the former persecutor now preaches the faith
• Galatians 6:10 AMP - believers become members of “the household of faith”
• Philippians 1:27 - faith stands for the message of the gospel.
• 1 Thessalonians 3:10 - believers must mature to fill the gaps in their faith

Biblical examples of faith

Abraham - the man who walked by faith

He is the father of all who have faith (Romans 4:16,17; Galatians 3:7). By faith, he left his country (Hebrews 11:8), and by faith he remained in the land, without returning to the country he had left (Hebrews 11:9,14,15). In addition to faith, he showed patience (Hebrews 6:11,12).

Moses - the man who chose by faith

Moses chose God and His people by faith rather than the riches and honors of Egypt (Hebrews 11:24-27).