Titus 3:12-15 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
There are eighteen definitions of faith (continues): Assurance of God’s faithfulness (Heb. 11:17-19; 10:23). Confidence in things to come (Heb. 11:20-31; 3:6, 14; 10:35; Eph. 3:12; 1Jn. 3:21). Stimulus of the Christian faith (Heb. 11:32 – 12:2). The life-blood of the just (Heb. 10:38). Shield of Christian armour (Eph. 6:16). Down payment of things desired (Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 6:11-12; 10:22-23, 35-39). Guarantee of answered prayer (Matt. 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:1-27).
Twelve things those in Christ must Hope for: Salvation (Rom. 8:24-25; 1Thess. 5:8). Righteousness (Gal. 5:5). Calling (Eph. 1:18; 4:4). Christ in them (Col. 1:27; 1Tim. 1:1). Greater New Testament glory (2Cor. 3:7-12). Future life (1Cor. 15:19; Pro. 14:32). Resurrection (Acts 23:6; 24:15; 26:6-7). Final rewards (1Thess. 2:19). Final grace (1Pet. 1:13). Coming of the Lord (Tit. 2:13). Being like Christ (1Jn. 3:1-3). Eternal life (Tit. 1:2, 3:7; Heb. 3:6; 6:11, 18-19; 1Pet. 1:3).
Twelve kinds of things not yet seen: Restoration of all things (Acts 3:21). Invisible things (Rom. 1:20). Things of the Spirit (Rom. 8:5). Things to come (Rom. 8:38). Things prepared for us (1Cor. 2:9). Eternal things (2Cor. 4:18). Things in heaven (Php. 2:10). Things under the earth (Php. 2:10). Future things (Php. 3:13). Things above (Col. 3:1-2). The Lord (1Pet. 1:8; 1Tim. 6:16). Final salvation (Rom. 8:24-25; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13).
Faith is not feeling that prayer is answered. The average person who seeks to exercise faith depends upon what he can see, hear, or feel. Testimonies concerning faith are usually expressed in connection with feelings and emotions, or the various senses. Sense-faith is based upon physical evidence or upon the emotions and feelings of the soul. All who take this road as the basis of faith will sooner or later be deceived. Faith should be based upon the Word of God regardless of any sense-knowledge, or feeling-evidences. People are constantly looking to feelings as to whether prayer has been heard or not. If they happen to feel good, or if something happens that encourages them, they think that it is easy to believe, but if reverses come and feelings take wings, these same people are in the depths of despair. They are quick to accuse God of being unfaithful and untrue to His Word. If they do not go this far, they are quick to imagine that it was not God’s will to grant the answer. They become satisfied to go without what God has plainly promised.
To be continued…
Living the Word 