Faith That Stands Having faith is not something unusual. Everyone lives their lives by faith in something – relationships, governments, principles of finance, discipline, hard work, etc. Belief produces corresponding actions. Now, that belief might be skepticism or fear in what these structures around us represent, but the resulting action is still faith in a perspective. There are varying degrees of results from these actions, as belief in something may enable significant positive outcomes, while distrust can disrupt any positive effects. Where belief is focused, then, is critical to what comes from faith’s actions. In the message of the Gospel, there is an opportunity to allow faith to activate something much more powerful than any human or natural potential. When belief in God’s goodness influences the actions taken, God’s unmerited favor releases a saving power that turns impossibilities into certainties. Attempting to build a life on any other belief is subject to significant instability and falling. Having faith in God, however, enables one to stand firm in the face of the most tremendous opposition and threat. God’s grace will allow victory in the most improbable circumstances for the one whose actions come from an uncompromised belief in the One whose faith formed the universe. Notes Faith – actions that correspond with a belief. Everyone lives by faith in something. Faith in the world vs God Psalms 20:7-8 (NKJV) 7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God. 8 They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright. As long as faith’s actions come from belief in a man or any worldly entity, standing is uncertain: Misplaced financial security. Matthew 6:24 — “You cannot serve both God and money.” Misplaced security in relationships Jeremiah 17:5 — “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh…” Misplaced dependence on government, legal system, or party for justice and provision Psalm 146:3 — “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” Misplaced reliance on human reasoning 1 Corinthians 1:25 — “The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom…” Misplaced belief in own intelligence, willpower, or talent Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…” God placed faith – power for all of life Mark 11:22-24 (NKJV) 22 So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have faith in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. Faith in Christ is empowered faith for life Romans 1:16-17 (NKJV) 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” Belief in God grants access to the standing power of grace Romans 5:1-2 (NKJV) 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Our purpose today – yield to the Holy Spirit’s call to stand firmly by faith in God 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (TLB) 4 And my preaching was very plain, not with a lot of oratory and human wisdom, but the Holy Spirit’s power was in my words, proving to those who heard them that the message was from God. 5 I did this because I wanted your faith to stand firmly upon God, not on man’s great ideas. For faith to stand it must be lived Galatians 2:20 – “...the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God…”2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 1 John 5:4 – “This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” Faith in God requires more than belief – must respond James 2:17 (NKJV) 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Matthew 10:32 (TPT) 32 “If you openly and publicly acknowledge me, I will freely and openly acknowledge you before my heavenly Father.