The Importance of Having Faith in God

We can never overstate the importance of having faith in God. Faith in God is absolutely necessary to see our prayers answered.

James 1:5-7, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord."

1. It Is Important That We Recognize What Faith In God Is. I'm afraid many Christians have inadequate understanding of what it means to have faith in God. Faith in God involves much more than simply accepting the truth of God's Word; is is about trusting in that truth. It means relying upon God's Word as truth. For example, I might believe that a doctor can successfully carry out a particular surgery, but to gain from the doctor's skill, I must trust the doctor to perform the surgery. I am concerned that there will be many people in Hell that believed the facts of the Gospel, but never personally trusted the truth of the Gospel. I do not have to have great intelligence or be highly educated to have great faith in God. - Faith recognizes the existence of God.

   Hebrews 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." - Faith recognizes the providence of God. Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." The providence of God simply means that God is the governing authority over all events. God is in control. God is good. God loves me. I can trust Him. I can have faith in God. - Faith recognizes that salvation is only in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
   

2. It Is Important That We Understand The Range Of Faith. There is much false, unscriptural teaching about faith. Many people have been hurt because they were taught a  an inaccurate concept of faith. Faith does have certain boundaries. Regardless of how strong our faith is, it cannot achieve anything that is contrary to the Word and will of God. - Faith in God does not guarantee I'll have no physical suffering. Many of God's greatest saints were men adn women of great faith, yet suffered with great physical pain. The apostle Paul suffered great physical pain and yet, because of his faith in God he was able to glory and rejoice in his afflictions. 2 Corinthians 12:7, "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." - Faith in God does not guarantee financial prosperity. Faith in God will provide what we need. Faith in God will often get us what we want. However, faith in God does not guarantee financial prosperity. Some of God's greatest men and women had little worldly possessions. In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus commended a poor widow that display great faith in God. - Faith in God does not guarantee a life of ease. A life of faith frequently involves facing trials and heartaches. A thorough examination of Hebrews 11:32-39 might surprise some individuals and challenge their unscriptural beliefs. It was because of their faith that they faced such trials.
   

3. It Is Important That We Understand The Result Of Faith In God. - Faith in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ will save from sin and Hell. Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." - Faith in God strengthens life. Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Faith in God puts a song in the heart even in the midst of extreme affliction and injustice. Acts 16:25, "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them." - Faith in God gives boldness in our witness. Acts 4:31, "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness."