How To Have God's Faith:  Lesson-2

by A.A. Allen



PREMINISTERIAL AND CHRISTIAN WORKERS’
BIBLE COLLEGE CORRESPON DENCE COURSES
PREPARED BY A. A. ALLEN
COURSE NO. 3. HOW TO HAVE GOD'S FAITH--"GOD CAN"
LESSON 2
YOU MUST HAVE THE FAITH THAT GOD GIVES

 

YOU MUST HAVE THE FAITH THAT GOD GIVES

INTRODUCTION

The Apostle John declares, “ . . . if our hearts condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.” I John 3:21.

We are told in Romans that faith cometh by hearing the Word of God.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17.

Having been planted in the heart through the Word, faith must be watered and nourished through a genuine love for God.

“ . . . perfect love casteth out fear: . . .” I John 4:18.

FEAR IS THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF FAITH! FEAR IS THE MURDERER OF FAITH! THERE IS NO FEAR IN LOVE! YOU CANNOT HAVE FAITH IF YOU DO NOT LOVE GOD! If you love God you will keep His commandments.

“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him.” John 14:21.

“. . .If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:23b.

Love is manifested by obedience. Disobedience to the known will of God is poison to faith. Real, living, vital faith is impossible to those who are living in disobedience to God’s commandments.

“ . . . to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” I Samuel 15:22b.

REAL FAITH IS SIMPLY TAKING GOD AT HIS WORD.

YOU MUST HAVE THE FAITH THAT GOD GIVES.

There are thousands of promises in God’s Word, BUT EVERY ONE OF THEM IS CONDITIONED UPON FAITH! This is the faith that God gives, AND YOU CAN HAVE THIS FAITH!

On His way from Bethany one day, Jesus cursed a fig tree because it bore no fruit. He was hungry, and seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, “ . . . he came, if haply he might find anything thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of the figs was not yet. . . , No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. . . .” Mark 11:13, 14. Although it was not immediately apparent, a miracle had been performed. Faith had been exercised. The following morning, the disciples again saw the fig tree, but it was dried up at the roots. Peter spoke in amazement at finding the tree withered. Jesus answered him, “ . . . Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” Mark 11:22b, 23. The same faith Christ exercised in this passage of Scripture can be yours. Just as He told the disciples, HE IS TELLING YOU --- YOU CAN HAVE THE FAITH OF GOD! THIS IS LITERALLY THE FAITH THAT GOD GIVES!

God gives faith to every person who wants it enough to pay the price He requires. THE PRICE IS WALKING IN THE FULL LIGHT OF THE SCRIPTURES --- FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS---HE REQUIRES OBEDIENCE, GODLINESS, AND HOLINESS. THERE MUST BE FREEDOM FROM CONDEMNATION!

“ . . . if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.” I John 3:21.

No matter how trustworthy an acquaintance may be, we can never feel entirely sure that he merits complete confidence until we are thoroughly acquainted with him. This is the reason many people fail to trust God. We become acquainted with God

BY WALKING WITH HIM DAILY, AND BY READING HIS WORD.”

“ . . . faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17.

When you read God’s Word, read it as you would a letter from a trusted friend. Consider it the FINAL AUTHORITY! Turn resolutely away from those books and conversations that question the truth of God’s Word.

Jesus accuses a religious group in His day of “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, . . .” Mark 7:13a, and “ . . . teaching for doctrines the commandments of men,” Mark 7:7b. Many preachers today set at naught the promises of God, basing their teachings upon the things that they have observed around them, rather than upon the Word of God. FAITH CAN ONLY BE BUILT UPON THE POWER AND SUCCESS OF THE WORD OF GOD --- NEVER UPON OUR OWN OR ANOTHERTS WEAKNESSES AND FAILURES.

Having been planted in the heart through the Word, faith must be watered and nourished through a genuine love of God. “ . . .perfect love casteth out fear: . . .” I John 4:18. FEAR IS THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF FAITH! Fear is the murderer of faith, THERE IS NO FEAR IN LOVE! YOU CANNOT HAVE FAITH IF YOU DO NOT LOVE GOD!

If you love God you will keep His commandments. “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15.

“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him.” John 14:21.

“. . . If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:23

The reason many do not have faith is because “ . . .faith. . . worketh by love. . .” and they DO NOT HAVE LOVE! LOVE IS MANIFESTED BY OBEDIENCE! Disobedience to the known will of God IS POISON TO FAITH! A lack of desiring to learn the will of God will bring the same results ---- IF YOU LOVE HIM YOU WILL BE CONCERNED ABOUT KNOWING HIS WILL FOR YOUR LIFE!

The greatest hindrance to faith today is DISOBEDIENCE. John says, “Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” I John 3:21, 22.

Real living, vital faith is impossible to those who are living in disobedience to God’s commandments, and who are out of harmony with the personality and the Spirit of God.

Many people today who profess to be Christians are living constantly under condemnation for sin and disobedience to the known will of God, and to His Word. Such a person can never have real faith, the faith that God gives, until he has repented of his sins and turned his back upon them. Only when this is done will condemnation leave. Only then will he have a clear conscience toward God, which brings perfect confidence --- perfect faith.

The confidence of some may be destroyed because of living in the condemnation that light (the light of the Scriptures concerning the Baptism of the Holy Ghost) is come into the world, and they have not walked into that light. They know that they should have this glorious experience, but have not met the conditions to receive it.

“ . . . Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? . . .” Acts 19:2.

This is not an unfair question to a Christian. Paul asked this question of a group of twelve believers at Ephesus. It is an experience that every Christian should have; not only because God commanded it, but because the Christian needs it, and that he may be ready to receive power to work and witness for his Lord.

In the New Testament Church every member was filled with the Holy Ghost. All Christian individuals and groups spoken of through the New Testament were baptized with the Holy Ghost, as a separate and different experience from conversion, and coming after conversion. The disciples of Jesus were all saved, inasmuch as Christ had commissioned them to preach the Gospel and to heal the sick, and had given them power and authority over devils.

“Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases, And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.” Luke 9:1, 2.

“Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you: but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20.

Having their names written in heaven is another evidence that the disciples were saved. Yet, Jesus,

“ . . . commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” Acts 1:4, 5.

“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Luke 24:49.

This is not only a commandment for those few people in days gone by, but for Christians who have lived since those days, for Christians who are living now, and for those who will live in the future days. After Peter had been filled with the Holy Ghost, while preaching his first Holy Ghost sermon, he said,

“ . . . Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Acts 2:38, 39.

Many consider the Baptism of the Holy Ghost a mere privilege, instead of a direct command, for Paul said, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess: but be filled with the Spirit:” Ephesians 5:18.

Since this is a command, God expects us to obey Him. If we have come into the light of God’s truth we are expected to walk in that truth; failure to do so brings condemnation.

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19.

Many people are living more or less under condemnation because they have not made a consecration of full obedience, that they might receive this glorious experience, THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST.

Those who have been obedient HAVE RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST.

“And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.” Acts 5:32.

If you have not been filled with the Holy Ghost, it is evident, from this verse, that you have not yet been fully obedient. You have been disobedient, and disobedience is sin. Sin brings condemnation. CONDEMNATION DESTROYS FAITH!

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7.

One must abide in Christ before he is in position to exercise real faith, BEFORE HE CAN UICEIVE THE FAITH THAT GOD GIVES. GOD DOES NOT GIVE FAITH TO PEOPLE WHO A RIDE NOT IN HIM. The blessings of God are for those who serve God and put Him first in their lives. ONE MUST ABIDE IN CHRIST BEFORE FAITH CAN ACTUALLY BE EXERCISED!

Now, let us look into God’s Word for the definition of “abiding in Christ.”

“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” I John 2:6.

If we profess to abide in Him, WE SHOULD BE WALKING AS HE WALKED! If you are not walking as Christ walked, YOU ARE NOT ABIDING IN HIM.

IT IS NO WONDER YOU HAVE NO FAITH!

YOUR SIN AND DISOBEDIENCE HAVE DESTROYED YOUR FAITH!

You can never be on real faith-ground until you abide in Christ, and walk as He walked. This is not only possible----IT IS GOD’S COMMAND!

“ . . . Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin . . .” I Peter 2:21, 22.

“ . . . For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” I John 3:8. He resisted the devil and temptation, although He was “ . . . in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15. He is our example, and He stands ready to help us to walk as He walked -- IN HIS STEPS!

“Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” I John 3:6.

God is no respector of persons---YOU MAY HAVE GOD’S FAITH, BUT YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY THE PRICE FOR IT -- THE PRICE FOR GOD’S FAITH IS OBEDIENCE AND HOLINESS! FAITH IS NOT AVAILABLE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT HOLY!

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Hebrews 12:14.

“ . . . Be ye holy; for I am holy.” I Peter 1:16.

“Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.” I Corinthians 15:34.

People who are finding excuse for their habitual sin, according to this verse, do not have the knowledge of God. THIS IS A SHAME! It is evident that such professed Christians do not read their Bibles.

After Jesus had healed a man, He found him in the temple, and said, “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” John 5:14b.

To the woman of Samaria, Christ Himself said, “ . . . Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” John 8:11.

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not . . .” I John 2:1.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.” Romans 6:1, 2a.

There is more than one reason for rack of faith, but the main reason is rack of holiness.

Another main reason for the lack of faith is the neglect of Bible study.

It is no wonder that faith is so low in the hearts of so many. The price of faith has been established. IT HAS BEEN SET BY GOD HIMSELF! The price is to LOVE GOD, READ HIS WORD, OBEY HIS COMMANDS, AND BELIEVE HIS PROMISES! God has enabled man to pay this price for faith. The same Christ who saves from sin will keep those who desire to be kept by His mighty power.

“But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.” II Thessalonians 3:3.

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, . . .” Jude 24.

God has not only commanded that we abide in Him, but has made it possible by giving His children power to resist the devil in temptation.

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” I Corinthians 10:13.

Those who have a real desire to please God, and pray and read their Bibles are attaining holiness. These are the people who are shouting the victory over the power of the enemy --- GOD HAS GIVEN THEM FAITH!

Faith is listed as one of the nine spiritual gifts, “To another faith by the same Spirit; . . .” I Corinthians 12:9. The faith mentioned here is a gift of the Spirit, GIVEN BY THE SPIRIT. The church is admonished to covet earnestly the best gifts.

“But covet earnestly the best gifts: . . .” I Corinthians 12:31.

“ . . . 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.” Hebrews 11:6.

Without faith to accept Christ as one’s personal Savior, the benefits of Calvary could never be claimed . . . Jesus paid the full penalty for our sins when He gave His life to redeem us. THE PRECIOUS BLOOD SPILLED ON GOLGOTHA’S BROW THAT DAY FROM THE BODY OF JESUS CLEANSES US FROM ALL SIN WHEN WE, BY FAITH, APPROPRIATE THESE BENEFITS FOR OURSELVES.

There are two common errors in the minds of people about faith. Some people say they have no faith. This is not true, for the Bible says that every man has faith. “ . . . according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Romans 12:3.

There are other people who come through our healing lines saying, “I have all the faith in the world.” This is not true. If they had faith in such proportions they would not need to be in a prayer line, but would probably be conducting healing campaigns of their own.

All Christians have a certain amount of faith. It is impossible to get saved without faith, so if you are a Christian, YOU HAVE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF FAITH. At the moment of salvation, faith begins to grow, as a fruit grows on a tree or a vine, for faith is a fruit of the Spirit as well as a spiritual gift.

“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23.

As some trees in an orchard produce very little fruit, or perhaps fruit of poor quality, so some Christians seem to produce very little of the fruit of the Spirit. Natural fruit must first bud, then grow and develop. Just as natural fruit buds, grows and develops, the fruit of faith must be properly nourished.

If you are going to have the faith of the Son of God, you must constantly abide in the Vine (Jesus).

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I roved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” St. John 15:1-10; 12-14.

Faith is used as a defensive weapon of Christian warfare. If we fail to exercise faith against our adversary, Satan, he comes in like a flood and we become overwhelmed by his onslaughts. BUT, IF WE ARE ABIDING IN AND HIS WORD IS ABIDING IN US, GOD’S FAITH IS FLOWING FREELY THROUGH OUR LIVES. WE ARE TRUSTING SO COMPLETELY IN GOD THAT WE CAN BELIEVE EASILY FOR GREAT VICTORIES.

Since faith cometh by hearing the Word of God, the Christian should read the Word often, memorizing many of God’s promises, THEN STAND ON THOSE PROMISES, QUOTING THEM AGAIN AND AGAIN.

Faith must be built upon the Word of God, AND ONLY UPON THE WORD OF GOD! The more of God’s Word you have hidden in your heart, the easier it is to believe, or to exercise faith in His Word. Base your faith upon the Word of God exclusively --- DON’T TALK IN TERMS OF WHAT YOU MAY OR MAY NOT FEEL. People who gauge their healing by their feeling, never credit anything to God’s Word. The person who accepts God’s Word as true in his own case, whether the results are visible or not, or whether he can feel the results or not, WILL SOON SEE AND FEEL THE RESULTS, FOR THIS IS THE FAITH THAT GOD GIVES. REAL FAITH IS SIMPLY TAKING GOD AT HIS WORD!

RECOMMENDED MEMORY WORK FOR THIS LESSON

I John 3:21              John 14:23             I John 2:6

*Romans 10:17       *1 Samuel 15:22      I Peter 2:21,22

*1 John 4:18            Acts 5:32               I John 3:6

John 14:21               John 15:7              *Hebrews 12:14

Jude 24                    I Corinthians 10:13

* Verses memorized in Lesson 1.

 
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