THE FAITH OF GOD (2)

CHRISTIAN LAWYERS’ FELLOWSHIP OF NIGERIA

NIGERIAN LAW SCHOOL, ENUGU CAMPUS

BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE                                                             7TH FEBRUARY, 2017

THE FAITH OF GOD (2)

Introduction

Last week, we learnt from the Scriptures that the believer does not have a faith problem. We have all received an equal measure of faith when we received Christ into our lives.(Ephesians 2:8; Titus 1:4 Romans 12:3). We also learnt how to exercise our faith: by believing and by speaking, as faith is in the heart and the mouth. Once our heart and mouth align, the situation will change.(Mark 11:23)

However, sometimes, we “seem” to exercise our faith but get no positive results. Does it mean that God is no longer working for us? What could have gone wrong? What then do we do in such situations?

Prayer

The place of prayer can never be underestimated in the life of a believer. The Scriptures instructs us to pray (Luke 18:1, Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, James 5:17). The believer prays in faith (James 1:5-8). He knows that whatever he asks of the Lord in prayer, he has received because it is God’s will to hear him (1 John 5:14-15). He also counts his requests as already done! He doesn’t make vain repetitions of the same prayers but start speaking in faith what he has already received. We do wait till we see the physical manifestation until we receive our answers. We believe that we have already received, then we shall have it in manifestation. (Mark 11: 24). The speaking we have been reiterating is done in prayer.

WHY DOES IT SEEM LIKE FAITH DOES NOT WORK SOMETIMES?

The Knowledge Problem

Our failure to receive the things we pray for may be due to a lack of conviction of God’s word or even ignorance. Sometimes we think God says “wait” and that affects our receiving. We have to understand that God is good always and He is the giver of good gifts, 1 John1:5 and James1:17 help us see that. Therefore, it is never His fault when we don’t seem to get results. God is always willing to give and He already has, the problem is usually in our receiving. The word “receive” is called “lambano” in Greek. It means “to grasp, to take a hold of.” A knowledge of God’s word brings an understanding of who we are and what belongs to us in Christ (2 Timothy 3:14-15). As we read and study the word we are strengthened in faith and our “taking a hold of” becomes effective.We need to have a stronger conviction in what God has done for us in Christ and that  can only happen when we pay attention to the word (2 Timothy 2:16). We make our study of the word by meditating upon it (Joshua 1:8; Psalms 1:1-2)

Our initial release of faith (if we are not yetpersuaded of the word) is sometimes for our hearts to be fully convinced. By so doing, we keep speaking and do not forget that faith believes the word of God to be final.

What do we do when we pray and the results are delayed?

The trial of faith begins when you begin exercising your faith and no result seems forthcoming. In such situations, the first thing we should ask ourselves is: what does the word of God say about that particular situation? You can only know when you have been reading and studying the word. At this point, we should never get discouraged. Rather, we rejoice! We rejoice, as a sign of our victory(Philippians 4:4; 3:1; 1:28-30; Isaiah 12:3; Luke 10:19-21, Psalm126:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18). In rejoicing, we take laughing seriously, just like God, our father. (Psalm 2:1-4). We laugh at the situations before us because we know that our victory is already won (Romans 5:17).

The Fight of Faith

Our work/walk of faith is a deliberate action. Faith has a fight. Faith is used to withstand the lies and tricks of the enemy. In walking in faith, we have to stand our ground. As believers, we must never back down. The emphasis inEphesians 6:10-18 is “to stand” and our standing is in faith. Abraham had to take a stand in faith, and immediately he did, it was accounted to him righteousness (Romans 4:17-22,Genesis 17:1-5).

Do not forget: we are not trying to win; we have won! Spend time with the word. The word always wins. We must keep confessing the word and never profess doubt and unbelief. We have the victory. Glory to God!