The Faith: August 2004

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 6
Faith is confidence or trust in a person or thing. “The faith” includes all the teachings of Christianity. We believe it because God has said it, and we have it written down in the Bible. We are exhorted to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 33Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 3)). It wasn’t too long after the Lord Jesus went back to heaven that some had already “turned aside” from the faith (1 Timothy 1:66From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; (1 Timothy 1:6)); others “made shipwreck” concerning the faith (1 Timothy 1:1919Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: (1 Timothy 1:19)); some would “depart from the faith” (1 Timothy 4:11Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (1 Timothy 4:1)); others may have “denied the faith” (1 Timothy 5:88But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. (1 Timothy 5:8)); some “erred from the faith” (1 Timothy 6:1010For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:10)), and others “overthrow the faith” (2 Timothy 2:1818Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. (2 Timothy 2:18)), while those of corrupt minds are “reprobate concerning the faith” (2 Timothy 3:88Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. (2 Timothy 3:8)).
If we are not careful, the enemy can easily turn us aside from holding “the faith” in our hearts. Therefore, we are encouraged to keep “the faith,” as we would guard a valuable treasure and to “fight the good fight of faith” until the Lord takes us home. Then faith will be replaced by sight and we will rest in His love forever.
1. Whether Paul came or was absent, what did he want to hear about their standing fast and striving together? Philippians 1:___
2. Now that the aged apostle had finished his course, what did he say about the faith? 2 Timothy 4:___
3. We will not all come into the unity of the faith until the Lord comes. Then, what will also be true of us? Ephesians 4:___
4. How will the patience and faith of the saints be tried in a coming day?
Revelation 13:___
5. When the devil comes against us as a roaring lion, how can we steadfastly resist him? 1 Peter 5:___