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 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 1:6); others “made shipwreck” concerning the faith (1 Timothy 1:19); some would “depart from the faith” (1 Timothy 4:1); others may have “denied the faith” (1 Timothy 5:8); some “erred from the faith” (1 Timothy 6:10), and others “overthrow the faith” (2 Timothy 2:18), while those of corrupt minds are “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:___