Good morning, everyone. Today, we’re going to delve into a vital question: “What is my faith?” Understanding our faith is crucial because it shapes our relationship with God, our actions, and our perspective on life. Let’s explore what faith truly means and how it impacts our journey with Christ.

1. Defining Faith

• Scriptural Basis: Hebrews 11:1 provides a clear definition: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Faith is more than just belief; it’s a deep confidence in God’s promises and trust in His unseen work in our lives.

• Illustration: Think of faith as trusting in a chair to support you when you sit down. You don’t see the mechanics of the chair, but you trust it will hold you. Similarly, faith in God means trusting His promises and His character, even when we don’t see immediate results or understand His ways.

2. The Object of Our Faith

• Scriptural Basis: Romans 10:17 says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Our faith is centered on Jesus Christ and His gospel. It’s not just faith in general but faith in the specific promises and truths revealed through Christ.

• Illustration: Imagine you’re in a dark room, and someone gives you a flashlight. The flashlight represents the object of your faith. In the same way, Jesus is the light that guides and illuminates our path in the darkness of life. Our faith must be focused on Him and His message.

3. The Role of Faith in Salvation

• Scriptural Basis: Ephesians 2:8-9 explains, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Faith is the means by which we receive salvation; it’s not something we earn but a gift from God.

• Illustration: Consider a person receiving a gift. They don’t earn it or pay for it; they simply accept it. Similarly, salvation is a gift we receive through faith in Jesus Christ. Our role is to accept this gift and trust in its transformative power.

4. Living Out Our Faith

• Scriptural Basis: James 2:17 tells us, “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” True faith manifests in our actions and choices. It’s not just about belief but also about living according to God’s commands and showing His love to others.

• Illustration: Think of faith as the roots of a tree. While the roots are hidden underground, they support and nourish the tree, leading to visible fruit. Similarly, our faith should be reflected in our actions, demonstrating the fruit of a transformed life.

5. Growing in Faith

• Scriptural Basis: 2 Peter 1:5-7 encourages us to “make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.” Faith is a journey of continual growth and development.

• Illustration: Imagine a gardener tending to a plant, providing it with water, sunlight, and care to help it grow. In the same way, we need to nurture our faith through prayer, reading Scripture, and fellowship. This growth leads us to a deeper, more vibrant faith.

In conclusion, understanding “What is my faith?” involves recognizing its definition, its focus on Jesus, its role in salvation, its impact on our actions, and its continual growth. Faith is not just a static belief but a dynamic, living relationship with God that shapes our lives and our eternity.

Let us pray.

“Father God, thank You for the gift of faith. Help us to understand and live out our faith in You, growing in trust and action. Guide us to reflect Your love and grace in our lives, and strengthen our faith in Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”