“Don’t let anyone look down on you

because you are young, but set an example

for the believers in speech, in life, in love,

in faith and in purity.”

1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)

This week’s post is going to focus on faith.  Just typing that sentence is overwhelming! How do you begin to talk about the central aspect of the Christian life?   We go to the source of all knowledge – the Word of  God.  Within the pages of scripture, we find what we need to know about faith and we understand the importance of being an example of faith to others.

So, what is faith?

Hebrews 11:1-3 gives us our definition of faith: “Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.  For our ancestors won God’s approval by it. By faith we understand that the universe was created by God’s command, so that what is seen has been made from things that are not visible. ”  In this verse we understand that faith is a confidence in things unseen yet they are as real as the things we can see.  In fact, the unseen things – faith, hope and love – are all unseen yet are eternal.  When we place our faith in God, we are acknowledging Him as sovereign over all. He is the creator and sustainer of life.  He wants us to trust Him by placing our faith in Him alone – not in ourselves or our abilities, but in Him and His abilities.

And why is it important to have faith?

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) A Christian’s calling is to live a life that is pleasing to God, not out of fear or duty, but in response to the amazing love He has expressed to us through Christ Jesus.  When we have faith in God, we demonstrate that we believe His Word and that we trust Him.

How do we set an example of faith? By holding on to our faith in the midst of difficult circumstances.

First Peter 1:5-7 tells us:  “And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.  So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.  These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” (New Living Translation)

When we don’t quit in the midst of hard times, we set an example in faithfulness that results in praise to our Lord and strengthens us and others around us.  When we persevere, it encourages others to persevere.  Jesus is our example of perseverance in faith; He did all the Father set before Him to do – including laying down His life for us.  Let us follow His example of faith by being an example to others.