Romans 4:4-5 ~ Now when  man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.

Faith brings us peace. We rejoice in the glory of God who brings us hope.

Romans 5:1-2 ~ Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

To understand faith, we need to hear messages filled with the Word of Christ. We need to fellowship with other Christians.

Romans 10:17 ~ Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

We need to hold firmly onto our faith. Even when we we start to have doubts, we need to cling to our faith.

Romans 14:22-23 ~ So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

As we have faith, we need to be on guard, stand firm in our faith, be courageous and love each other.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ~ Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.

If we believe without proof our faith is stronger. To believe in God when we can’t see God takes faith. The same is true of air, gravity and love. We can’t see any of them but we believe they are there.

2 Corinthians 5:7 ~ We live by faith, not by sight.

We need to shield ourselves in faith to battle evil. The victory goes to the faithful believers.

Ephesians 6:16 ~ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Believe that your heart’s desires are also God’s desire’s for you. When you are full of faith and believe without seeing, your desires become pure and we are able to see the path we are meant for.

Hebrews 11:1 ~ Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

We can only see God if we believe he exists. When we earnestly seek God, he will reward us.

Hebrews 11:6 ~ 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 seeks him.

SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE:

Hebrew 11

Exodus 4:11-12 ~ The Lord said to him, “who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

Isaiah 44:2 ~ This is what the Lord says-he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.

* Because God gave us our talents, He will help us carry through. When we use our talents to the glory of God, our talents are stronger. God’s message is stronger. We are able to do more for Him and the building of His Kingdom.

ASK YOURSELF:

1. Why is it so hard to talk to others about God?

2. How can you use your talents to help you be a witness for God?

Isaiah 6:8 ~ Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Exodus 28:3 ~ Tell all the skilled men to whom I have given wisdom in such  matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest.

Exodus 31:2-5 ~ “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and Knowledge in all kinds of crafts – to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.”

* When God calls us to do something, He will give us the talents we need to do great things in His Name. We don’t have to trust in our own ability or strength.

ASK YOURSELF:

1. What are you really good at?

2. How can you use those talents to serve others?

Deuteronomy 8:18 ~ But remember the Lord, your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

1 Chronicles 22:15-16 ~ “You have many workmen: stonecutters, masons and carpenters as well as men skilled in every kind of work in gold and silver, bronze and iron-craftsmen beyond number. Now begin the work and the Lord be with you.”

* Wealth is something most people believe will make them happy. As Christians, we know that real wealth, comes from God’s blessings and not money or possessions.

ASK YOURSELF:

1. Where are you storing your treasures?

2. How can you use your talents to store more treasures in heaven (by bringing more people to knowing God)?

MORE SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE:

Romans 1:6 ~ And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

Romans 11:29 ~ for God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.

Romans 12:6-8 ~ We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; If it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

1 Corinthians 12:1 ~ Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 ~ There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

1 Corinthians 12:7-11 ~ Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good…All these these are the work of one and the same Spirit and He gives them to each one, just as He determines.

1 Peter 4:10 ~ Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.