Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.
Synopsis
Faith is not a virtue that earns God's favour but the response that accepts what favour has already provided. It is trust resting on evidence, expressed by taking God at His word, and it grows by exercise and by hearing the word — never by staring at itself.
Key points
- Faith is the receiving organ, never the purchase price.
- Faith comes by hearing the word of God.
- Assurance depends on the object of faith, not the size of it.
Key texts
- Hebrews 11:1, 6
- Romans 10:17
- Ephesians 2:8-9
- Mark 9:24
- Comprehension
1. What is faith, and what is it not?
- Scripture
2. Read Romans 10:17. How does faith grow?
- Doctrinal Clarity
3. Why does the size of faith matter less than its object?
- Contrast
4. Contrast faith as a work with faith as a receiving.
- Scripture
5. Read Mark 9:24. What does 'help thou mine unbelief' teach about honest faith?
- Doctrinal Clarity
6. Read Ephesians 2:8-9. What does 'not of yourselves' cover?
- Application
7. Where are you trying to generate faith instead of feeding it?
- Application
8. Name a promise you will act on this week as an exercise of faith.