Examining Our Faith

The Greek word for faith appears over two hundred times in the New Testament. Its usage can refer to at least two different but related concepts. This quarter will explore the significance of faith and how the people of God live with faith.

Community Faith

The expression “the faith” refers to the beliefs and paradigms distinct to followers of Jesus (examples: Acts 6:7; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Timothy 3:9; Titus 1:13; Jude 3). The most central belief and the key to the faith itself is the resurrection of Jesus Christ (see Mark 16:1–8, lesson 5). Without Jesus’ death and resurrection, our faith would be in vain.

Following “the faith” consists of being filled with Christ and indwelt by God’s Spirit. The apostle Paul encourages believers to practice self-examination regarding the presence of Christ in their lives and whether or not they are “in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5, lesson 2). The point of this self-examination is not to win an argument or to fill oneself with pride. Instead, it aims to build up the body of Christ, which is the church (13:10–11).

Believers in the faith are likely to face trials and persecutions. Followers of Jesus have experienced these things since the birth of the church (example: Acts 6:7–15, lesson 4).

Additionally, believers are likely to come across the influence of false teachings. Therefore, the writers of Scripture frequently teach how a believer might defend the faith. Jude guards the “most holy faith” against destruction (Jude 17–20, lesson 1). Peter presents the faith as the foundation of the Christian life, worthy of defense (1 Peter 3:8–16, lesson 3). These writers encourage believers to contend for the faith.

Individual Faith

Scripture’s second use of the word faith consists of belief in Christ and trust in God. One way a person’s faith is revealed is through their decisions and behavior. The Gospels provide numerous examples of people who demonstrate faith through their actions. The faith of several men led them to seek healing for their friend (Luke 5:17–26, lesson 6). The faith of a centurion led him to ask Jesus for the long-distance healing of his servant (7:1–10, lesson 7). The faith of a certain woman demonstrated that she believed that Jesus could forgive sins (7:36–39, 44–50; lesson 8). Even a Gentile woman showed faith that Jesus could heal her daughter (Matthew 15:21–28, lesson 9).

The Benefits of Faith

The quarter’s final unit investigates the spiritual benefits of having faith in Christ. Some of the recipients of Paul’s New Testament letters were of Jewish heritage. For this reason, his writings frequently contrast a person’s keeping the Law of Moses with a person’s faith in Christ.

Paul argues that people do not receive justification through keeping the Law of Moses. Instead, justification and righteousness come through faith (Romans 3:21–28, lesson 10). As an example, it was Abraham’s faith, not his actions, that were counted to him as righteousness (4:13–25, lesson 11).

A person can have faith after they hear the good news of Christ (Romans 10:14–17, lesson 13). Believers enter the community of God’s people by confessing sin and believing that Jesus is Lord. As a result, believers can rejoice! Because of our faith in Christ, we celebrate a relationship of peace with God (5:1–5, lesson 12). We were once adversaries of God, but by our faith, we have received the ultimate benefit: becoming children of God. This new identity is good news for all who would believe.

by Jon Miller

Unit 1: Faithful vs. Faithless

Date	Title	Bible Text
March 3	Sustaining Our Faith	Jude 17–25
March 10	Testing Our Faith	2 Corinthians 13:5–11
March 17	Defending Our Faith	1 Peter 3:8–17
March 24	Living in Faith	Acts 6:7–15
March 31	The Resurrection: Key to Faith	Mark 16:1–8

Unit 2: The Measure of Faith

Date	Title	Bible Text
April 7	Faith of the Persistent	Luke 5:17–26
April 14	Faith of a Centurion	Luke 7:1–10
April 21	Faith of an Anointer	Luke 7:36–39, 44–50
April 28	Faith of a Canaanite	Matthew 15:21–28

Unit 3: Standing in the Faith

Date	Title	Bible Text
May 5	Justified by Faith	Romans 3:21–30
May 12	Counted as Righteous	Romans 4:13–25
May 19	Reconciled to God	Romans 5:1–11
May 26	Who Has Believed?	Romans 10:1–17