Introduction

Without faith, you can’t be a Christian. It all begins with faith. Without it you can’t please God. Faith is pertinent for Christian living. To relate to God by law makes inheritance uncertain. Faith assures us of our future inheritance. Inheritance must be pursued in faith, by persistently trusting in God.

vs. 17- as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations, before him who believed.”

Faith brings us to a place of justification. When you believe in Christ, you can stand before God with confidence, because you carry with you the righteousness of Christ.

Continuing faith brings us to inheritance. Despite devastating experiences in human history, faith moves on.

Characteristics of Faith

a) Faith takes notice of what is promised in the presence of God. Abraham saw himself in the light of what God had said he’d be. If you’re a child of Abraham, you follow after him. Faith sees what God sees. God sees life. We should be like Him and see life.

b) Faith has to relate to God’s Word. Abraham believed because God had promised. There are many ways God speaks to you. He can use His Word, He can reveal Himself in a tiny fellowship.

c) Faith holds on to God’s ability to raise the dead. Abraham believed (vs.17b.). Faith believes in resurrection. What you believe has died in you, can resurrect (vs.19). Age did not stop him from believing in the promises of God. Faith goes beyond your own ways of thinking.

d) Faith holds on to God’s ability as a Creator. Faith knows if it is not there, it can be created. Abraham believed in Who gives life to the dead. In a situation of difficulty, God can call into being what is not there. Abraham was old and his body looked like it was dead, and Sarah looked like there was no hope in her. But Abraham’s faith looked to God the Creator. You have to believe in the promises of God.

e) Faith can face hopelessness when it has a Word from God. Abraham was in a situation that looked hopeless. Sarah laughed when she heard a conversation between her husband and the angel because she wondered how possible it would be, at her age, to conceive. (vs.18: Abraham believed in what was almost unbelievable).

f) Faith is realistic. It is not afraid to face facts. He considered his body as good as dead. He did not pretend not to know his situation. Faith does not close its eyes to facts. It is not right to reject fact. If you’re sick, it is wise to present yourself to God as sick and ask for a miracle. Abraham considered the deadness of Sarah’s womb. But what’s important, don’t be intimidated by your situation. You were not given the spirit of timidity, but that of courage, love and sound mind.

g) Faith is able to overcome doubts. vs.20: He did not waver. Give glory to God for what He has done, and your faith will grow. There is weak faith and strong faith. We should keep trusting God for greater things. Giving glory to God keeps your faith growing.

Conclusion

Position yourself. What is it that God has said to your life? God will give you a testimony with the help of the Spirit.

©2020, Editorial Team.