Four Characteristics of Faith

Last summer (2012) I taught a class called “Communion with God” through Solid Rock Ministry Training School. There were 15 students in the class, all hungry to know God more and deepen their relationship with Him. I couldn’t ask for a greater environment as week in and week out we encountered God in a unique way. If you are in the Milwaukee area and are looking to do the same, Solid Rock is the place for you. Our desire is to lay foundational teaching for a passionate relationship with Jesus as well as to equip the saints for the work of ministry.

I want to take a few moments to give you snapshot into a particular topic that we talked about during our class, and something that has been incredibly powerful for me personally. 

Note: For this to be especially useful to you, I recommend taking time to look up the verses. There is a lot more that could be said about each characteristic, but I have chosen to make each as simple and concise as possible!

The following are four Characteristics of Faith:

1. Faith is aggressive in it’s appearance (Mt. 11:12). What I mean by this is when people saw Jesus, they would often do things they had never done before, and probably would never do if not for His presence. The Woman with the issue of blood pushed through a crowd just to touch His garment believing she would be healed (Lk. 8:43-48). Four men with a paralyzed friend could not get to Jesus because of the crowds so they decided to cut a hole in the roof of Jesus’ home just to lower their friend in on a bed so He could be healed (Mk. 2:1-12). Faith is always accompanied by willingness to do what has not been done before, for the sake of receiving what couldn’t be received without it. "Faith is spelled R-I-S-K" -John Wimber
2. Faith is submissive in its attitude (Mt. 11:28). Faith does not come by exercising extraordinary will, it comes through a surrender to the finished work of Christ. As you rest in Jesus' finished work, works of faith become a natural and consistent occurrence in your life. Those who act aggressively out of faith do so because of the internal surrender to the truth of His greatness and acknowledgment of their powerlessness without Him (Mt. 5:3, Jn. 15:5).
3. Faith is affectionate in its conduct (Js. 2:14-17, 1 Jn. 3:16-18). “Faith works through love” (Gal. 5:6). Works of faith are meant to be expressions of love – not just another accolade to decorate your ministry career. “The aim of our charge is love that issues from… a sincere faith.” (1 Tim. 1:5). When love is our motivation, faith will move mountains.
4. Faith is Vocal in its expression (2 Cor. 4:13). Jesus taught that the mouth is the place of overflow from the heart (Mt. 12:34). Those who have faith in their hearts cannot help but release it in their words. A vital part of every believer’s life is grasping the significance of confessing truth, because the demonstration of the Spirit follows the declaration of the believer. This is foundational when learning how to exercise the authority we have in Christ through faith.

These four characteristics of faith are not comprehensive. They are simply things I have found to be true in the word of God that I have applied practically to my life.  I hope they are just as helpful to you.

Be Blessed!

Andrew

PS - Any and all comments are appreciated! I'd love to hear what the Lord is speaking to you as you read through this - I learn a lot myself from it!