ENGAGING THE FORCE OF UNWAVERING FAITH
TEXT: ROMANS 4:1-3, 16-24; HEBREWS 10:19-23, 35-39.
Romans: 4. 1. What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2. For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 16. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17. (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: 20. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21. And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24. But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
Hebrews: 10. 19. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20. By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21. And having an high priest over the house of God; 22. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 35. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
WHAT IS ENGAGING THE FORCE UNWAVERING FAITH?
To Engage means: To employ the attention and efforts of; to occupy; to engross; to draw on.
Force means:1. Strength (regarded as active), power, might, energy, vigor.
- Efficacy, efficiency, potency, validity, cogency, virtue, agency.
Unwavering means: firm; steadfast; steady; stiff; unbendable; unfaltering; unshakable; marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable.
It also means: Constant, unhesitating, settled, determined, fixed, resolute.
Faith means: 1. Belief (that prompts to action), credence, credit, trust, assurance, confidence, dependence, reliance.
According to the scriptures:
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Unwavering faith is a firm, steadfast and resolute belief in God and His promises. It is a dogged stand to believe in the word of God without shifting ground no matter what happens. It is the kind of faith that does not take a ‘no’ for an answer. Mark 2:1-5; 7:25-30, 10:46-52.
Unwavering faith is the kind of faith God expects us to have in this end time when a lot of issues are challenging our believe in God, when a lot of temptations that look juicy are trying to make us look for alternative to God. 2 Tim. 3:1-2; Rev. 3:15-16.
2 Timothy: 3. 1. This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Revelation: 3. 15. I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Our resolve as believers MUST be for God and nothing else just like David declared in Psalm 16:5-8; John 6:59-69.
Psalm: 16. 5. The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. 6. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. 7. I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. 8. I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
DIFFERENT KINDS OF FAITH
- No faith. Mark 4:40.
Mark: 4. 40. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? - Little faith. Matt.6:30.
Matthew: 6. 30. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? - Failing faith. Luke 22:32.
Luke: 22. 32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. - Futile or vain faith. I Cor.15:17.
1 Corinthians: 15. 17. And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. - Weak faith. Rom.4:19, 14:1.
Romans: 4. 19. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb:
Romans: 14. 1. Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. - Mutual faith. Rom.1:12; Titus 1:4.
Romans: 1. 12. That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. - Overthrown faith. 2 Tim.2:18.
2 Timothy: 2. 18. Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. - Shipwrecked faith. 1 Tim.1:19.
1 Timothy: 1. 19. Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: - Wavering or doubtful faith. James 1:5-8.
James: 1. 5. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. - Genuine or unfeigned faith. 2 Tim.1:5.
2 Timothy: 1. 5. When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. - Perfect (Perfected) faith. 1 Thess. 3:10.
1 Thessalonians: 3. 10. Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? - Great faith. Matt.15:28.
Matthew: 15. 28. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. - Strong faith. Rom. 4:20.
Romans: 4. 20. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; - Unwavering or Steadfast faith. Heb. 10:23; 1 Cor.16:13; 1 Peter 5:8-9.
Hebrews: 10. 23. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
1 Peter: 5. 8. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9. Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. - Overcoming faith. 1 John 5:4.
1 John: 5. 4. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
ATTRIBUTES OR CHARACTERISTICS OF UNWAVERING FAITH
- It is the God’s kind of faith. Mark 11:22; Gen. 1:1-3.
Mark: 11. 22. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
Genesis: 1. 1. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 3. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. - Unwavering faith is a mountain moving faith. No obstacle can intimidate it. Mark 11:22-23.
Mark: 11. 22. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. - It is a faith that is resolutely dependent on God’s word. Heb. 11:1-3.
Hebrews: 11. 1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2. For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. - Unwavering faith is a speaking faith. It keeps speaking until the words come to practical manifestation. 2 Cor. 4:13; Rom. 10:8-10; Heb. 10:22-23.
2 Corinthians: 4. 13. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 14. Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
Romans: 10. 8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Hebrews: 10. 23. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) - Unwavering faith never gives up on God’s promises, and it doesn’t look for alternative or plan ‘B’ to God’s plan. Job 13:15, 14:14; Heb. 10:35-39.
Job: 13. 15. Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
Job: 14. 14. If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.
Hebrews: 10. 35. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. - Unwavering faith is always focused on its target and result. It doesn’t accommodate distractions. Matt. 14:25-31; Mark 5:24-34.
Matthew: 14. 25. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Mark: 5. 24. And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. 25. And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, 26. And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, 27. When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. 28. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. 29. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. 30. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? 31. And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? 32. And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. 33. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. 34. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. - Unwavering faith is patient, persistent and forceful. It is always advancing and making progress in the face of oppositions and challenges. Mark 2:1-12.
Mark: 2. 1. And again he entered into Capernaum, after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. 2. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. 3. And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. 4. And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. 5. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. 6. But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts.Mark: 2. 7. Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? 8. And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? 9. Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? 10. But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) 11. I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. 12. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. - Unwavering faith does not take a ‘No’ for an answer. Luke 18:1-8; Mark 7:24-30.
Luke: 18. 1. And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2. Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3. And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5. Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8. I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Mark: 7. 24. And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid. 25. For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet: 26. The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. 27. But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it unto the dogs. 28. And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children’s crumbs. 29. And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter. 30. And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed. - It is the kind of faith our fathers (the Patriarchs) engaged that gave them all round victory that we are celebrating and making references to today. Rom. 4:16-21; Heb. 11:2.
Romans: 4. 16. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17. (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: 20. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21. And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
Hebrews: 11. 2. For by it the elders obtained a good report. - Unwavering faith always wins at the end. There is no failure around it. It always obtains the promises. Heb. 11:3, 29-35.
Hebrews: 11. 3. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 29. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. 30. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. 31. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. 32. And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33. Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34. Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection.