What is Faith
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
We all know that faith is all-important for the Christian life. Ephesians 2:8 tells us that we are saved through faith and here in Hebrews 11:6, the author also tells us that แต่ถ้าไม่มีความเชื่อแล้ว จะไม่เป็นที่พอพระทัยเลย “without faith, it is impossible to please God.” As we begin, perhaps I will give you some time to think or write down about what is faith? Or faith that saves you? If you are beside someone tell the person. For some people, faith is simply believing, the more we believe in our hearts the more faith we have. But the Christian faith is more than that.
We all know that faith is all-important for the Christian life. Ephesians 2:8 tells us that we are saved through faith and here in Hebrews 11:6, the author also tells us that แต่ถ้าไม่มีความเชื่อแล้ว จะไม่เป็นที่พอพระทัยเลย “without faith, it is impossible to please God.” As we begin, perhaps I will give you some time to think or write down about what is faith? Or faith that saves you? If you are beside someone tell the person. For some people, faith is simply believing, the more we believe in our hearts the more faith we have. But the Christian faith is more than that.
By now, we all should know that the book of Hebrews was written to encourage Jewish Christians who were undergoing persecution for their faith. In Chapter 10, we read that believers were publicly insulted and afflicted. Some were imprisoned and others had their property and possessions confiscated (10:33-34). And so, the author encouraged the believers to have confidence in God, to endure and have faith. Then the author wrote a whole chapter on what faith is. Faith that overcomes sufferings and persecutions; faith that pleases God; and faith that produces salvation. Chapter 11 is one of the great chapters in the New Testament, so let us examine what faith is.
By now, we all should know that the book of Hebrews was written to encourage Jewish Christians who were undergoing persecution for their faith. In Chapter 10, we read that believers were publicly insulted and afflicted. Some were imprisoned and others had their property and possessions confiscated (10:33-34). And so, the author encouraged the believers to have confidence in God, to endure and have faith. Then the author wrote a whole chapter on what faith is. Faith that overcomes sufferings and persecutions; faith that pleases God; and faith that produces salvation. Chapter 11 is one of the great chapters in the New Testament, so let us examine what faith is.
1. ศรัทธา Faith is มั่นใจ แน่ใจ ในสิ่งที่มองไม่เห็นConviction of Things Not Seen
1. ศรัทธา Faith is มั่นใจ แน่ใจ ในสิ่งที่มองไม่เห็นConviction of Things Not Seen
Firstly, faith is the Conviction of things not seen. We are not able to see God, but are we convinced that He ทรงมีอยู่จริง exists? We were not there when the universe was created but are we convinced that God created the universe by the Word of God? It takes faith but our faith is not “blind faith” ความเชื่อศรัทธาแบบหลงงมงาย ตาบอด. Blind faith means believing even though we do not know it is true. Neither can our faith be ศรัทธาแบบเฉพาะตัว “subjective faith” meaning that I believe because I choose to believe. เกณฑ์ความเชื่อแล้วแต่ละบุคคล ไม่อาจจะสรุปหรือประเมินได้อย่างเที่ยงตรง ขึ้นกับแต่ละบุคคล
Firstly, faith is the Conviction of things not seen. We are not able to see God, but are we convinced that He ทรงมีอยู่จริง exists? We were not there when the universe was created but are we convinced that God created the universe by the Word of God? It takes faith but our faith is not “blind faith” ความเชื่อศรัทธาแบบหลงงมงาย ตาบอด. Blind faith means believing even though we do not know it is true. Neither can our faith be ศรัทธาแบบเฉพาะตัว “subjective faith” meaning that I believe because I choose to believe. เกณฑ์ความเชื่อแล้วแต่ละบุคคล ไม่อาจจะสรุปหรือประเมินได้อย่างเที่ยงตรง ขึ้นกับแต่ละบุคคล
Christianity is not blind faith, nor subjective rather it is “objective faith” ความเชื่อศรัทธาที่มีความเป็นสากล จริงแท้ เที่ยงตรง ไม่ขึ้นอยู่กับความคิดเห็นของแต่ละบุคคล . When we say that Christianity is an objective faith, it means that our faith is based on a true object and not based on fairy tales เทพนิยาย, myths เรื่องเล่าปรับปรา and legends ตำนานต่างๆ. Verse one tells that “faith is conviction of things not seen”. The word “conviction” in Greek is “ἔλεγχος” การพิสูจน์ความจริง which is conviction based on real evidence. So even if cannot see, we have enough evidence to be confident that it is true.
Christianity is not blind faith, nor subjective rather it is “objective faith” ความเชื่อศรัทธาที่มีความเป็นสากล จริงแท้ เที่ยงตรง ไม่ขึ้นอยู่กับความคิดเห็นของแต่ละบุคคล . When we say that Christianity is an objective faith, it means that our faith is based on a true object and not based on fairy tales เทพนิยาย, myths เรื่องเล่าปรับปรา and legends ตำนานต่างๆ. Verse one tells that “faith is conviction of things not seen”. The word “conviction” in Greek is “ἔλεγχος” การพิสูจน์ความจริง which is conviction based on real evidence. So even if cannot see, we have enough evidence to be confident that it is true.
พยานในความเชื่อศรัทธาThe object of our faith is Jesus Christ. He was a real historical person who was born 2,000 years ago, who was crucified under Pontus Pilate and rose again after 3 days. There are more than enough evidences to prove that what we believe is true. The bible is also proved to be a เชื่อถือได้ trustworthy document. The contents of the bible contain true historical events and are and consistent with science and common sense.
พยานในความเชื่อศรัทธาThe object of our faith is Jesus Christ. He was a real historical person who was born 2,000 years ago, who was crucified under Pontus Pilate and rose again after 3 days. There are more than enough evidences to prove that what we believe is true. The bible is also proved to be a เชื่อถือได้ trustworthy document. The contents of the bible contain true historical events and are and consistent with science and common sense.
Therefore, in 1 Corinthians 15 Paul argues that if anyone can prove that Jesus did not resurrect from the dead, then they would prove that Christianity is a ศาสนาเทียมเท็จ หลอกลวง false religion. One field of study in Christianity is called การแก้ต่างโดยการใช้ตรรกและเหตุผล“apologetics”. It is about defending our faith based on historical and scientific evidence. One good author is Lee Strobel and some of his books are available in Thai. I encourage you to read it as it will help you grow in your faith.
Therefore, in 1 Corinthians 15 Paul argues that if anyone can prove that Jesus did not resurrect from the dead, then they would prove that Christianity is a ศาสนาเทียมเท็จ หลอกลวง false religion. One field of study in Christianity is called การแก้ต่างโดยการใช้ตรรกและเหตุผล“apologetics”. It is about defending our faith based on historical and scientific evidence. One good author is Lee Strobel and some of his books are available in Thai. I encourage you to read it as it will help you grow in your faith.
So, is faith just being “convinced” that God exists and that He created the world? James 2:19 tells us ท่านเชื่อว่าพระเจ้ามีเพียงองค์เดียว นั้นก็ดี แม้พวกผีก็เชื่อและกลัวจนตัวสั่น “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!” Satan and the demons truly believe that God exists, but that does not save them. Faith is more.
So, is faith just being “convinced” that God exists and that He created the world? James 2:19 tells us ท่านเชื่อว่าพระเจ้ามีเพียงองค์เดียว นั้นก็ดี แม้พวกผีก็เชื่อและกลัวจนตัวสั่น “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!” Satan and the demons truly believe that God exists, but that does not save them. Faith is more.
2. Faith is the มั่นใจในสิ่งที่หวังไว้ Assurance of Things Hoped For
2. Faith is the มั่นใจในสิ่งที่หวังไว้ Assurance of Things Hoped For
Secondly, “faith is the Assurance of things hoped for”. There are some Christian churches use this to teach faith is การพูดสารภาพในแง่บวก “positive confession” – meaning that whatever they hope for, whatever they want, they have to really believe it, be confident of it, and speak it out often, then God will give it to them. God is like a Santa Claus who gives whatever his children desires. But this is a totally wrong teaching of faith especially when we read the whole chapter 11.
Secondly, “faith is the Assurance of things hoped for”. There are some Christian churches use this to teach faith is การพูดสารภาพในแง่บวก “positive confession” – meaning that whatever they hope for, whatever they want, they have to really believe it, be confident of it, and speak it out often, then God will give it to them. God is like a Santa Claus who gives whatever his children desires. But this is a totally wrong teaching of faith especially when we read the whole chapter 11.
Chapter 11 is a ลิสต์รายชื่อroll-call of the บรรดาวีรบุรุษและวีรศัตรีแห่งความเชื่อศรัทธาที่ยิ่งใหญ่ great heroes of faith. No less than 16 names, including Abraham, Noah, Joseph, Moses, Rabah, Gideon, Samson and King David. Then the author says something very interesting about their faith in verses 13-16: When all the heroes of faith died, they did not receive the things promised, but they were ok because they saw themselves as คนแปลกหน้าที่ร่อนเร่ พเนจร “strangers and exiles on earth” and their hope and desire was for a better country, a “heavenly one”. And like wise in verse 39 and 40 reaffirms this แม้คนเหล่านี้ทุกคนได้รับการรับรองเพราะความเชื่อ แต่พวกเขาก็ยังไม่ได้รับสิ่งที่ทรงสัญญาไว้ เพราะพระเจ้าทรงจัดเตรียมสิ่งที่ประเสริฐยิ่งกว่านั้นไว้สำหรับพวกเรา“All these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us… ”
Chapter 11 is a ลิสต์รายชื่อroll-call of the บรรดาวีรบุรุษและวีรศัตรีแห่งความเชื่อศรัทธาที่ยิ่งใหญ่ great heroes of faith. No less than 16 names, including Abraham, Noah, Joseph, Moses, Rabah, Gideon, Samson and King David. Then the author says something very interesting about their faith in verses 13-16: When all the heroes of faith died, they did not receive the things promised, but they were ok because they saw themselves as คนแปลกหน้าที่ร่อนเร่ พเนจร “strangers and exiles on earth” and their hope and desire was for a better country, a “heavenly one”. And like wise in verse 39 and 40 reaffirms this แม้คนเหล่านี้ทุกคนได้รับการรับรองเพราะความเชื่อ แต่พวกเขาก็ยังไม่ได้รับสิ่งที่ทรงสัญญาไว้ เพราะพระเจ้าทรงจัดเตรียมสิ่งที่ประเสริฐยิ่งกว่านั้นไว้สำหรับพวกเรา“All these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us… ”
Faith is not for the here and now. It is not about blessings of health, prosperity and successes on earth. Our faith is hope not in this life, but in the future, in eternity with God. The heroes of faith did not receive what was promised, but instead endured much hardship – think about Abraham, Noah, Joseph, and Moses. But they were able to endure everything because their hope was not in this life, and they had great confidence in their future inheritance.
Faith is not for the here and now. It is not about blessings of health, prosperity and successes on earth. Our faith is hope not in this life, but in the future, in eternity with God. The heroes of faith did not receive what was promised, but instead endured much hardship – think about Abraham, Noah, Joseph, and Moses. But they were able to endure everything because their hope was not in this life, and they had great confidence in their future inheritance.
Today is Ascension Sunday, when we remember Jesus leaving earth and ascended into heaven. But before he left, he gave a command and a promise. The command be his witness and make disciples of nations and the promise that He will come back again.
Today is Ascension Sunday, when we remember Jesus leaving earth and ascended into heaven. But before he left, he gave a command and a promise. The command be his witness and make disciples of nations and the promise that He will come back again.
When my daughter Mikayla was younger there were times when Diana and I had go out of the house to do some ทำธุระนอกบ้านerrands and leave her at home with the pi-liang. At first she would cry and beg us not to go, then she made us promise that we would come back quickly. We told her that we would, but while we are gone, she has to be a good girl and tidy up her toys. When we left, she would still be crying BUT when she starts playing with her toys and watches TV, she has forgotten about us and forgotten to tidy up her toys. The reality is that the toys ,TV, handphones and iPads cannot provide our children with food, security, care and love, only parents can, yet they can sometimes be more important.
When my daughter Mikayla was younger there were times when Diana and I had go out of the house to do some ทำธุระนอกบ้านerrands and leave her at home with the pi-liang. At first she would cry and beg us not to go, then she made us promise that we would come back quickly. We told her that we would, but while we are gone, she has to be a good girl and tidy up her toys. When we left, she would still be crying BUT when she starts playing with her toys and watches TV, she has forgotten about us and forgotten to tidy up her toys. The reality is that the toys ,TV, handphones and iPads cannot provide our children with food, security, care and love, only parents can, yet they can sometimes be more important.
Likewise, the reality for Christians is God not the pleasure of this world - making money, career, health, and security. And when we don’t get what we want in life, we ทำให้ไม่สบายใจfret, we worry, and get angry with God like a เด็กที่ถูกตามใจ spoilt child. Yes, these things are not important but more important is fixing our eyes on Jesus and his plans for us. Faith means having our hope not in this life, because our home is not here. Faith means being confident that God has a better plan and a better place for us. Confident of God promises and rewards in our heavenly home.
Likewise, the reality for Christians is God not the pleasure of this world - making money, career, health, and security. And when we don’t get what we want in life, we ทำให้ไม่สบายใจfret, we worry, and get angry with God like a เด็กที่ถูกตามใจ spoilt child. Yes, these things are not important but more important is fixing our eyes on Jesus and his plans for us. Faith means having our hope not in this life, because our home is not here. Faith means being confident that God has a better plan and a better place for us. Confident of God promises and rewards in our heavenly home.
3. Faith is Action
3. Faith is Action
The phrase โดยความเชื่อ “by faith” is repeated 17 times in this chapter and each time it is used, an action is followed: By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice; by faith, Noah constructed an ark; by faith Abraham obeyed, by faith Sarah considered God faithful to his promise; by faith Abraham ถวายอิสอัค offered up Isaac; by faith Moses chose to be with God’s people rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.
The phrase โดยความเชื่อ “by faith” is repeated 17 times in this chapter and each time it is used, an action is followed: By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice; by faith, Noah constructed an ark; by faith Abraham obeyed, by faith Sarah considered God faithful to his promise; by faith Abraham ถวายอิสอัค offered up Isaac; by faith Moses chose to be with God’s people rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.
Faith is action. Faith leads to action. Faith is seen in our works. Therefore the apostle James exhorts us คนโฉดเขลาเอ๋ย ท่านต้องการให้พิสูจน์ว่าความเชื่อที่ไม่มีการประพฤตินั้นไร้ผลหรือ อับราฮัมบรรพบุรุษของเรา ถวายอิสอัคบุตรของท่านบนแท่นบูชา จึงถูกชำระให้ชอบธรรมเพราะการประพฤติไม่ใช่หรือ ท่านก็เห็นแล้วว่า ความเชื่อนั้นทำงานควบคู่กัลการประพฤติของเขาและความเชื่อก็สมบูรณ์โดยการประพฤตินั้น “20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works” (James 2:20-22)
Faith is action. Faith leads to action. Faith is seen in our works. Therefore the apostle James exhorts us คนโฉดเขลาเอ๋ย ท่านต้องการให้พิสูจน์ว่าความเชื่อที่ไม่มีการประพฤตินั้นไร้ผลหรือ อับราฮัมบรรพบุรุษของเรา ถวายอิสอัคบุตรของท่านบนแท่นบูชา จึงถูกชำระให้ชอบธรรมเพราะการประพฤติไม่ใช่หรือ ท่านก็เห็นแล้วว่า ความเชื่อนั้นทำงานควบคู่กัลการประพฤติของเขาและความเชื่อก็สมบูรณ์โดยการประพฤตินั้น “20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works” (James 2:20-22)
Have you ever asked God what he wants you to do for Him? Have you ever considered what you can do to please God? Are there areas of your life which you need to obey? Brothers and sisters, living to please God, to trust and obey Him is faith in action.
Have you ever asked God what he wants you to do for Him? Have you ever considered what you can do to please God? Are there areas of your life which you need to obey? Brothers and sisters, living to please God, to trust and obey Him is faith in action.
4. Faith Produces Power
4. Faith Produces Power
Jesus once rebuked his disciples for their lack of faith and then He tells them, เราบอกความจริงกับท่านทั้งหลายว่า ถ้าพวกท่านมีความเชื่อเท่าเมล็ดมัสตาร์ด เมล็ดหนึ่ง พวกท่านจะสั่งภูเขานี้ว่า จงเคลื่อนจากที่นี่ไปที่โน่น มันก็จะเคลื่อนไป และสิ่งใดที่เป็นไปไม่ได้สำหรับพวกท่านจะไม่มีเลย“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matt 17:20).
Jesus once rebuked his disciples for their lack of faith and then He tells them, เราบอกความจริงกับท่านทั้งหลายว่า ถ้าพวกท่านมีความเชื่อเท่าเมล็ดมัสตาร์ด เมล็ดหนึ่ง พวกท่านจะสั่งภูเขานี้ว่า จงเคลื่อนจากที่นี่ไปที่โน่น มันก็จะเคลื่อนไป และสิ่งใดที่เป็นไปไม่ได้สำหรับพวกท่านจะไม่มีเลย“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matt 17:20).
That is so true. We read from verses 33 onwards that, through faith, these heroes of faith พิชิตอาณาจักรต่างๆconquered kingdoms, ปิดปากสิงโตstopped the mouths of lions, ดับไฟที่ไหม้อย่างรุนแรง มีกำลังมากในการสงคราม quenched the power of fire and became mighty in war. When our faith is อ่อนแอและอุ่นๆ feeble and lukewarm, it produces feeble and lukewarm lives. Lives that do not do much, lives that is often lived in fear, worry and anxiety. However, when we do have true faith in God, even faith as small as a mustard seed, we can do ทำสิ่งที่ยิ่งใหญ่เพื่อพระเจ้า mighty exploits for God. And we can also endure all forms of suffering in life.
That is so true. We read from verses 33 onwards that, through faith, these heroes of faith พิชิตอาณาจักรต่างๆconquered kingdoms, ปิดปากสิงโตstopped the mouths of lions, ดับไฟที่ไหม้อย่างรุนแรง มีกำลังมากในการสงคราม quenched the power of fire and became mighty in war. When our faith is อ่อนแอและอุ่นๆ feeble and lukewarm, it produces feeble and lukewarm lives. Lives that do not do much, lives that is often lived in fear, worry and anxiety. However, when we do have true faith in God, even faith as small as a mustard seed, we can do ทำสิ่งที่ยิ่งใหญ่เพื่อพระเจ้า mighty exploits for God. And we can also endure all forms of suffering in life.
Just 5 days ago, the Christian world mourned the death of one of our great heroes of faith – Ravi Zacharias. Ravi is one of our greatest Christian apologist. Upon his death, there were thousands of messages in the internet on how his teaching and his humble life has impacted their lives. Ravi because a great Christian simply because he chose to have faith, trust God and follow God’s plan for His life. His faith can be seen in his humble and selfless life. Using his gifts to serve God. And before he died,
Just 5 days ago, the Christian world mourned the death of one of our great heroes of faith – Ravi Zacharias. Ravi is one of our greatest Christian apologist. Upon his death, there were thousands of messages in the internet on how his teaching and his humble life has impacted their lives. Ravi because a great Christian simply because he chose to have faith, trust God and follow God’s plan for His life. His faith can be seen in his humble and selfless life. Using his gifts to serve God. And before he died,
เรื่องราวของพระกิตติคุณเป็นเรื่องราวของชีวิตนิรันดร์ ชีวิตของข้าพเจ้ามีเพียงหนึ่งเดียวและไม่เหมือนใคร และจะคงอยู่ชั่วนิรันดร์กับองค์พระผู้เป็นเจ้า ชีวิตของข้าพเจ้าจะไม่เป็นแบบ ไม่จำเป็นต้องมีอีกต่อไป ข้าพเจ้าจะไม่ต้องหลงทางอีกต่อไป เพราะว่าข้าพเจ้าได้อยู่กับพระองค์ผู้ทรงช่วยให้ข้าพเจ้ารอด “The story of the gospel is the story of eternal life. My life is unique and will endure eternally in God’s presence. I will never be 'no more.' I will never be lost because I will be with the One who saves me.” —
เรื่องราวของพระกิตติคุณเป็นเรื่องราวของชีวิตนิรันดร์ ชีวิตของข้าพเจ้ามีเพียงหนึ่งเดียวและไม่เหมือนใคร และจะคงอยู่ชั่วนิรันดร์กับองค์พระผู้เป็นเจ้า ชีวิตของข้าพเจ้าจะไม่เป็นแบบ ไม่จำเป็นต้องมีอีกต่อไป ข้าพเจ้าจะไม่ต้องหลงทางอีกต่อไป เพราะว่าข้าพเจ้าได้อยู่กับพระองค์ผู้ทรงช่วยให้ข้าพเจ้ารอด “The story of the gospel is the story of eternal life. My life is unique and will endure eternally in God’s presence. I will never be 'no more.' I will never be lost because I will be with the One who saves me.” —
“The story of the gospel is the story of eternal life. My life is unique and will endure eternally in God’s presence. I will never be 'no more.' I will never be lost because I will be with the One who saves me.” —
“The story of the gospel is the story of eternal life. My life is unique and will endure eternally in God’s presence. I will never be 'no more.' I will never be lost because I will be with the One who saves me.” —
he said something impactful, “For the Christian, death is not a full stop. สิ้นสุด จบประโยค It is a จุลภาคcomma.”
he said something impactful, “For the Christian, death is not a full stop. สิ้นสุด จบประโยค It is a จุลภาคcomma.”
But the roll call of faith does not end, it keeps going. By faith Abel offered a better sacrifice, by faith Abraham obeyed God. By faith, _______ (your name). May God May God give us steady courage to follow the Lord so that some day our names might be added to the long list of men and women who lived and died by faith. Amen
But the roll call of faith does not end, it keeps going. By faith Abel offered a better sacrifice, by faith Abraham obeyed God. By faith, _______ (your name). May God May God give us steady courage to follow the Lord so that some day our names might be added to the long list of men and women who lived and died by faith. Amen