Faith versus Hope
Introduction.
We must study the word of God to acquire a positive actions in our faith to get positive results. People are confusing hope with faith. We must remember that hope is future, and faith is in the present tense. But faith is now!
What we have In Jesus
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1: 2-4
What Jesus Did!
For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
I John 3:8
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Acts 10:38
Faith is Now!
Faith says, I receive the answer right now. I know I have it now! I am not hoping that I get it, I believe I received it. People have said to me well I believe I will have my healing sometime, that’s not faith it’s hope because it is looking to something indefinite, the future time. Faith says I have received my healing now in a modern translation of the New Testament says in Hebrews 11:1 “faith is giving substance to things hope for.” Faith is now, Hope is the future. If you need healing, you don’t want it in the future you want right now especially if you’re in pain. If you’re seeking salvation, or the baptism in the Holy Spirit you want to receive Him now not sometime in the future. If you need salvation you cannot put it off to the future that might be too late you need it now.
Ephesians 2 :8-9. “for you are for by grace you are saved through faith and that is not of yourselves it is a gift of God not of works least any man should boast.”
Romans 10:9-10, 13. it says “if they’ll shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in the heart that God has raised him from the dead they’ll shall be saved. For with a heart man believe it until righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Whosoever shall call upon the Lord shall be saved.”
This is present tense not future tense. So, we can see that the plan of salvation by faith not by hope we know you’re saved. Jesus said he was going to save us, and he did on the cross of Calvary.
How Do We Get Faith?
Romans 10:17, “So faith comes be hearing, and hearing the Word of God.” Another translation says’ Faith is the warranty deed, that the thing which we hoped for is finally yours”.
Hebrews 11:1, says the Faith is the evidence of things not seen.
• Finances- In finances or healing is that you confess that you need and thank God that you have it. When you speak unbelief, you are calling God a liar and siding with the devil.
• Prayer-In prayer we must use and agree with the Word of God. To know the Word of God is to know God. You cannot know God outside His word.
Mark 11:22-25, “So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.
What is your mountain? Is it the need for healing? Financial need? Remember that all is need is found in Jesus. He sat down at the right hand of the Father. He also seated us with Him in the heavenlies ad we are the fullness of Christ on earth.
Faith in Action
Here we have an example of a women who heard the message, believed in her heart, and moved in faith.
Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?” But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?” And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.” Mark 5:25-34
Faith makes the impossible, possible. Matt. 19:26. I have heard people saying I am hoping and praying for whatever, but they never receive it. You must hold on to your faith. Stand strong against the lies of the enemy!
Conclusion
How you believe, (think) is how you will speak. And how you speak will is how you will live.