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Presented, March 19, 2006 pm

THE REAL SOURCE OF OUR FAITH

In 2 Timothy 1:12 as Paul knew his life was drawing to a close, he writes to Timothy with some concerns and encouragement for him to stay strong. As to his own state, Paul notes that while he is in prison and condemned to die, there is nothing for either Timothy or him to be ashamed of. In a statement of profound faith, Paul says, “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day.” Paul knows what is in store and that God and our Lord will not forget all that he had done when his earthly life ceased. But in this verse, Paul makes another acknowledgement that I would like for each of us to consider tonight. He says, “I KNOW whom I have believed.” Paul’s faith was in Christ.

That might seem obvious and if we were asked where our faith is rooted, most if not all of us would give the same answer. And if we are Christians, that OUGHT to be our answer. Jesus said, “If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” (John 8:24) He told His disciples, “…you believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1) Paul commends the Ephesians because, “we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the words of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” (1:12-13) Truly we understand this and it is in this fact that we have hope of salvation (Acts 4:12). BUT, if we were to honestly and deeply examine the source of our faith, would we find it solely in Christ or would we find it rooted in some other place?

And having said that, WHAT is the source of our faith in Christ? Is our faith based SOLELY on what we have learned about Jesus in the word or God or are there other factors? If truth be known, ALL OF US have been affected by other factors – our parents, the congregation where we attend, lessons from life, etc. But, HOW have they helped shape our belief in Jesus? Have they in some way directed us properly TOWARD Him or have they tainted our perception of Him?

In our lesson tonight, we will notice some places where men build their faith in Christ: places where genuine faith in Him is often crowded out.

I. Human Wisdom

a. Galatians 1:6-9 – Paul warns against those who come preaching a different gospel.
1 Corinthians 2:4, 5 – Paul’s speech was not with persuasive words of human wisdom… Also vs. 13

b. A very common misconception about faith in Jesus today is that it really doesn’t matter what we believe. Some reason that while you must believe in Jesus, but beyond that – you can formulate your own gospel according to what you want it to say. And this doctrine is fed to them continually by religious leaders teaching “faith only.” It is a SUBJECTIVE faith.
One reason for this is the humanistic philosophy of subjectivism. Subjectivism means that knowledge, especially in areas of morality and ethics is subject to one’s interpretations. Carried to its extreme – if you believe something is good, then it is good. Many well meaning educators (not all) are implementing this in their curriculum (Outcome based education, Mastery learning) – for example: rather than correct small errors (such as spelling) they praise them for the efforts reasoning that in time they will figure out the truth.
There are also many who encourage their students to “question everything” including the morality of their parents. While there is some truth to that, it is a dangerous road to go down. AND my concern is the philosophy it leaves with so many in our society - namely, “Believe what you want to believe (about Jesus). Don’t bother me with the facts.”

c. Colossians 2:4 – “Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words.” NOTE that in these passages and others, Paul was concerned that men not be deceived into false doctrine by the rationalizations of men.”

d. What about our faith? Do we base our faith upon what we want or what God wants? If we don’t fully understand something or agree with what God’s word teaches about it, do we accept it and submit, or do we dismiss and reason it away? For example: M-D-R.
Note 1 Corinthians 4:6 – do not think “beyond what is written”

II. Creeds and Traditions

a. We know that denominational creeds are wrong and condemned.
Revelation 22:18,19; Galatians 1:6-9, etc.

b. But what about unwritten creeds and traditions? One of the many faults of the scribes and Pharisees of Jesus day was the binding of their traditions. They had taken their commentaries and traditions and placed them on equal footing with the actual Law given by God. And if that were not enough, they BOUND them on everyone.
Often times their traditions set aside God’s laws – cf. Mark 7:5-13 - concerning eating with unwashed hands. As you study the gospels and Acts, not much good is said about these corrupt leaders (there were a few exceptions).
I am convinced a part of the reason for that is how they were so full of themselves and their traditions that they crowded God out of their lives (Luke 18:11-12).

c. What about us? Do we base our faith more upon “the way we have always done things” OR “What does God’s word say?”

d. Tradition can be a good thing. Paul referred to that which he had taught as “the traditions” they were to hold on to (2 Thess. 2:15). The problem arises when we bind tradition simply because we don’t want to adapt to the society we are living in. For example: The Amish have adopted the lifestyle of the late 1800’s and they bind it upon their followers.
Are we guilty of similar things – holding on to the ways of a bygone era and refusing to adapt? (NOTE: I am NOT saying we compromise God’s word – that is what the Pharisees did with traditions, but we CAN [not must] use the technology and advancements available to us if they will help us further the cause of Christ.)

III. The Crowd

a. There is great pressure to go along with the crowd today. There are many churches that have become “the in thing” in their communities. And some are popular places. Today we read of churches with memberships in the 10s of thousands. How do they get that big? Often times it is by appealing to the desires of the majority. One author, who is “pastor” of one of the fastest growing churches in America began by polling the community to find out their needs. The problem is not with the fact that polling is done (actually it might be a good idea), but when we use that to determine what we will become – INSTEAD of what God would have us to become. Many of these mega churches are known for their social outreach programs more than the message of God’s word. Often they compromise God’s word or leave unsaid those “controversial issues” that will drive people away.

b. In Jesus’ day, many rejected Him because of “the crowd.” I wonder how many of that mob that shouted, “Let Him be crucified” were afraid to stand up and defend Jesus because of those who were around them! Consider John 12:42-43.

c. Jesus taught that the majority can be wrong. In fact, NOTE Matthew 7:13,14.

d. What about us? Is our faith determined what everybody else is doing?
In society, are we ashamed to admit we are Christians? Do we defend our Lord when He is maligned?
What about within the church? Do we simply go along with the majority? If error is being taught and accepted by the majority, will we stand up against it and demand the truth?

IV. Influential People

a. We are all influenced by others. That is a good thing. Most of us (if not all) are Christians because of the example and teachings of someone else – parents, preachers, elders, Bible class teachers, friends, etc.

b. But how much “faith” do we put in them? Would we blindly follow them down the path of error simply because of their influence in our lives?
There are some who would defend a particular elder, preacher, teacher or member regardless of what they said or did.

c. Some have earned their respect. It could be that because of one’s “credentials” they are worthy of respect and consideration (cf. We are to respect our elders – Heb 13:17, 1 Tim. 3:7; We respect preachers – 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul – 1 Cor. 11:1; 1 Corinthians 16:18 – “therefore, acknowledge such men”, etc.) but we should NEVER put them on a level plane with God’s word. In fact, godly leaders would be the first to tell you – trust, but VERIFY.

V. The Local Congregation

a. It has been said before and is worthy of repeating here – when you stand before God, each of us will answer as individuals – 2 Corinthians 5:10.

b. You NEED the church in your life, but some rationalize that the church they are a part of is their automatic ticket to heaven. Let it be understood, you can be part of the most doctrinally sound congregation in the world – but if you are NOT living right and doing right, YOU WILL BE LOST.

c. Don’t put your “faith” ONLY in the church you are a member of.

My point in this lesson is not to say that other factors are not important – we need wisdom, godly traditions, influential friends and a sound congregation in our lives. But Christ alone MUST be the foundation of our faith – Ephesians 1:12-13. Where is your faith?

(Based on a lesson from another source)