Faith Principles 1 and 2

We will now study the Word to establish principles of faith to live by. These are not formulas, but principles which should become a part of our lifestyle as men and women of faith who please God.

1. Definition of Faith

Before I can have faith, I must have HOPE

• Greek for Hope = “ELPIS” (Strong 1680) =”A joyful, confident expectation.”
• This kind of hope is the climate in which faith works
• For our hope to be a joyful & confident expectation we must have a proper concept and understanding of the Father heart of God (Abba Father), Who is a REWARDER of those who diligently seek him.
• “…Faith is the SUBSTANCE/BEING SURE of my hope…”
• Greek for substance = “UPOSTASIS” = assurance, confirmation, my CONFIDENT EXPECTATION.
• Faith confirms that my hope is mine.

“Now faith is…”

• Hope is future, Faith is NOW
• Faith takes hold of the unrealities of hope and brings them into reality now.

2. Faith Always Has A Good Report

A man or woman of God will always say what the WORD says, and will not confess the CIRCUMSTANCES.

A person of faith always has a good report – Believing  God and his Word above the circumstances.

• Joshua & Caleb – Numbers 13
• David vs. Goliath – He did not look at the giant, but looked to God. Faith sees God, not the circumstances.
• F.A.I.T.H. = “Forsaking All I Trust Him”