Faith

A Series on Understanding Accountability

These Bible study lessons are designed to complement the myriad of study guides and plans available today. Through them, we hope to introduce sound study methodology, build a strong foundation of knowledge from which you can build and integrate a more coherent and comprehensive understanding of God's word and theology.

When encountering significant biblical terms, it is recommended that you seek to understand the underlying Hebrew / Greek term to develop an understanding that God intended. An example web tool that can help is BlueLetterBible.org where you: 1) enter your book and chapter of interest, 2) click "tools" next to the verse of study, 3) click "Strong's" to see the Hebrew / Greek meaning and uses of the term in question.

Return to Bible study lessons

1. Look up "faith" in its two commonly used Hebrew forms ([Gen 15:6; Deut 1:32], [Num 12:7; 1 Sam 22:14]). Over time, a root verb may morphologically change over time and become a source for derivative words (Prov 13:17; Isa 25:11). Another Hebrew root verb figuring prominently in the concept of faith (Jer 39:18). Make notes of this raw data.

2. Look up the Greek term for "believe" which is in the context of a saving faith (Luke 24:25; John 5:46). Note that this term is used in combination with a Greek preposition forming "pisteuō eis", which means "believe in" (John 3:18; Rom 10:9). Collect your raw data.

3. Another useful approach in understanding a biblical concept is to see how various people use the term (John: John 1:12; 2:22-23 | Paul: 1 Cor 2:5; 15:2, 14 | Jesus: Matt 8:5-13, 23-27; 9:20-22; Luke 17:1-10). What is your definition of faith?

4. As you develop your understanding of biblical concepts, testing it should be part of the process of refining your thoughts. Take for example the name of Jesus (Matt 1:21-23) and how the Bible portrays a lack of faith as disobedience (Lev 26:14; Rom 11:30-32; Eph 2:2; 5:6; Heb 4:4-12). How does (or does not) your definition of faith take this into account? This type of discussion (and it's OK to disagree) among friends is how iron sharpens iron; everyone should test their concepts of God in order that one may grow and mature.

5. Consider Exodus 19:4-6. Does God define what faith means here? Prove or disprove this consideration using the data you collected above.

References for Group Study Leaders

1. What is the concept of "faith" in the Old Testament?

2. What does John say about "faith"?

3. Does God define what faith means?

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FaithA Series on Understanding Accountability

Faith

A Series on Understanding Accountability