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Scripture Reading:  Romans 3:21-26

The Faith and Personal Faith (2)

Intro.

1.  The faith:  The gospel (arrangement of truth that produces faith unto salvation) – Rom. 1:16-17; 3:21-31.

2.  Has been fully & finally delivered – Jude 3.

3.  Saves sinners who believe it, obey it & continue in it – Col. 1:21-23.

4.  The faith has always been under attack by “deceiving spirits & doctrines of demons” that lead some to “depart from the faith” (1 Tim. 4:1).

5.  Increase respect for “the faith” & exhort us to fulfill our duties toward “the faith” as we depend on “the faith” for our salvation in Christ.

I.  CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FAITH:

  A.  The Faith can be Known – Titus 1:1.

    1.  epignosis – “precise and correct knowledge, used in the NT of the knowledge of things ethical and divine” (Thayer).

    2.  We can understand / know the faith (with certainty) – Col. 2:2-3:

      a.  All riches:  Full abundance

      b.  Full assurance:  “most certain confidence”

      c.  Of understanding: “a running together, a flowing together with”

      d.  Knowledge (epignosis):  “precise and correct knowledge.”

    3.  In order to be established in the faith – Col. 2:6-7.

    4.  In order not to be deceived by philosophy (human wisdom)!  2:8

    5.  Present-day objections:  Work & worship of the church; can’t judge & rebuke error with the force of certainty; MDR & fellowship, Rom. 14, “more difficult, less clear” teachings, gospel/doctrine distinctions, etc. – cf. 2 Cor. 13:5; 2 Tim. 4:2-4.

  B.  The Faith is Sound – Tit. 1:13-14.  We must be sound in the faith” & not “turn from the truth” (not vice versa) – Tit. 1:15-16; 2 Tim. 1:13.

  C.  The Faith Produces Unity, not Division – Eph. 4:13, 5.  Heals & prevents division among brethren – 1 Cor. 1:10 (cf. denominations).

  D.  The Faith is the Basis of our Fellowship – 1 Tim. 1:2; Titus 3:15.

    1.  We are all in Christ due to the faith – Eph. 4:3-7.

    2.  Thus, we have fellowship – Jno. 17:20-21.

    3.  Have a common (personal faith) because we follow the same system (law) of faith (the gospel) Tit. 1:4; Gal. 1:23; 2:7-9, 16 (Paul, Peter & LOM).

II.  OUR DUTIES TOWARD THE FAITH:

  A.  Stand Fast in the Faith – 1 Cor. 16:13; Phil. 1:27.

    1.  To engage & endure (as an athlete in a contest).

    2.  Continuance in the face of difficulties, trials, etc.

  B.  Earnestly Contend for the Faith – Jude 3.  WHY?  Because.....

    1.  Some depart from the faith via false teaching, 1 Ti. 4:1-3 (Jude 4)

    2.  Some deny the faith by forsaking personal duties, 1 Tim. 5:8.

    3.  Some stray from the faith, 1 Tim. 6:10, 20-21.

    4.  Some resist the faith, 2 Tim. 3:6-9.

    5.  Satan tries to devour us, so resist “steadfast in the faith,” 1 Pet. 5:8-9.

  C.  Examine Ourselves to see if we are in the Faith – 2 Cor. 13:5.

    1.  Since you can be “in” the faith, you can be “out” of the faith.

    2.  Bible tells us if we are right with God, on road to heaven (or hell).

  D.  We Must Keep the Faith – Rev. 14:12; 2 Tim. 4:7-8. 

    1.  Kept:  “to attend to carefully, take care of; to guard; metaph. to keep, one in the state in which he is; to observe.

    2.  Attend carefully to it; take care of it (don’t pervert); guard the gospel.

    3.  Observe “the faith” in order to receive its blessings (your heavenly reward; Crown:  the prize of victors).

Conclusion

1.  Rom. 1:16-17 – The gospel (the faith) saves by producing personal faith that obeys Jesus in all things (1:5; 16:25-26).

2.  Do your duty to “the faith” – Keep the faith – Be saved.