Faith
When discussing healing we must first discuss faith. The Bible has so much to say about faith and the importance of it, that I just can't understand the absence of faith teaching. People (preachers) act like they are afraid of it or that they might be branded a fanatic. Fanatic or not it is a fact that you will not receive anything from God outside of faith. Now lets look at what the Bible says about faith. Let me give you the Biblical definition of faith first. I will give you several different translations of Hebrews 11:1 that you may get a clearer understanding of what faith is.
Hebrews 11:1 (New King James Version)1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 (New Living Translation)1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
Hebrews 11:1(Amplified Bible)1NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].
Now look at the word hope or hoped. It is the Greek word elpizo. The root of that word is the Greek word elpis. The meaning of this word is expectation or confidence. Actually it means to anticipate, usually with pleasure. So you could say Hebrews 11:1 like this.
Hebrews 11:1 (Wayne's Translation) Now faith gives us the assurance that the things we expect to come to pass, will come to pass, even though there is no physical evidence to be felt or seen.
In order to walk in true faith you have to accept the Word of God as final authority on all things. That is, if the Word of God says it, then that is the way it is and that settles it. If your faith is strong then your words will support what you believe. When faith speaks the victory is assured and when fear speaks and defeat is assured. Now let us see what else the Bible says about faith. Four times in the scriptures the Bible says the just shall live by faith.
Habakkuk 2:4 (Amplified Bible)4Look at the proud; his soul is not straight or right within him, but the [rigidly] just and the [uncompromisingly] righteous man shall live by his faith and in his faithfulness.
Romans 1:17 (New King James Version)17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
Galatians 3:11 (New King James Version)11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.”
Hebrews 10:38 (New King James Version)38 Now the just shall live by faith;But if anyone draws back My soul has no pleasure in him.”
Don't you think that the Lord is striving to get something over to us. Listen, the Lord gave every man the measure of faith where by he may be saved but great faith has to be sought after. The Bible says faith comes by hearing the Word. It doesn't just fall on you, you have to intentionally go after it. As a matter of fact every thing you get from God must be done with purpose. With that said, I would be remiss in my opinions if I failed to mention that there are times when God through His grace gets us out of situations simply because of our having a heart that desires His best.
Now let us look at the word substance as it is used in Hebrews 11:1 in the King James and the New King James translations.
Faith is substance. Substance is taken from the Greek word Hupostasis. This word means:
“ A setting under or support (foundation), assurance, confidence, confident expectation, an assured impression and a mental realizing.”
Some more definitions of faith: A belief, or confident attitude toward God, conviction, trust, belief, reliance on the trust worthiness of God.
Faith is all about resting in God's Word and trusting to the point that your assurance brings peace and a knowing that everything is going to be alright. (Here are some other things that the Bible says about faith.)
2 Corinthians 5:7 (New King James Version)7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Hebrews 11:6 (New King James Version)6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Romans 14:23 (Amplified Bible)23But the man who has doubts (misgivings, an uneasy conscience) about eating, and then eats [perhaps because of you], stands condemned [before God], because he is not true to his convictions and he does not act from faith. For whatever does not originate and proceed from faith is sin [whatever is done without a conviction of its approval by God is sinful].
Romans 10:17 (Amplified Bible)17So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).
O:K, so let us bring together what the Bible says about faith.
1. The just live by faith. (Hab. 2:4; Ro. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38)
2. We walk by faith not by sight. (11 Cor. 5:7)
3. Without faith you cannot please God. (Heb. 11:6)
4. Whatever does not originate and proceed from faith is sin. (Ro. 14:23 Amp.)
5. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. (Ro. 10:17)
Here are some other things that you need to know about faith.
1. Faith always sees into the unseen.
2. Faith always believes before manifestation.
3. Faith is always now. If it is not now, its not faith.
4. Faith always speaks the desired result.
5. Faith always receives based on what you believe.
6. Faith does not co-exist with fear.
I like to put it like this. (Fear knocked on the door and faith answered and no one was there). Paul put it like this.
2 Corinthians 4:13-14 (New King James Version)13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.
If you will look at verse 14, Paul's faith was a knowing faith. He believed what he had heard.
Paul went on to make this statement in 11 Corinthians 4:17-18.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (New King James Version)17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
In verse 18 Paul is talking about looking at things that the natural eye can't see. That is what faith does. Faith is always based on what God has said. When you base your belief system on what God has said you like Paul can have a knowing that everything is going to be alright.
Scriptures Crediting Faith For The Results
What I am going to do now is show you some scripture concerning healing and other miracles where faith brought about the desired results. What I am going to do is give you the key scripture in each incident pointing to faith as the catalyst in bringing about the miracle needed.
Woman with the issue of blood: Mark 5: 25-34
Mark 5:34 (New King James Version)34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”
I want you to notice with what attitude she approached Jesus. Verses 27 & 28.
Mark 5:27-28 (New King James Version)27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”
That is faith at its finest. She had a knowing in her heart. No doubt was present. Let me show you what the result of her faith was.
Mark 5:29 (Amplified Bible)29And immediately her flow of blood was dried up at the source, and [suddenly] she felt in her body that she was healed of her [distressing] ailment.
Jairus daughter raised from the dead: Mark 5:35-43
Mark 5:35-36 (New King James Version)35 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”
36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”
Look at the word believe. It is taken from the same root word from the Greek that means faith. Faith is a noun and believe is a verb. Without changing the meaning of the scripture, Jesus could have said, “Do not be afraid; only have faith.” This guy has just been told that his daughter is dead. Not even death can stop the hand of Jesus when your faith is based upon what He says. Look at the result of Jairus faith in Jesus.
Mark 5:41-42 (New King James Version)41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.
These are the things that Jesus still desires to do on this earth but finding the ministers who are willing to pay the price isn't easy for the Lord. Lets view some more.
The healing of the paralytic: Luke 5:18-25
Luke 5:18-25 (New King James Version)18 Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. 19 And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus. 20 When He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 25 Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.
Verse 20 says when He saw their faith and verse 25 tells what the result of their faith was. True faith always has good results.
Two blind men healed: Matthew 9:28-30
Matthew 9:28-30 (New King James Version)28 And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”
They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” 30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, “See that no one knows it. ”
Jesus heals a Centurion”s servant: Matthew 8:5-10
Matthew 8:10 (New King James Version)10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!
The Syrophenician woman's daughter is healed:
Matthew 8:10 (New King James Version)10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!
Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus: Mark 10:46-52
Mark 10:52 (New King James Version)52 Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.
I trust that those who read this book will go to their Bible and read the entire text. Most of those that I have gave you are just to show you that faith is needed when you are seeking healing from God. Let me give one more scripture that I believe will put the icing on the cake so to speak.
James 5:14-15 (New King James Version)14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Where it says that the prayer of faith will save the sick, I want to call your attention to the word save. It is taken from the Greek word sozo. Sozo means to deliver or protect; to heal, preserve or to make whole. In other words the prayer of faith will heal him and the Lord will raise him up or restore him.
Hebrews 11:1 (New King James Version)1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 (New Living Translation)1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
Hebrews 11:1(Amplified Bible)1NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].
Now look at the word hope or hoped. It is the Greek word elpizo. The root of that word is the Greek word elpis. The meaning of this word is expectation or confidence. Actually it means to anticipate, usually with pleasure. So you could say Hebrews 11:1 like this.
Hebrews 11:1 (Wayne's Translation) Now faith gives us the assurance that the things we expect to come to pass, will come to pass, even though there is no physical evidence to be felt or seen.
In order to walk in true faith you have to accept the Word of God as final authority on all things. That is, if the Word of God says it, then that is the way it is and that settles it. If your faith is strong then your words will support what you believe. When faith speaks the victory is assured and when fear speaks and defeat is assured. Now let us see what else the Bible says about faith. Four times in the scriptures the Bible says the just shall live by faith.
Habakkuk 2:4 (Amplified Bible)4Look at the proud; his soul is not straight or right within him, but the [rigidly] just and the [uncompromisingly] righteous man shall live by his faith and in his faithfulness.
Romans 1:17 (New King James Version)17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
Galatians 3:11 (New King James Version)11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.”
Hebrews 10:38 (New King James Version)38 Now the just shall live by faith;But if anyone draws back My soul has no pleasure in him.”
Don't you think that the Lord is striving to get something over to us. Listen, the Lord gave every man the measure of faith where by he may be saved but great faith has to be sought after. The Bible says faith comes by hearing the Word. It doesn't just fall on you, you have to intentionally go after it. As a matter of fact every thing you get from God must be done with purpose. With that said, I would be remiss in my opinions if I failed to mention that there are times when God through His grace gets us out of situations simply because of our having a heart that desires His best.
Now let us look at the word substance as it is used in Hebrews 11:1 in the King James and the New King James translations.
Faith is substance. Substance is taken from the Greek word Hupostasis. This word means:
“ A setting under or support (foundation), assurance, confidence, confident expectation, an assured impression and a mental realizing.”
Some more definitions of faith: A belief, or confident attitude toward God, conviction, trust, belief, reliance on the trust worthiness of God.
Faith is all about resting in God's Word and trusting to the point that your assurance brings peace and a knowing that everything is going to be alright. (Here are some other things that the Bible says about faith.)
2 Corinthians 5:7 (New King James Version)7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Hebrews 11:6 (New King James Version)6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Romans 14:23 (Amplified Bible)23But the man who has doubts (misgivings, an uneasy conscience) about eating, and then eats [perhaps because of you], stands condemned [before God], because he is not true to his convictions and he does not act from faith. For whatever does not originate and proceed from faith is sin [whatever is done without a conviction of its approval by God is sinful].
Romans 10:17 (Amplified Bible)17So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).
O:K, so let us bring together what the Bible says about faith.
1. The just live by faith. (Hab. 2:4; Ro. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38)
2. We walk by faith not by sight. (11 Cor. 5:7)
3. Without faith you cannot please God. (Heb. 11:6)
4. Whatever does not originate and proceed from faith is sin. (Ro. 14:23 Amp.)
5. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. (Ro. 10:17)
Here are some other things that you need to know about faith.
1. Faith always sees into the unseen.
2. Faith always believes before manifestation.
3. Faith is always now. If it is not now, its not faith.
4. Faith always speaks the desired result.
5. Faith always receives based on what you believe.
6. Faith does not co-exist with fear.
I like to put it like this. (Fear knocked on the door and faith answered and no one was there). Paul put it like this.
2 Corinthians 4:13-14 (New King James Version)13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.
If you will look at verse 14, Paul's faith was a knowing faith. He believed what he had heard.
Paul went on to make this statement in 11 Corinthians 4:17-18.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (New King James Version)17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
In verse 18 Paul is talking about looking at things that the natural eye can't see. That is what faith does. Faith is always based on what God has said. When you base your belief system on what God has said you like Paul can have a knowing that everything is going to be alright.
Scriptures Crediting Faith For The Results
What I am going to do now is show you some scripture concerning healing and other miracles where faith brought about the desired results. What I am going to do is give you the key scripture in each incident pointing to faith as the catalyst in bringing about the miracle needed.
Woman with the issue of blood: Mark 5: 25-34
Mark 5:34 (New King James Version)34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”
I want you to notice with what attitude she approached Jesus. Verses 27 & 28.
Mark 5:27-28 (New King James Version)27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”
That is faith at its finest. She had a knowing in her heart. No doubt was present. Let me show you what the result of her faith was.
Mark 5:29 (Amplified Bible)29And immediately her flow of blood was dried up at the source, and [suddenly] she felt in her body that she was healed of her [distressing] ailment.
Jairus daughter raised from the dead: Mark 5:35-43
Mark 5:35-36 (New King James Version)35 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”
36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”
Look at the word believe. It is taken from the same root word from the Greek that means faith. Faith is a noun and believe is a verb. Without changing the meaning of the scripture, Jesus could have said, “Do not be afraid; only have faith.” This guy has just been told that his daughter is dead. Not even death can stop the hand of Jesus when your faith is based upon what He says. Look at the result of Jairus faith in Jesus.
Mark 5:41-42 (New King James Version)41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.
These are the things that Jesus still desires to do on this earth but finding the ministers who are willing to pay the price isn't easy for the Lord. Lets view some more.
The healing of the paralytic: Luke 5:18-25
Luke 5:18-25 (New King James Version)18 Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. 19 And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus. 20 When He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 25 Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.
Verse 20 says when He saw their faith and verse 25 tells what the result of their faith was. True faith always has good results.
Two blind men healed: Matthew 9:28-30
Matthew 9:28-30 (New King James Version)28 And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”
They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” 30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, “See that no one knows it. ”
Jesus heals a Centurion”s servant: Matthew 8:5-10
Matthew 8:10 (New King James Version)10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!
The Syrophenician woman's daughter is healed:
Matthew 8:10 (New King James Version)10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!
Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus: Mark 10:46-52
Mark 10:52 (New King James Version)52 Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.
I trust that those who read this book will go to their Bible and read the entire text. Most of those that I have gave you are just to show you that faith is needed when you are seeking healing from God. Let me give one more scripture that I believe will put the icing on the cake so to speak.
James 5:14-15 (New King James Version)14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Where it says that the prayer of faith will save the sick, I want to call your attention to the word save. It is taken from the Greek word sozo. Sozo means to deliver or protect; to heal, preserve or to make whole. In other words the prayer of faith will heal him and the Lord will raise him up or restore him.
Labels: Faith that gets healing
posted by FAITHMAN at 1:08 PM
0 comments
