AIR Studies – Practical Faith 2

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AIR Studies-Craig Smee

AIR STUDY – PRACTICAL FAITH – SESSION 2 

THE AUTHORITY OF FAITH

LUKE CHAPTER 10 VERSE19 

THE FAITH TEMPLATE

When we read the primary definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1, we can come away with the wrong idea of what faith is. In this study, we will see that faith is more than just belief, trust, hope, or blessed assurance. It is one of the most PRACTICAL and powerful gifts that God gave humankind.

The gift of faith was initially bestowed on Adam and Eve. They received a faith that did not have the requirement to be directed at a SAVIOR. Receiving salvation through faith and grace was only a requirement after their rebellious demise. 

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. 

Hebrews 11:1(NLT)

Hebrews 11:1 and a conversation recorded in Matthew 8 give us a greater understanding of what God originally intended for us through the gift of faith.

Let’s rewind to the beginning and unpack that first gift of faith given to a SIN-FREE man and woman.

Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and  multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”

Genesis 1:28 (NLT)

Let’s find faith in that scripture. Hebrews 11:1 give us some things we can see if faith is present. Here is Hebrews 11:1 in the NKJV: 

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) 

If faith is operating, hope in a dream or vision, confident assurance, a substantial vision, and an unseen outcome would be present.

Was faith an element of God’s instructions to Adam and Eve? YES! He gave them a SUBSTANTIAL vision that was not yet realized, AND He gave them hope that His vision could become a REALITY.

FAITH GIVEN IS AUTHORITY PROVIDED

Most importantly, though, God gave Adam and Eve confidence in their ability to accomplish the vision! He gives them the right to lead, reign, and command the world they live in to obey God’s vision. 

Jesus saw this correlation too. In a conversation He had with someone in authority, who understood the nuances of authority, He shows that faith expressed with ASSURANCE is our most powerful expression of faith – our God-given authority.

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.” Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word  from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!

Matthew 8:5-10 (NLT)

Faith and authority are intrinsically linked. Here is how:

  1. FAITH IS THE SUBMISSION TO GOD’S VISION (Under Authority)
  2. SUBSTANTIVE HOPE IN THE WORD OF GOD IS THE SOURCE OF OUR AUTHORITY.
  3. AUTHORITY IS THE “ASSURED EXPECTATION” GIVEN TO US BY THE VALIDITY AND TRUTH OF GOD’S WORD.
  4. GOD PROVIDES HIS WORD TO STIR IN US THE ASSURANCE THAT CREATES OUR AUTHORITY OVER:
    1. SIN
    2. SATAN
    3. THE WORLD
  5. THE THINGS HOPED FOR ARE THE THINGS WE HAVE AUTHORITY OVER BUT ARE, MORE IMPORTANTLY, LINKED TO GOD’S VISION. (Marriage, life, identity, health, finances, etc.)

RECALL AND REMINDER

The Grace Covenants of Genesis 1-3

Review the grace covenants (Covenants 1 Session 2) found in Genesis 1-3, 

Review the AIR STUDY you conducted on Romans 7:21-24. 

SUMMARY QUESTIONS

  1. How is authority tied to our faith?
  2. How is God’s Word relational with us in its outworking?
  3. In what arenas of life are we more likely to have authority?
  4. Choose one explanation (of 5) as to the link between faith and authority and explain it in your own words.
  5. What causes the depletion of our authority? (Romans 7:21-24)

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