Holy Bible Online 
What is faith, and what does it mean to believe in Jesus? Understanding the principles of faith and learning how to be an overcomer are vital themes for the church. Thus, let us boldly proclaim the truth without fear.
Theme: How to overcome the difficulties of the world through faith?
Objective: To communicate the relevance of true faith in Jesus Christ for victory, according to the Bible.
Key Text: 1 John 5:4-5
For everyone born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
- 1 John 5:4-5
Introduction
We live in a world with great diversity of beliefs and religions; even so, we know that it is a fallen and lost world. Despite the existence of many spiritual paths, the Bible points us to only one way and one true God. Some may find this exclusive, but only Jesus Christ is the path that leads to victory (John 14:6).
Although people naturally tend to believe in something and search for a higher purpose, we don’t always get it right. Your faith must be genuine and true in the right person, who is Christ. He is the help in times of distress, He is the faithful friend who loves you, He is the eternal Savior. It is worth placing your faith in the Lord.
What is Faith?
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
- Hebrews 11:1
True faith is based on God Himself, the one and only Creator, and everything He has said in the Holy Scriptures. Unlike what many think, faith in God and in His Word is not blind faith or without foundations for human understanding.
God has given us enough evidence, both written and through the life of Jesus Christ, for us to have solid faith in everything He has told us in the Bible. Since the beginning, He has revealed Himself to humanity and wants us to believe in His Christ to have access to eternal life.
What it means to have faith in Jesus
Believing is more than knowing, sympathizing with, or rationally accepting that God exists. Faith in Christ means trusting, depending, accepting, involving, surrendering, and resting in God. To believe in Jesus means trusting that He is Lord and sufficient to help, care for, and save us. The believer in Jesus does not need "helpers" or auxiliary beliefs! Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved
- Acts 4:12
The Goal of Faith
The central objective of faith in Christ is salvation (1 Peter 1:6-9). We can believe in a better future, in healings, signs, miracles, and material blessings, but all of that is temporary and secondary (1 Corinthians 15:19). The primary goal of faith in Jesus is eternal life (John 3:16). And this abundant life begins here when we trust everything into the powerful hands of the Lord. We have this confidence through faith that will follow us into eternity.
Principles of Faith in the Bible
- Saving faith includes knowledge, approval, and personal trust in Jesus (Romans 10:14, James 2:19).
- Faith is born when we listen to the Word of God (Romans 10:17) "...faith comes by hearing the Word of God...".
- Faith is a biblical command (Mark 11:22: "Jesus replied, 'Have faith in God.'"; Hebrews 11:6, Luke 8:50, Proverbs 3:5, Isaiah 26:4, Psalm 37:3).
- Faith is the fundamental duty of the Christian (John 6:28-29: "...The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent.").
- Faith is a command that must be united with love (1 John 3:23: "...to believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and to love one another...").
- Faith is a defensive weapon (Ephesians 6:16: "Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.").
- Faith without fruit is irrelevant (James 2:17: "Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.").
- The believer is justified by faith (Hebrews 10:38: "But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back."; Romans 5:1, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11).
- Faith is essential for those who want to draw near to God (Hebrews 11:6).
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
- Hebrews 11:6
Use Faith to Overcome
Faith is a powerful weapon against the evils of the world and against the relentless Enemy of our souls. In Ephesians 6:13-17, we see the shield of faith allied with the other fundamental pieces of God’s armor. Dress yourself every day and be prepared against the enemies of the Lord.
Overcoming the Enemies of Faith
- Doubt -Those who doubt are unstable; they think they believe, but when difficulties come, everything falls apart (James 1:6). Jesus often rebuked His disciples for their doubt (e.g., Peter when he began to sink in the sea – Matthew 14:31). Doubt can be natural (human) or demonic, but faith, when supported by God's power, is supernatural.
- Unbelief -Momentary distrust or completely rejecting what God says and does is a sin (John 16:8-9). Unbelief is often linked to malice, cunning, or indifference. Some believers in the Bible had moments of disbelief (e.g., Zechariah when he was promised a famous son in his old age – Luke 1:20). We are all encouraged to believe because "everything is possible for the one who believes" (Mark 9:23).
- Fear - Fear is another enemy of faith. When we feel fear, uncertainty, anxiety, or dread, we must quickly hold onto God through faith. To the father who was desperate for his daughter's life, Jesus said: "Don’t be afraid; just believe!" (Mark 5:36). Fear paralyzes us and makes us unfruitful, but God wants us to move forward with confidence in Him always! Trust and do not be afraid, for nothing is impossible with God! (Luke 1:37).
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
- Proverbs 3:5-6
Biblical Examples of Victorious Faith
Trust in God provides believers with a victorious life, despite the battles and challenges in this world. The Lord is sovereign, a refuge, and a fortress. He sustains His children through both joy and sorrow. The Bible is filled with countless examples of victorious faith. Live by faith, like:
- Heroes of the past – Hebrews 11:33: "who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions..." The list of the first heroes of faith is captured in Hebrews chapter 11.
- David – 1 Samuel 17:37: "David said, "The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.”
- The Centurion – Matthew 8:8,10: The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed." When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith."
Conclusion: Live by Faith!
God invites us to believe every day. If our faith is small, we can ask as the apostles did, "Increase our faith" (Luke 18:8). Believing is a matter of choice. Life is made of choices. You can choose to trust in God or simply sympathize with His promises. But like everything in life, faith requires a decision, a step that will fully commit you. Commit to believing in Jesus!
If you’ve decided to believe, stand firm in faith in Christ! Eventually, your faith will be tested by life’s circumstances, which will challenge your confidence in the Lord. Do not fear, do not give up, do not doubt, but believe!