What are the evidences of faith in your life?Power: Read Matthew 17:20, Acts 1:8, 4:33, Luke 9:1. The book of Acts describes the early church and what faith in God and the power of the Holy Spirit accomplished.
Hope: Read 2 Corinthians 4:6-7, Romans 15:13, Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:19.
Peace: Read Philippians 4:7, John 14:27, 2 Thessalonians 3:16.
How do you love God with all your heart, soul and mind?This command can be found in Matthew 22:37. It was first given in the Old Testament in Deuteronomy 6:5. The point of this command is to love God with our whole being. Our faith and love should not be based on emotion alone, nor should it be merely an intellectual endeavor. To love God fully requires our emotions (heart), intellect (mind), ability and effort (strength), and the essence of who we are (spirit).
How does God communicate with you?Through the Bible:
The Bible is the inspired word of God. It is God’s message to us. Not only does it give general instruction on how we should live, but also specific encouragement to us about how much God loves us. If we want to know what God wants to say to us, the best way is to read the Bible (See Acts 10:36, Psalm 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:16).
By the Holy Spirit:
God communicates with us through His Holy Spirit who lives inside each believer. He does not usually speak with an audible voice, but the closer you are walking with Jesus (surrendering to His will, studying Scripture and seeking God’s face through prayer) the easier it is to sense His gentle nudging within you. If you think God is saying something to you, confirm it with Scripture. God does not change; He will never direct you to do something that is contrary to Scripture (See John 14:26).
Through the other believers:
God created us to be in a community of believers; we need others to help us live this walk of faith. God uses other believers encourage us, teach us, and correct us when we are taking a wrong path, through the gifts given by the Holy Spirit (See 1 Corinthians 12:27, Hebrews 10:24-25).
What is your responsibility in developing a deeper faith?Our faith in God is a journey in which we are active participants. Although we don’t earn our salvation, or make ourselves more holy, neither do we just sit and wait for it to “happen” to us. We must actively seek God and make Him our one desire (See Matthew 6:33, Philippians 2:12-13, 1 Timothy 6:11-12, Philippians 3:12-14).
Why is it important to spend time with people who believe in Jesus?1) It is something that Jesus and His apostles did (Luke 4:16, Acts 5:12, 9:32, 14:1).
2) It is necessary for mutual help and support (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10,12, Hebrews 10:25).
3) God has warned about the dangers of associating closely with evil people, as well as the fact that many will try to lead us astray from the truth (Exodus 34:12, Psalm 1:1, Proverbs 24:1, 2 Corinthians 6:14, Acts 20:30, 1 John 2:26).
How do you share your faith with those who don't believe in Jesus?We do not need to be afraid of what to say, because God has promised to give us the words (Matthew 10:18–20). We should pray to God for wisdom in what to say and the strength to do it (Colossians 4:4, Acts 4:29). Our actions speak loudly; love must be the motivator; grace should always be present (Colossians 4:5-6). Most importantly, we need to simply tell others what God has done for us (Mark 5:18-20).
What are some characteristics that you might expect to occur as you grow
deeper in your faith?We will see the evidences of the faith power, hope and peace in our lives (question 1). We won’t be sinless, but hopefully there will be less premeditated or willful sin. We will sometimes react in ways that don’t honor God, from which we will need to repent, but we will be less likely to plan evil toward those around us.
Most importantly, the greatest evidence in our lives should be love (1 John 3:17-18, 4:19–21, John 13:35).
What additional thoughts or questions do you have on this study?
Please pray for me in these areas:
