Bible Study - Sabbath School Podcast

The Faith of Jesus

As this world comes to a close, part of the three angels’ messages describes God’s people keeping the commandments of God and having the faith of Jesus.

Read Revelation 14:12. What does “the faith of Jesus” mean?

If you study how Seventh-day Adventists have understood justification by faith, you’ll see that in the 1890s, an understanding of the faith of Jesus and the three angels’ messages was greatly emphasized in the church. Up until then, the church had put a great deal of emphasis on the law, and it needed more of a gospel emphasis. Ellen G. White summarized it well: “The commandments of God have been proclaimed, but the faith of Jesus Christ has not been proclaimed by Seventh-day Adventists as of equal importance, the law and the gospel going hand in hand.”--Selected Messages, book 3, p. 172.

Although Hebrews 11 lists godly men and women who had strong faith, no one has had faith that is comparable to Jesus’ faith.

Read Matthew 26:36-42. What does this tell us about the faith of Jesus at this crucial moment?

When we have the faith of Jesus, this means not only that, by obedience to Him and His Word we will emulate the faith that He had in God, but also that we will have an active and living daily experience with Jesus. It’s knowing and acting on the fact that without making Jesus the center of our daily lives, we can’t have a saving relationship with God.

Having the faith of Jesus means to have Jesus abiding in us, and thus His faith in our hearts, for Jesus is the true foundation of our faith. At times our faith might be weak and feeble. But Jesus is worthy (Rev. 5:9), and we can have His faith, both reflected in our own experience and being credited to us, by His gift of grace to all who believe.

How much do you want the faith of Jesus? Humbly ask God to give it to you and claim Hebrews 11:6 as your personal prayer, saying, “Lord, without faith it’s impossible to please You. I come to You and believe that You are, and that You will reward me when I diligently seek You. I do so now.”

Examples of Faith

Spend some time today studying Hebrews 11, the great faith chapter. Read it aloud first, without stopping. Then read it a second time, and write down your thoughts to the following questions:

• Reread verse 1. What do you hope for today that you cannot yet see? (Think of immediate needs and eternal dreams.)
• What role does faith play in your personal testimony and in your conversion?
• Read verse 3 again, about God and Creation. Why, in many ways, should the existence of the Creator God be the easiest thing to take on faith?
• Read verse 6 and write the message of this verse in your own words.
• Verses 7-40 unpack the lives of various biblical personages. Why is faith the central factor that defines the strength of these people’s relationship with God?

Knowing God and having a living, strong relationship with Him requires faith. How can you strengthen your faith or encourage someone whose faith is wavering? Here are just a few ideas:

A tiny faith (like a mustard seed) is powerful and is all you need in order to grow a relationship with God (Matt. 17:20). As long as you’re willing to work with Him, God will help your faith grow.

Faith comes from hearing God speak to us in His Word, the Bible (Rom. 10:17). Commit to daily Bible study and prayer.

Ask God to increase your faith (Luke 17:5). As did the father who came to Jesus with a possessed child and who “cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24, NKJV), we can recognize our unbelief and ask for God to increase our faith.

Faith and doubt can exist together (Mark 9:24). Don’t walk away from God simply because you have questions. In fact, it’s important to work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12-16) and to “own” your faith rather than borrow it from another, as five of the virgins tried to do (Matt. 25:8).

Respond to the Holy Spirit and ask for more of Him in your life.

Exercise your faith. Remember that faith is not a feeling, but a decision to believe. Remember that even in darkness, when you can’t see Him, God is there (2 Cor. 5:7).

As a personal prayer of thanks to God for His faithfulness, consider the words from the hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”

Faith Is Not a Feeling

Jesus said that if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you’ll move mountains (Matt. 17:20). If you’ve ever seen a mustard seed, you know how tiny it is. Yet having faith this small can effect such huge change. Faith must, therefore, be very important and must also be powerful and strong enough to do something superhuman. However, just as a mustard seed can grow into a large tree (Matt. 13:31-32), our faith should grow and not remain static.

Indeed, we need a measure of faith in order to have a relationship with God in the first place (see Rom. 12:3).

What does Ephesians 2:8 tell us about the role of faith in being saved? Why can’t a person justly say, “I don’t have faith because God hasn’t given me any”?

We must first understand that faith is not a material thing; it’s a human response prompted by the Holy Spirit. God is the gracious initiator, who, through the Holy Spirit, draws us to Himself when we allow Him to do so (Jer. 31:3). We’re saved by grace, through faith, which is a response to God’s grace given to us through Jesus’ death. We are saved because we believe in God as a result of His grace. This lies at the heart of having a relationship with Him.

Next, we must remember that faith is not a feeling. “Many do not exercise that faith which it is their privilege and duty to exercise, often waiting for that feeling which faith alone can bring. Feeling is not faith…. Faith is ours to exercise, but joyful feeling and the blessing are God’s to give.”--Ellen G. White, Early Writings, p. 72.

Some people might feel as though they don’t have faith because they don’t feel close to God or are not what they should be as a Christian. But faith is about believing and trusting God, not only in the good times but in darkness or in a storm, or even when you can’t fully understand what is going on in your life.

Feelings should never dominate our religious experience or our relationship with God. It’s precisely when we think we’re distant from God that we need to exercise our faith and call on Him (as did the father in Mark 9:24).

Look up the following Bible verses and claim them as an act of faith to strengthen your relationship with God today: Heb. 12:1-2; 2 Chron. 15:7; Rom. 3:23-26; Luke 7:50. Speak them out loud as part of your prayer to God.

Jesus Sees Our Faith

Compare how Jesus describes His disciples’ faith in Mark 4:40 with the faith of the woman in Matthew 15:21-28.

Just because we’re following Jesus doesn’t automatically mean our faith is strong. In fact, some people claimed to believe, but Jesus discerned what was really in their hearts (John 2:23-25).

Read Luke 7:1-10. What do we learn about faith from this account?

In Mark 9, we read about the man who came to Jesus so that Jesus would cast the demon out of his son, but who could only muster up enough faith to say, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24, NKJV).

In each of these interactions, Jesus noticed people’s faith, or lack thereof, and performed miracles as a result of that faith or in order to strengthen it.

Though the Holy Spirit prompts us to believe, the enemy of souls wants us to doubt or dismiss God’s involvement in our lives. “The unbelief which is cherished in the soul has a bewitching power. The seeds of doubt that they have been sowing will produce their harvest but they must continue to dig up every root of unbelief. When these poisonous plants are pulled up, they cease to grow for want of nourishment in word and action. The soul must have the precious plants of faith and love put in the soil of the heart and enthroned there.”--Ellen G. White, Faith and Works, p. 17.

When we have doubts about God, His character, or His Word, what do we do with them? God does not ignore or bypass human reason, for He created us in His image and invites us to dialogue with Him, as He did with Abraham, Moses, and Job. God invites us to learn to work within His large, infinite patterns of reason, even if at some point we must surrender to what we don’t fully understand.

Think of all the logical reason you have for faith. At the same time, at what point does logic stop and faith, solid and reasonable faith, need to be exerted?

Just Give Me a Sign!

Maybe you’ve heard it said, “If I could just see the Red Sea parted, or manna on the ground, or Jesus heal a blind man, I’d believe.” Or perhaps you have had those same kinds of thoughts yourself.

On the other hand, why should it be easier for us now to have faith than it was for those in ancient Bible times? The Israelites didn’t own a whole Bible, nor did they have such a long history to look back on, as we do. Moses reinforced the importance of looking back in order to remember God’s leading and goodness (see Deut. 4:7-10; Deut. 8:2-3). Unlike the Israelites, we have 6,000 years of Bible history to draw from (see John 20:30-31).

Every generation wants a sign, and ours is no different. But signs are all around us. If you read Matthew 24, you will see how many things have been and are being fulfilled even now.

People even in Jesus’ time wanted a sign that Jesus was really God’s Son, even though they had received many signs. How did Jesus respond? (See Mark 8:11-12.)

Do we argue with Jesus and test Him as did the Pharisees? Do we make Him “[sigh] deeply in His Spirit” (Mark 8:12, NKJV) because of our lack of faith, when He has already given us all we need to believe? “These signs were not what the Jews needed. No mere external evidence could benefit them. What they needed was not intellectual enlightenment, but spiritual renovation.”--Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 406. Could it be that we too need spiritual renovation--a genuine, real, moment-by-moment walk with God? Perhaps we actually don’t need a sign, because we have a lot of knowledge at our fingertips, especially from our own Bibles.

So, instead of making Jesus “[sigh] deeply” because of our lack of faith, may we remember the words Jesus spoke to Thomas: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed!” (John 20:29; see also Heb. 11:1). God does not ask us to have blind faith--He has already given us so many reasons to believe. And yet, even with all these reasons, there is always room for doubt. The key is to focus on what affirms faith, not on what brings doubt.

In just 60 seconds, how would you describe your faith in God? What does your answer tell you about your walk with God?

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: Mark 8:11-12; Matt. 15:21-28; Luke 7:1-10; Eph. 2:8; Hebrews 11; Rev. 14:12

Memory Text: “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see” (Hebrews 11:1, NLT).

Someone once said, “Faith is like WiFi. It’s invisible, but it has the power to connect you to what you need.” No doubt: without faith, there would be no relationship with God.

What is your faith like today? Has your faith in God ever been shaky? Perhaps you’ve experienced something that has challenged you to the point where you’ve not known how to move forward with your relationship with God. Or is your faith like a rose that grows from a green stem into a tiny bud that eventually opens into a bold, colorful flower and fills the room it’s in with an unforgettable scent? For truly, “faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see” (Heb. 11:1, NLT). It’s not something we can generate by ourselves, for “God has dealt to each one a measure of faith” (Rom. 12:3, NKJV). Faith is a gift of God (Eph. 2:8-9), and even then, our faith in God is possible only because of what God is already doing in and for us.

This week let’s explore the topic of faith: what to do with doubt and unbelief; what, according to Jesus, strong faith looks like; and what it means to have “the faith of Jesus.”

*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, May 23.

Further Thought: “If we thought and talked more of Jesus, and less of self, we should have far more of His presence.”--Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 102. “If we take counsel with our doubts and fears, or try to solve everything that we cannot see clearly, before we have faith, perplexities will only increase and deepen. But if we come to God, feeling helpless and dependent, as we really are, and in humble, trusting faith make known our wants to Him whose knowledge is infinite, who sees everything in creation, and who governs everything by His will and word, He can and will attend to our cry, and will let light shine into our hearts.”--Steps to Christ, pp. 96, 97. “The soul may ascend nearer heaven on the wings of praise. God is worshiped with song and music in the courts above, and as we express our gratitude we are approximating to the worship of the heavenly hosts…. Let us with reverent joy come before our Creator, with ‘thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.’ Isaiah 51:3.”--Steps to Christ. p. 104.

Discussion Questions:

1. Which concept in the quotes above inspires you the most? Which concept challenges you the most?
2. What other lessons can we learn from the prayer lives of others in the Bible? (See Ezra 10:1; 2 Kings 13:4; Jon. 4:2-3; Hab. 3:1; 2 Kings 19:14-19; Jer. 32:16-25, Neh. 1:4-11, 1 Kings 8:22-54, to list just a few.)
3. What is the role of fasting alongside prayer?
4. Is there anything new that you would like to change or implement in your prayer life as a result of this week’s lesson? Why not make the changes?

Summary: The Bible shares accounts of individuals who had vibrant, abiding prayer lives and others who didn’t. As we search its pages, we’ll always find someone we can relate to, regardless of the state of our relationship with God. We’ll also find many, many promises that will encourage and guide us in our devotional lives. Spiritual growth should be our goal--our eyes on Jesus, the ultimate example in all things and the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Other Questions About Prayer

Why pray when God already knows? Why should we pray when God is all-knowing? Ellen G. White explains it like this: “Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him.”--Steps to Christ, p. 93. Indeed, God knows our desires and our needs, and He reads every intent of our hearts. Yet, praying is good for us. It invites us to stop amid the rush in our lives, to pause and acknowledge that God is sovereign over all, and to place ourselves at His feet. Avenues might also be opened for God to act when we invite Him to do so. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we don’t know how to pray as we should (Rom. 8:26-27).

Why pray when all is well? Self-sufficiency and pride (see Lesson 3) can be one of the greatest barriers to a strong prayer life. If we’d only realize how much we need God, we’d come to Him much more! If perfect angels adore and worship Him, why should we, as sinful humans, think we’re in less need? What do Matthew 5:6 and Isaiah 44:3 say about this truth?

What is the role of faith in prayer? Read Hebrews 11:6 and ponder these words: “Prayer and faith are closely allied, and they need to be studied together. In the prayer of faith there is a divine science; it is a science that everyone who would make his lifework a success must understand. Christ says, ‘What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.’ Mark 11:24. He makes it plain that our asking must be according to God’s will; we must ask for the things that He has promised, and whatever we receive must be used in doing His will. The conditions met, the promise is unequivocal…. We need look for no outward evidence of the blessing.”--Ellen G. White, Education, pp. 257, 258.

With whom should I pray? We should pray most of all privately (just God and you), as prayer and Bible study are the lifeblood of your relationship with God. Set aside time to search your heart as you talk and listen to God (Matt. 6:6). We should also pray with our families or in small groups (Acts 12:12), for where two or three are gathered, God is there (Matt. 18:20). Finally, we should pray with our church communities (James 5:13-16). All three types of prayer are important.

How should I listen? Prayer is more than just talking to God; we also need to allow Him to “prune” us and speak into our lives. The clearest and safest way to do this is to read the Bible and combine prayer and Bible study in your devotional time. Beware of emptying your mind or listening to your own thoughts rather than searching the Bible.

What do you find most challenging from the points above?

Praise, Confession, Requests, Thanksgiving

In the same way that Jesus taught us how to pray in Matthew 6:5-15, we can follow this simple model when we come to God privately, with our families, or as a church, remembering that prayer is speaking to God as a friend. Too often our prayers are full of requests when Jesus has taught us to pray for so much more!

Read Daniel’s prayer in Daniel 9:4-19 and look for different parts of his prayer.

Consider how you might include the following components in your prayers:

Praise: Praise is expressed adoration for who God is and what He is like. Read Psalm 100, the beautiful praise song to God. Consider God’s many names and His magnificent character. Praise Him for being your Redeemer, Savior, Comforter, Healer, Good Shepherd, Alpha and Omega, and Rock, to mention just a few.

Confession and Forgiveness: When we find ourselves talking with and abiding in God, we can’t help letting go of whatever might be holding us back or separating us from Him. The closer we are to Him, the more we see our unworthiness and wretchedness. This makes us beg Him to remove our sins and shape our character in His likeness. If we expect God to forgive us, we need to be ready to forgive others as well. “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16, NKJV).

Requests: What challenges are you facing, perhaps with your family, friends, health, finances, work, or study? Where, specifically, do you need God’s leading hand to guide? Who needs your support, and how can you best give it? Pray specifically about these areas and people, asking for God’s will to be done.

Thanksgiving: Read Philippians 4:6 and think about the blessings in your life. Significant things might come to mind, but what about the small things that we so often take for granted? We are the constant recipients of God’s mercies; yet, how little gratitude we express, how little we praise Him for what He has done for us.

What things do you need to praise God for, confess to Him, request from Him, and to thank Him for? Why not do it right now?

Jesus Teaches Us How to Pray

In the time of Jesus, prayers that were long and carefully crafted like a performance--using complex words and often memorized--were highly esteemed. Jesus had nothing good to say about these kinds of prayers (see Matt. 6:5-8). He revealed them to be what they were: ostentatious shows of “piety.”

The disciples saw Jesus pray, and they knew that prayer was a vital part of His life (see Luke 5:16, Luke 6:12, Luke 9:18, Luke 22:41, Luke 24:30, Mark 1:35, Mark 6:46). As they watched Jesus, they saw a contrast from the religious leaders and realized that there was so much more to prayer than they had ever considered. So, the disciples came to Jesus, asking, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1).

Jesus modeled to His disciples (and to us) that we can pray simply in everyday language. He showed us that our prayers should be sincere and from our hearts.

Read Luke 11:2-4 and Matthew 6:5-15 and notice the following aspects of the prayer Jesus taught:

• Our Father in heaven: Acknowledging your personal relationship with the Father of all.
• Hallowed be Your name: Recognizing God’s holiness makes us come in reverence and respect.
• Your kingdom come: Longing for God’s return and an indwelling of the Holy Spirit until He does so.
• Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven: Surrendering and praying for God’s will to be done in our lives, trusting that He knows best, rather than merely praying for what we want.
• Give us this day our daily bread: Asking for what we need to live, both physically (food and water) and spiritually (Jesus and His living Word).
• Forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us: Repenting, seeking forgiveness, and remembering to pardon those who have hurt us as freely as God forgives us.
• Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: Asking for protection and shelter from the evil in this world (Psalm 91).
• For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen: Acknowledging that all we are, all we have, and all we do belongs to God. He alone deserves our glory and praise (1 Chron. 29:11).

Why not pray more and turn your face to God each morning to talk to the One who loves you more than any other? What is stopping you from doing this as you know you should? Pray right now, as Jesus has invited us to.