Post date: Mar 16, 2015 2:02:20 PM
March 19, 2015
Aim: Faith changes my defeats into God's victories.
9 characteristics of faith
Numbers 21
This verse describes the 2nd generation of Israelites. Compare this chapter to Numbers 14. They have much more faith now!
Principle: Faith is always aligned with God's will.
In Numbers 21:1-3, the people asked God before they attacked the king of Arad. They were making sure that they were following God's will, and not their own.
Principle: Faith expresses itself in prayer.
Principle: Faith always results in obedience.
Israel had faith in God's will and plan for their lives.
James 2:17-18 NKJV
Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. Faith is accompanied by action, in accordance with obedience to God.
Principle: Faith relies on God, not self.
Israel had to have faith to go around Edom, instead of charging through. Their faith grows as they rely on God to get through the hardships of the wilderness.
Principle: Faith needs to be tested so it can grow.
James 1:2-4 NIV
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
We grow in faith by trusting and persevering with God.
Principle: Faith always repents from sin. (And those with faith respond quickly.)
Numbers 21:6-7
Israel recognizes their sin and asks for forgiveness. At this point, they repented!
Principle: Faith is always focused on Jesus!
Numbers 21:8-9
A bronze snake is lifted up on a pole so that the Israelites can look at it and be healed. The biting snakes are not taken away. The people of Israel had to decide if they were going to look up at the bronze snake (through faith in God) or rely on themselves by looking down to avoid the biting snakes on the ground. Looking up to God saves us from our sins, but looking down at our sins just delays us until the next time we are bitten by sin.
Principle: Faith grows when it is surrendered to God's plan.
God is a master gardener--and He's growing people of faith!
Principle: Faith replaces fearful rebellion with courageous obedience.
Numbers 21:33-35
God says, "Do not be afraid." He could also have said to have faith!
Faith, not fear, gets us through adversity!