Is Your Faith Genuine?
Is Your Faith Genuine?
The Apostle Paul writing to Timothy said, “The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.” (1Tim. 1:5 NLT) Genuine means – authentic or real. Other translations call it “sincere faith”. The issue here is not if a person is saved but are you living your life by faith. Paul is dealing with the issue of faith as a follower of Christ. The question I have for you is as a believer do you have an authentic, real, sincere – “GENUINE FAITH”?
Test Yourself
The answer to this question is extremely important. Second Corinthians 13:5 says, “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves.” (NKJV). Why? Because faith is not always what it appears to be. There is faith that is NOT authentic or genuine. There is a natural kind of faith which is “the trust” in things, objects, and situations. It is this kind of faith we use to get on a plane, sit in a chair, or even go out to eat. When we turn on a light switch, we have faith (natural) that the lights will come on. This is far different than a “God kind of faith”. (Mark 11:22)
Real Faith is Not What You Feel or See
We need genuine faith to live the life God is calling us to. Real faith is a total trust in God that comes by hearing the Word of God. (Romans 10:17) It is not something we see or feel, that would be a Thomas kind of faith. (John 20:25) It is not even just believing. Even the devils believe. (James 2:19) They believe Jesus is the son of God, but they do not have genuine faith.
The Spirit of Faith
We need to have the “spirit of faith” which is defined in 2Corinthians 4:13, “ And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak,”. Genuine faith has two major components –
- Believing – this means to believe in your “heart”. Many only believe with their head. It has been said that “the greatest enemy of real faith is mental assent”. This means people agree mentally that Jesus is the son of God, and that God exists, but it is not in their hearts. They will mentally agree with the word, but it may not be with the heart.
- Speaking – Only after you believe in your heart and then declare with your mouth what the Word of God says is real faith activated. You will hear people speak and shout God’s Word but not witness any real faith. Why? They probably don’t really believe it in their heart. There is doubt in their heart. James says, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5-8)
Genuine Faith is How to Receive from God
Faith is extremely important. Faith is what pleases God. (Hebrews 11:6). Salvation is received by faith. Every provision and promise of God is received by faith. There is nothing God hasn’t provided or won’t provide for you in this life, but to receive those provisions takes genuine faith. Faith is the key that unlocks the door to His provision. The Lord is looking for people with faith to show Himself strong toward them. (2 Chronicles 16:9). However, it is only the God kind of faith that receives the provisions God has provided for us and pleases Him. So, believe in your heart and declare it with your mouth.
How to Know Your Faith is Genuine
- Genuine Faith Takes Action.
Faith that does not produce corresponding actions is “dead”. (James 2:20) Again this is not an issue of being saved. Salvation is a gift from God by the grace of God. It is not by works. (Ephesians 2:8) However, as a believer our faith should be demonstrated by the actions we take – walk in love, forgive, etc. - Genuine Faith Speaks Faith, not Doubt.
One of the biggest indicators of where a person’s faith is, are the words coming out of their mouth. Genuine faith will speak life and grace. It will not speak doubt and fear. It calls things that be not as though they were. (Romans 4:17) It declares the Word of God. So, start speaking your faith. - Genuine Faith Does Not Waver
People will say they are believing God, but the moment opposition comes or circumstances look difficult they waver. If things don’t go the way they thought they would they begin to question God. Genuine faith is steady and does not waver because of circumstances. “Abraham did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.” (Romans 4:20-21) Genuine faith is fully persuaded God will do what He says He will do!
- Genuine Faith is Based on the Word of God.
This is huge and is often where people miss it. They will base their faith on something other than the Word of God – it may be something someone said, or something they prayed for, or some other source, but genuine faith can only come from the Word of God. (Romans 4:17) The foundation of genuine faith is built on what the Word of God says not what we see or feel.
Genuine Faith will Change Your Life
Faith will change your life. If you need the power of God working in your life, but haven’t seen it yet, faith is the answer. Mark 11:22 says, “Have faith in God. (or the God kind of faith)” It is the kind of faith that moves mountains. It is the kind of faith that gets results. It is Genuine Faith!