Overcoming Faith

If faith brings victory, it is imperative we understand what faith is. Faith is not a feeling or emotion; it’s a decision to speak out what you believe based on what the Bible says.

1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith. (NKJ)

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (NKJ)
Paul is not trying to explain faith as a definition but giving us an operational sense of what faith is. ‘Substance’ refers to that which holds up, that which we can stand on. (Example: Jesus and Peter walking on the “water.”) ‘Hoped for’ denotes when asking, expecting to receive. ‘Evidence’ means proof or as defined in Greek as the title deed. ‘Things not seen’ implies things you do not yet have in your possession, or you can’t see a way around, over, or through.

Romans 8:24-25 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
Oxford’s dictionary defines faith (noun) as complete trust or confidence in someone or something. Oxford’s dictionary also defines believing (verb) as to accept and act on something as true. So, by definition, you cannot truly have faith without action. Faith (having complete trust in God) cannot be expressed or shown without motion. (Example: automated sink faucets and hand towels.)

Faith is a decision about where we are going to put our trust. Faith activates the Word of God. If you read the Bible without faith – without putting what you read into action – it will not help nor benefit you.

Hebrews 3:16-4:3 For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses? 17 Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. 4:1 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear (be careful or watchful) lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the Word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. 3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: “So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest,’” although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. (NKJ) Rest was often associated with relief from physical labor or the end of conflict. However, the Jewish understanding of rest, particularly in the context of the Sabbath, carried a deeper spiritual significance. It was a time set apart for worship and reflection on God’s provision and faithfulness. The concept of rest in the New Testament builds on this foundation, emphasizing a spiritual rest that comes from trusting in God’s completed work through Jesus Christ.

Unbelief is a sin.

Hebrew 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. (NKJ)

What we talk about will have an effect on what we receive. You will speak out what you believe – either good or bad. Whatever you think eventually comes out of your mouth – faith or doubt.

Matthew 12:34 Jesus said. “Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (NKJ)
Speak faith by speaking His Word and apply it to your life. Not just polly-parroting what you read but believing it.

2 Corinthians 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, (NKJ)

Your words are the deciding voice on what you receive.

Romans 10:10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (ESV)

You cannot spend more time thinking on the things of this world and build your faith.

Romans 10:16-17 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (NKJ)

Why does speaking His Word matter?

Jeremiah 1:12 “You have observed correctly,” said the LORD, “for I am watching over My word to perform it.” (Berean)

Psalm 107:20 He sent His word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions. (NKJ)

2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
I am not moved by what I see!
I am not moved by what I feel!
I am moved by what I believe.
I only believe the Word of God!