L- The Virtue of Faith

Explanation

This virtue expresses whether you view your life and world as safe. Do you truly believe that God cares for you and that he will continue to care for you regardless of the circumstances? Is God sovereign in his world or isn’t he? Can God be trusted with your heart and life? Do you often approach life with a certain dread waiting for the other shoe to drop or do you feel secure in the knowledge that God is watching over you? Are habitually worried or stressed about that which you cannot control? Do you often feel a deep unrest in your spirit? Are you confident regarding your relationship with God and his ability to meet your needs? Do you feel safe in Christ? Do you feel secure in spite of circumstances around you? Do you have a peace about life and mortality because of Christ?

KEY SCRIPTURES

Key Scriptures

Key Scriptures are designed to give a biblical overview of the topic in question. They are extremely valuable for gaining an immediate general understanding of what the Bible teaches on a given subject. Key Scriptures are the first place you should explore when starting a new subject. They can be discussed individually, in part, or in whole. Generic inductive Bible study questions are provided to assist you in your discussion. Key Scriptures are also good for memorizing and reference.

Faith in God

Psalm 5:11 – Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. NIV

Psalm 40:4 – Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust. NIV

John 14:1 – Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. NIV

2 Corinthians 5:7 – We live by faith, not by sight. NIV

See also Philippians 4:9 & 1 Peter 5:7

The blessings of faith

Matthew 17:20 – I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” NIV

Mark 9:23 – “Everything is possible for him who believes.” NIV

2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. NKJV

See also 1 John 4:18

The Source and nature of Faith

Romans 10:17- Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. NIV

Hebrews 11:1- Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. NIV

See also Hebrews 11:6

Salvation by faith

Romans 5:1-2 – Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. NIV

Romans 1:17 – For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” NIV

Peace in God

Psalm 4:8 – I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. NIV

Isaiah 26:3-4 – You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal. NIV

See also Psalm 29: 10-11

The blessings of peace

John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. NIV

Philippians 4:9 – Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. NIV

Colossians 3:15 – Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. NIV

Inductive Bible Study Questions

to be used with individual Key Scriptures

What is the primary point of this passage?
How does this passage challenge us?
How does this passage comfort or encourage us?
What does this passage teach us about God?
What spiritual insights are found in this passage?
What are the personal & spiritual implications of this text?
What does this passage ask or require of us?

Key Scriptures Bible Study

to be used when studying all Key Scriptures together

Did any of the scriptures given surprise you? Explain
Did any of the scriptures given confuse you? Explain
Did any of the scriptures given comfort or excite you?
How would you sum up these scriptures to another?
What implications do these scriptures have for our lives?
Which of these scriptures would you find it valuable to memorize?

DISCUSSION GUIDES

Faith in God

L1 – Faith in Times of Stress and Worry – Philippians 4: 6-7

Key Words: Faith, God’s Presence, Anxiety, Stress, Prayer, Contentment

Is it really possible to rejoice in God always?
How does the statement “God is near” impact both rejoicing and contentment?
When the text encourages us to not be anxious in anything, does that mean we should ignore our problems?
How are both rejoicing and contentment dependent on faith?
What does the text encourage us to do?
How are prayer, petition and thanksgiving and indication or barometer of our faith?
How does a lack of these activities indicate a lack of faith?
How easy or difficult is it for you to turn your problems over to God?
Does turning our cares over to God mean that we take no action?
What is the result of turning our anxiety over to God?

Approach all scripture prayerfully open

L2 – Faith Inspires Peace – Psalm 91: 1-2

Key Words: Faith, Peace, Protection, Faith, Security

This Psalm poetically and beautifully expresses a certain attitude or approach to life: What is that approach?
What does the word “shelter” convey in this text?
How can shelter be an emotional, social or spiritual term?
What does it mean to dwell in the shelter of the Most High?
What does it mean to rest in the shadow of the Almighty?
What is God a refuge and fortress against?
How is trust or faith a trigger for such calmness in the face of trouble?
How do we adopt the attitude of the Psalmist and apply it to our lives?

Approach God’s Word with humility, honesty and teachability

L3 – Faith and Death – John 11: 17-44

Key Words: Faith, Death, Hope, Power, Resurrection, Fear

What is the difference in Martha’s and Mary’s attitude towards Jesus?
Why did Mary stay home when Martha went to meet Christ?
How did their faith regarding Christ’s power over death impact their actions?
Do you truly believe that Christ has power over death?
Do you truly believe that Christ will someday raise you up to new life?
How should our belief in resurrection impact how we deal with the deaths loved ones in Christ?
How should our belief in the resurrection impact how we face death?
How should our belief in the resurrection impact how we live?
Do you agree that death is humanity’s greatest fear?
How does our faith in the resurrection give us both hope and a witness in the face of this dread fear?

These questions are only suggestions, allow the Holy Spirit to be your guide

The Source and Nature of Faith

L4 – God Rewards Faith – James 1: 5-7

Key Words: Faith, Reward, Prayer, Doubt

What does this passage reveal about prayer, doubt and faith?
Why is doubt such a spiritually destructive force?
How does doubt undermine our relationship with God?
To what force of nature is the person of doubt compared, and what does this image convey?
What does it mean to be double-minded?
How is verse 7 a self fulfilling prophecy?
Why do you suppose faith and trust are so pleasing to God?
How does trust empower our relationship with God?

These questions are simply a foundation for you to build upon

L5 – God is Trustworthy – Psalm 138: 6-8

Key Words: Faith, God’s Faithfulness, Care, Purpose

Many ask, “If God is so great and lofty, why should he care for an insignificant human?”
How does this Psalm describe God’s posture towards individuals?
What does the text mean when it says God looks upon the lowly?
According to this text, how familiar is God with our needs and problems?
According to this text how concerned is God about our welfare and well-being?
How does God respond to those who humbly seek him?
What do you suppose the text means when referring to God’s purpose for your life?
How do we cooperate with God’s purpose for our lives?
How does it make you feel to know that God cares for the affairs of his people?

Create your own study by adding and subtracting questions as needed

L6 – The Power of Faith – Mark 11: 22-25

Key Words: Faith, Power, Doubt, Success, Prayer

Does it sound far-fetched to you that you could move a mountain into the sea?
Do you believe this saying is actual or figurative?
What is Jesus trying to communicate?
How do you respond to those who lack faith and trust in you verses those who trust and believe in you?
Do you feel any of these dynamics impact how God views faith and doubt in his people?
How does faith drive success in the Christian life?
Will God truly give us anything, including carnal desires?
How do we live and pray by faith?

Your questions are probably better than mine

L7 – Living by Faith – Galatians 2:20

Key Words: Faith, Self-Denial, Dying to Self, Living for God, Spiritual Life

What does it mean to be crucified with Christ?
Is this the same as dying to self?
How do we die to self to live for Christ?
What indispensable ingredient do we need to live for Christ?
What does a life of faith look like?
Why does Paul contrast living for self with living for God?
How often are the two mutually exclusive?
When the desire to live for God conflicts with the desire to live for self, how does faith break the tie?
In what areas of life do you find it difficult to live for self while hard to live for God?
What steps can you take to better live for God in these areas?

Spend time with the questions prior to leading a group or coaching time

L8 – Faith Over Fear – 1 Peter 3: 13-14

Key Words: Faith, Fear, Goodness, Good Deeds, Perspective, Peace

Why should we not be frightened of the world?
According to verse 13, how often are people persecuted for doing good and serving others?
How do people usually view those and treat those who do good and serve others?
What is the most the world can do to us?
How are we blessed if we suffer for doing good?
Would your faith be tested if you actually suffered for doing the right thing?
What does the world fear?
Why should we not fear such things?
How does maintaining an eternal perspective rather than a temporal perspective bring great peace to our lives?

Interrogatives are keys that unlock wonderful secrets

L9 – Handling Problems God’s Way – Genesis 12:10-20

Key Words: Faith, Anxiety, Guidance, Problems

Do you think Abram’s solution to his problem was typical of how most people approach problems… explain?
Was Abram’s anxiety legitimate, an indication of small faith, or both?
What was Abram’s biggest mistake?
Where should Abram have turned for a solution to his problem?
How should Abram have approached this problem?
In what ways should Abram have had faith in God?
God worked in Abram’s life in spite of his unbelief, have you ever found this to be true in your life?
What can we learn from Abram regarding faith in such times?
Where should we look for solutions to problems in life?

Be like a detective who interrogates scripture

L10 – Standing Firm in Faith – Read Daniel 3

Key Words: Faith, Faithfulness, Temptation, Compromise, Power

What is more impressive to you, the faith of the young Hebrews or the peace they experienced in the fiery furnace?
How are faith and peace connected?
How might the young men have responded differently if their faith wavered?
How would the story have played out differently if their faith had wavered?
What cultural pressures did they face to compromise?
Why was this a hill for them to die on…literally?
Describe a time when you were tempted to compromise your faith or witness?
How do we know when we should stand our ground?
Why is it that God seems to display his power more during difficult times?
Does it seem to you that faith is generally needed to see God and experience his power?
What faith principles can we learn from this chapter?

The insight is found in scripture; questions are simply tools to mine the ore

L11 – Faith Pleases God – Matthew 8: 5-13

Key Words: Faith, Faithfulness, Openness, Inclusion

Who did Jesus praise in this passage and why?
Why might this comment from Jesus raise a few eyebrows?
What was so great about the centurion’s faith?
Contrast the faith of the Centurion with the faith he typically found in Israel.
What other qualities are evident in the Centurion?
How did Jesus reward the faith of the centurion?
The centurion was certainly a religious outsider; what does this story reveal about God’s openness to any and all who trust him?
On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate your faith? How can you develop a faith more like the Centurion?

Follow the lines of curiosity

L12 – True Faith Inspires Deeds – James 2:14-26

Key Words: Faith, Works, Good Deeds, Salvation

Is James implying that our deeds justify us before God?
If salvation is by faith alone, and the spiritual life is one of faith, why is James insisting that deeds accompany our faith?
Why must genuine faith be proved through our behavior?
What does it say about our faith when not accompanied by deeds?
Is true faith about talk or is it about action?
What do you think of people who are all talk and no action?
What do your deeds say about your faith?
What steps do you need to take to bring your deeds more in line with your beliefs?

Group leaders may wish to consult a commentary for background information

The Blessings of Faith

L13 – Faith Hall of Fame – Read Hebrews 11

Key Words: Faith, Success, Faithfulness, Greatness, Strength, Victory

Which of the Bible heroes mentioned do you most admire and why?
What do all of these heroes have in common?
Are the accomplishments of those mentioned a product of their giftedness, ability, character, strength of will, or any other human quality… explain?
What faith lessons do we glean from this chapter?
Do you view these people as inherently special or as regular people who trusted in a special God?
Do you believe yourself capable of spiritual greatness?
Do you believe God capable of achieving spiritual greatness through you?
Why must we draw a huge distinction between accomplishing great things in our strength or God accomplishing them through us?
What quality does God desire to find in regular people to use them to accomplish extraordinary things?

Seek to connect the dots with other scriptures and Bible content

L14 – Living Life God’s Way – Proverbs 3:5-6

Key Words: Faith, Spiritual, Wisdom Humility, Obedience

Describe a person who trusts in the Lord with all their heart?
What insights do the two subsequent sentences give regarding someone who trusts in the Lord?
Contrast leaning on our own understanding verses leaning on God’s understanding.
Where do we look to discern God’s ways and understanding?
Is acknowledging God a statement of humility, gratitude, credit, obedience, or faith?
How does God reward those who trust him with all their heart?
Describe a strait path verses a crooked or uneven path in regards to ease of travel.
What do you suppose it means for God to make our paths strait?
How is this passage a wonderful prescription for how God’s people should approach life?

There are no greater tools for effective Bible study than humility, honesty, and diligence

L15 – Saving Faith– Romans 3: 22-31

Key Words: Faith, Sin, Salvation, Righteousness, Forgiveness, Works

What does it mean to have a righteousness from God (Hint: righteousness literally means right relationship)?
How do we know that Paul is using the idea of righteousness synonymously with salvation in this passage?
Why is faith essential in establishing a relationship with God?
What is the opposite of being in right relationship with God?
What causes brokenness in our relationship with God?
How does the text say we are justified or forgiven of our sins?
What is a sacrifice of atonement?
What does it mean to have faith in his blood?
So how then does faith enable us to become a Christian?
Why do you suppose Paul contrasts faith and law in this passage?
Why is it human nature to try to earn our salvation?
Why then does faith bring rest and freedom rather than work and bondage?

You are responsible for your level of engagement

Faithlessness

L16 – Unbelief Hinders God’s Power – Matthew 13: 53-58

Key Words: Faith, Doubt, Power, Victory, Faithlessness

Describe the response of Christ’s home town to him and his ministry.
They had certainly heard about what Jesus was doing along with his miracles; why did they not give him a chance?
Why might his hometown not trust in him?
Why are such attitudes dishonoring to God?
Describe the response of Jesus to them and their attitude.
Why did Jesus not perform a miracle in their midst to prove he was doing God’s work?
How would that have let them off the hook?
Contrast the various factors that lead to doubt along with those that lead to faith?
What application does this dynamic have in our community, family and church?

Go beyond the obvious by avoiding “Yes” or “No” answers

Peace in God

L17 – Persons of Peace – Psalm 37:37

Key Words: Faith, Peace, Reward, Spirituality, Spiritual Life

What does it mean to be a person of peace?
Why does God honor such people?
How is being blameless and upright connected to being a person of peace?
What future regarding peacemakers do you think the Psalmist was referring to?
Did Jesus and the New Testament refer to peacemakers (See Matthew 5:9and James 3:18)?
How do these verses confirm and enhance what Psalm 37 reveals about peacemakers?
How do 2 Corinthians 13:11, Colossians 3:15, and Hebrews 12:14 enhance our understanding of our role as peacemakers?
What is the relationship of being a peace maker to having a peace in your own heart?

Think before answering

L18 – Peace over Stress and Worry – Matthew 6: 25-34

Key Words: Faith, Stress, Worry, Peace

What things do you worry about?
Which of your worries did Jesus address in this passage?
What about worries not addressed in this passage; are they OK? What about legitimate dangers such as crime, natural disasters, sickness and such, should we not concern ourselves with such things, ignore them, and not prepare?
Where is the line between unhealthy worry and healthy prevention?
Why does Jesus indicate worry is a negative force in our lives?
What advice does Jesus give in this passage?
How are faith and peace related?
What logic does Christ use to inspire people to trust God more?
Does Christ’s argument hold up in the real world?
How is worry actually a faith issue?

Thoughtful silence is the soil of epiphany

L19 – The Source of Peace – 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Key Words: Faith, Peace, Problems

On a scale of 1 to 10, how much peace do you currently have in your life?
Where is the ultimate source of peace found?
Why does faith in Christ bring peace; what is it about him that inspires comfort and reassurance?
Is it really possible to have peace in all times and in every way?
What is the practical difference in looking for peace within ourselves and finding peace in Christ?
Explain the perspective and rationale of someone who possesses Christ’s peace in spite of unrest and trouble in their lives?
What kind of faith is necessary to have that kind of peace?
What is keeping you or blocking your heart from having that kind of peace?

Seek Nuance

Finding Peace

L20 – Peace from our Past– Luke 7: 36 -50

Key Words: Faith, Guilt, Peace, Forgiveness, Shame

How would you describe the state of the woman in the beginning of this passage?
What words would you use to describe the state of her soul: how did she probably feel about herself?
Can you identify with any of these emotions?
How was Christ able to bring peace into her heart?
Why is forgiveness such a powerful spiritual force?
How is faith and forgiveness connected?
What if she doubted Christ’s ability to forgive sins?
Why should forgiveness change the entire way we view ourselves and approach the world?
Is there anything in your life that causes you to feel an inherent sense of deficiency or unworthiness?
How can forgiveness enable you to move past all that?

Be sure to explore all the resources for each doctrine, virtue, and practice

L21 – Sabotaging Peace – Matthew 19: 16-26

Key Words: Faith, Peace, False Spirituality, Doubt, Fear, Lordship

How would you describe the spiritual state of the rich young ruler prior to seeking Jesus?
How would you describe his spiritual state after seeking Christ?
Why the sudden change?
Is it accurate to say that his encounter with Christ enhanced a sense of doubt, insecurity and unrest where there was little or none before… explain?
Why was the man unwilling to trust Christ?
What was he afraid of; was it really about money or was it about pride, fear, control or something else?
What happens to our peace when we fail to trust Christ with the various aspects of our lives?
How does the world encroach on your faith and how does that erode your sense of spiritual peace?
How do your own fears and inhibitions encroach on your faith and how does that erode your sense of spiritual peace?

Remember there are additional studies in the Key Scriptures section

L22 – Misplaced Fear Erodes Peace – Luke 12: 4-7

Key Words: Faith, Fear, Fearing God, Wisdom, Anxiety, Peace

Do you believe that everyone fears something and that our fears define us… explain?
What do you fear: poverty, sickness, public speaking, loneliness, insignificance, crime, Hell, God?
What does it mean to fear God?
Why has the idea of fearing God gotten a bad rap in our society?
The scripture says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom?
Why is it wise to fear God rather than the cares of this world?
How does fearing God bring more peace than fearing the cares of this world?
How does this text express concepts such as God’s goodness, providence, care and trustworthiness?
How are these qualities of God wrapped up in fearing and ultimately trusting him?
How is the fear of God an expression of faith and the root of peace?

Remember there are other learning and scripture studies in the Growing Exercises section

Confidence and Security

L23 – Confidence in God’s Plan for You – Philippians 1:6

Key Words: Faith, Purpose, Christlikeness, Holiness, Promise

What are you top three goals in life?
What promise to believers is God making in this passage?
How does it make you feel to know that God is not finished with you yet?
How does it make you feel to know that God has a plan for your life?
What purpose is God working out in our lives (See Romans 8: 28-29)?
Is God’s plan for us more about our character and identity or more about our resume… explain?
Will we ever reach our goal of Christlikeness (See 1 John 3:2)?
Is it important to align our life goals with God’s… explain)?
How do we partner with God to accomplish his goal in us?

L24 – Confidence in the Lord – Psalm 27

Key Words: Faith, Confidence, Security, Anxiety

How would you describe your level of confidence and security in life?
How would you describe the confidence and security of the author of this Psalm?
How would you describe the theme and message of this Psalm?
Describe the specific reasons and ways the Psalmist expresses confidence.
In what ways do you approach life similar to the Psalmist?
In what ways do you approach life differently?
What challenges do you personally feel in felling confident and secure in life?
What insights are found in this Psalm about having confidence and security in life?
What do you need to change to be more confident and secure in the Lord: your perspective… your spiritual habits … your influences?

GROWING EXERCISES

Make a detailed list of your anxieties, doubts, worries and fears. Revisit and revise the list during at least two additional sittings. Rank your list from most difficult struggle to least. Come back to the list and meditate on the various concerns you carry. Reflect on how and why they impact you the way they do. Consider how a faith response to each concern might change how each weighs on your life. Finally, pray through your list and turn each concern over to Christ. Repent your doubt and resolve to view each concern through the lenses of faith.

Spend at least 15 minutes per day for the next two weeks praising and worshipping God.

Identify a spiritual goal or desire you have neglected because you are in all honesty intimidated by it. Take steps to accomplish that goal.

Seek out and support someone currently experiencing fear, doubt or anxiety. Encourage that that person. Sit down with them, take them for coffee or lunch, or even pray with them. Note the advice you give and apply that same advice to your own anxieties, doubts, worries and fears.

Write a letter to yourself five years ago from your current perspective regarding your greatest struggles, anxieties and fears at that time. If you could pass that letter back in time, what would it say? No lottery numbers are allowed; use scripture, logic, or principles you have discovered in Thrive 316. What would you say to you? What does that teach you about your current problems and anxieties? What would you say to you today?

Spend an entire day without making a negative or cynical statement. Every time you feel tempted to say something negative, intentionally say something positive or uplifting instead.

Spend an hour in a quiet park or garden like setting. Ensure that you are not disturbed. Use that time to simply be quiet before Lord. Listen for his voice, meditate on a favorite scripture, and pray for his guidance. Does this time with God change the way you view your problems? If so, why not make this a weekly practice?

Revisit your list from exercise 1. Identify at least one faith action in response to each concern. Be sure to list something tangible. Choose one action to implement this week. When finished, examine with your spiritual coach if it might be valuable to continue with other action steps you have listed.

Forgive someone you have been holding a grudge against. Make a sincere gesture of fellowship towards that person such as a phone call, letter gift or visit.

Identify a personal attribute or resource upon which you have an unhealthy dependence. What one thing do you believe you could not live without: money, appearance, intellect, relationships, free time, etc… Find a way to consecrate that attribute or resource to the Lord. For example, if money is your thing, give an especially generous and sacrificial gift to your church or worthy ministry. If relationships are dearer to you than anything, share Christ to those close to you. If free time is your prize, use your time to serve God in some way.

A dynamic resource for personal discipleship