FAITH TOWARDS GOD
Learning to Trust God Completely
Key Scripture: Hebrews 6:1
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God.”
1. INTRODUCTION
Faith towards God is one of the most important foundations of the Christian life. Every believer must understand what it means to trust God, depend on His Word, believe His promises, and walk in obedience to Him.
Christianity begins with faith and continues by faith. We receive salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, and we must continue living our daily lives by trusting Him.
Faith is not simply believing that God exists. It is placing our confidence in His character, His Word, His promises, and His ability to accomplish what He has spoken.
A new believer must learn that God is faithful, His Word is trustworthy, and His promises never fail.
Key Scriptures:
* Hebrews 11:6
* Romans 1:17
* 2 Corinthians 5:7
* Proverbs 3:5–6
2. WHAT IS FAITH TOWARDS GOD?
Faith towards God means having complete confidence in God and trusting Him without reservation.
It means believing that:
* God exists.
* God is faithful.
* God’s Word is true.
* God has the power to fulfil His promises.
* God hears and answers prayer according to His will.
* God is worthy of our obedience.
* God will never abandon those who belong to Him.
Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Faith enables us to trust God even when our physical circumstances appear contrary to what He has promised.
Faith does not mean denying reality; it means refusing to allow circumstances to become greater than our confidence in God.
3. WHY IS FAITH IMPORTANT IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE?
A. Faith is necessary to please God
Hebrews 11:6 teaches that without faith, it is impossible to please God.
God desires His children to trust Him rather than depend entirely on their own understanding.
B. Faith is the means through which we receive salvation
Ephesians 2:8–9 explains that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our works.
We can not purchase salvation through religious activities or good behaviour. We receive it by trusting in Jesus Christ.
C. Faith helps us overcome the world
1 John 5:4 declares that our faith is the victory that overcomes the world.
Faith gives believers confidence to remain committed to Christ despite worldly pressures and opposition.
D. Faith gives us confidence in prayer
Mark 11:24 teaches believers to approach God in prayer with faith.
We should pray with confidence in God’s power while submitting our requests to His perfect will.
E. Faith helps us stand during difficult seasons
When trials come, faith reminds us that God remains faithful even when we do not understand what is happening.
Read James 1:2–4.
4. THE OBJECT OF OUR FAITH MUST BE GOD
One of the greatest mistakes a new believer can make is placing faith in the wrong things.
Our faith must be centred on God, not merely on what we want Him to do for us.
We must not place our ultimate confidence in:
* Money and material possessions.
* Human connections and relationships.
* Political leaders and influential personalities.
* Personal abilities and achievements.
* Religious traditions.
* Signs and miracles.
* Our own understanding.
Jeremiah 17:7 (KJV)
“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.”
Our confidence must rest in God’s unchanging character.
5. FAITH COMES THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD
Faith is strengthened when we hear, read, study, meditate on, and believe God’s Word.
Romans 10:17 (KJV)
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
A Christian who neglects the Word of God will struggle to develop a strong foundation of faith.
To develop your faith:
* Read the Bible daily.
* Listen carefully to biblical teaching.
* Meditate on God’s promises.
* Memorise important Scriptures.
* Believe what God has spoken.
* Practise the instructions of Scripture.
* Reject teachings that contradict God’s Word.
Faith must be built on the truth of Scripture, not on human opinions or emotional experiences.
6. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE WHO DEMONSTRATED FAITH
A. Abraham – Faith That Trusts God’s Promises
Scripture: Genesis 12:1–4; Romans 4:18–21
God called Abraham to leave his country and go to a land He would show him.
Abraham obeyed even though he did not know every detail of his journey.
He believed God’s promise concerning his descendants despite his old age and Sarah’s inability to conceive.
Lessons from Abraham:
* Faith obeys God even when the future is uncertain.
* Faith believes God’s promises despite contrary circumstances.
* Faith waits patiently for God’s appointed time.
* Faith gives glory to God before the promise is fulfilled.
B. Noah – Faith That Obeys God’s Instructions
Scripture: Genesis 6:13–22; Hebrews 11:7
God instructed Noah to build an ark because a flood was coming.
Although there was no visible evidence of the coming flood, Noah believed God’s warning and obeyed.
Lessons from Noah:
* Faith takes God’s Word seriously.
* Faith does not depend on popular opinion.
* Faith produces obedience.
* Faith prepares us for what God has spoken.
C. Moses – Faith That Chooses God’s Purpose
Scripture: Hebrews 11:24–27
Moses refused to identify himself with the privileges of Pharaoh’s household and chose to suffer with God’s people.
He considered God’s reward greater than the temporary pleasures of Egypt.
Lessons from Moses:
* Faith involves making difficult choices.
* Faith values eternal things above temporary pleasures.
* Faith gives courage to stand for God.
* Faith looks beyond present circumstances.
D. The Woman With the Issue of Blood – Faith That Reaches Jesus
Scripture: Mark 5:25–34
This woman had suffered for twelve years. After spending her resources seeking healing without success, she heard about Jesus.
She believed that touching His garment would bring healing.
Jesus acknowledged her faith.
Lessons:
* Faith brings our needs to Jesus.
* Faith refuses to surrender to hopelessness.
* Faith recognises Christ as our source of help.
* Faith must be accompanied by trust in Jesus.
E. The Centurion – Faith in the Authority of Jesus
Scripture: Matthew 8:5–13
The centurion believed that Jesus did not need to physically visit his house to heal his servant. He understood that Christ had the authority to speak the word and bring healing.
Jesus marvelled at his great faith.
Lessons:
* Faith recognises the authority of Jesus.
* Faith trusts God’s Word.
* Faith does not limit God to physical circumstances.
* Faith honours Christ’s power and authority.
7. DIFFERENT DIMENSIONS OF FAITH
A. Saving Faith
This is faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
Scripture: Romans 10:9–10.
B. Living Faith
This is faith that produces obedience and good works.
Scripture: James 2:17–18.
C. Growing Faith
This is faith that develops through God’s Word, prayer, and spiritual maturity.
Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:3.
D. Tested Faith
This is faith that remains steadfast during trials and difficulties.
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6–7.
E. Great Faith
This is a strong confidence in Christ’s authority and power.
Scripture: Matthew 8:10.
8. WHAT CAN WE DO TO STRENGTHEN OUR FAITH?
Every new believer must deliberately develop a life of faith.
* Study the Word of God consistently.
* Develop a consistent prayer life.
* Remember God’s faithfulness in the past.
* Associate with believers who encourage spiritual growth.
* Obey God’s instructions.
* Refuse to allow fear to control your decisions.
* Learn to depend on the Holy Spirit.
* Remain committed to God during difficult seasons.
* Meditate on biblical promises.
* Practise trusting God in everyday situations.
Key Scriptures: Joshua 1:8; Jude 1:20; Romans 10:17; Psalm 77:11–12.
9. ENEMIES OF FAITH
Several things can weaken a believer’s confidence in God.
A. Fear
Fear causes people to focus on the size of their problems rather than God’s faithfulness.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7.
B. Doubt
Doubt can make believers unstable and hesitant to trust God’s Word.
Scripture: James 1:6–8.
C. Unbelief
Unbelief refuses to accept God’s testimony and promises.
Scripture: Mark 6:5–6.
D. Ignorance of God’s Word
A believer who does not know what God has said may struggle to trust Him.
Scripture: Hosea 4:6.
E. Impatience
Some believers abandon their confidence because God’s promises do not appear to happen immediately.
Scripture: Hebrews 10:35–36.
F. Depending on Human Understanding
When we rely entirely on our own reasoning, we may struggle to follow God’s instructions.
Scripture: Proverbs 3:5–6.
10. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAITH AND OBEDIENCE
True faith produces obedience.
A person can not claim to trust God while consistently refusing to follow His instructions.
Abraham demonstrated faith by obeying God’s call. Noah demonstrated faith by building the ark. Moses demonstrated faith by choosing God’s purpose.
Faith is not merely what we confess with our mouths; it must influence how we live.
James 2:26 (KJV)
“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
Good works do not purchase salvation. Rather, they demonstrate the reality of genuine faith.
11. HOW TO LIVE BY FAITH EVERY DAY
A new believer must learn to apply faith in ordinary situations.
* When you wake up, trust God for His guidance.
* When you face decisions, seek His wisdom.
* When you encounter temptation, depend on His strength.
* When you experience difficulties, remain steadfast.
* When you pray, trust God’s wisdom and timing.
* When you study Scripture, receive it as God’s authoritative Word.
* When you make mistakes, return to God in repentance.
* When you experience success, give Him the glory.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV)
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
Walking by faith is a daily lifestyle of trusting, obeying, and depending on God.
12. IMPORTANT LESSONS FOR EVERY NEW BELIEVER
* Faith is essential to the Christian life.
* Faith must be placed in God and His Word.
* Salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
* Faith grows through hearing and studying Scripture.
* Genuine faith produces obedience.
* Faith does not mean we will never face difficulties.
* Trials can develop perseverance and spiritual maturity.
* God remains faithful even when circumstances change.
* Believers must guard themselves against fear and unbelief.
* The Christian life must be lived by faith from beginning to end.
13. PRACTICAL EXERCISE
During this week, practise the following:
Day 1: Read Hebrews 11 and identify five people who demonstrated faith.
Day 2: Study Romans 10:17 and spend time reading God’s Word.
Day 3: Read Proverbs 3:5–6 and identify areas where you need to trust God more.
Day 4: Study Abraham’s obedience in Genesis 12:1–4.
Day 5: Read Mark 11:22–24 and examine your prayer life.
Day 6: Read James 1:2–8 and learn how to remain steadfast during trials.
Day 7: Write down five things God has taught you about faith and thank Him for His faithfulness.
14. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
* What does faith towards God mean?
* Why is faith necessary to please God?
* What is the relationship between faith and salvation?
* How does the Word of God produce faith?
* What can we learn from Abraham’s faith?
* Why did Noah build the ark?
* What is the difference between saving faith and living faith?
* What are the major enemies of faith?
* Can genuine faith exist without obedience?
* What does it mean to walk by faith and not by sight?
* How can a believer maintain faith during difficult circumstances?
* What practical steps will you take to strengthen your faith?
15. MEMORY VERSES
Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)
“But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
16. CONCLUDING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I thank You for bringing me into Your family through Jesus Christ.
Today, I ask You to strengthen my faith and teach me to trust You completely.
Deliver me from fear, doubt, unbelief, and every form of anxiety that weakens my confidence in Your Word.
Help me to believe Your promises, obey Your instructions and remain faithful even when I do not understand what is happening around me.
Give me the faith of Abraham, the obedience of Noah, and the courage of Moses.
Holy Spirit, help me to develop a consistent prayer life and a strong desire for Your Word.
May my faith grow stronger every day. Teach me to walk by faith and not by sight, to depend on Your wisdom, and to remain committed to Jesus Christ throughout my life.
Let my life become a testimony of Your faithfulness.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
