Young People's Group

POSSESSING GENUINE FAITH

by Pastor Mitch
March 13, 2005

Is Your Faith For Real?

From time to time, it is good for us to ask ourselves a basic question. Do we have genuine faith? It is common for people to think that they have genuine faith. However, when their lives do not show for it, it is questionable whether that assumed faith is authentic. Young people, we cannot over-emphasize the importance of being honest with ourselves and checking out whether we have genuine faith. It is easy for people to end up with a faith that is hypocritical and false. Is our faith for real?

Checking Whether We Have Genuine Faith

How can we check whether we have genuine faith? There are two questions, among others, that we want to ask ourselves.

1. Are There Visible Fruits In Our Lives?

“When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you…” 
2 Timothy 1:5

The word “genuine” in Greek means unfeigned. Paul was able to observe this sincere faith in the life of Timothy. He was able to see obvious fruits of his faith from his life.

2. Is Our Faith Consistent With Others Who Have Genuine Faith?

“Which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice…” 
2 Timothy 1:5

Real faith must also be consistent with others who have it. Timothy’s faith was consistent with his grandmother’s and his mother’s. It is important for us to check out the nature and content of our faith. If we realize that our faith is not real, let’s spare no effort to make it real.

The Means To Finding Genuine Faith In The Lord

1. Through The Guidance Of Godly Parents

Timothy had a God-fearing grandmother and mother. They brought up Timothy in the fear of the Lord. They “passed on” their faith to Timothy. If we do have godly parents, it would be good for us to ask them how they found their faith real.

2. Through Knowing The Scriptures Well

Timothy came to true faith through the Scriptures.

“And that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation…” 
2 Timothy 3:15

It is through the knowledge of the Scriptures that we can have wisdom to understand salvation and to embrace faith.

3. Through Exercising Faith In Jesus Christ.

“Through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 
2 Timothy 3:15

The content of faith is ultimately focused on the Lord Jesus. It is through the Scriptures that we can understand and know Him. Let’s learn to exercise faith in the Lord Jesus for who He is.

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