Faith as one of the internal aspects of the example of Paul
1. Faith in God
a. Commences with “I believe”
b. What I believe is my faith
c. The content…the teaching (didaskalia) that I believe in becomes my faith
d. From my faith comes my hope.
2. Faith as an internal aspect
a. Something that is found deep within
b. Faith is something that comes when our heart and mind are able to believe
3. Faith is meant to shore up all three external aspects
The example of the faith of Paul
1. Salvation faith
a. Paul discovered salvation faith when the Lord Jesus met him (Acts 9)
b. Saved through faith
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,” Ephesians 2:8
2. Assured faith
“For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” 2 Timothy 1:12
a. He knew … “oida”… to have certainty of knowledge
b. He truly believed
c. He was fully persuaded
3. Outstanding faith
a. A faith to face suffering
“And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.” Acts 20:22, 23
b. A faith that is not afraid to die
“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself,” Acts 20:24
c. A faith that is able to have joy to the end
“So that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:25
Personal challenge
1. Follow the example of the faith of Paul
2. Be assured with certainty about our faith in Christ
3. Develop an outstanding faith to be an example to others