Definition of Faith -3
King James Version (KJV)
31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.
34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
38 Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
KINGDOM DYNAMICS
11:31 Rahab’s faith was based on the record of God’s mighty deeds and promises
to Israel (Josh. 2:9-11).
11:32 A detailed study of the lives
of these mentioned shows the outstanding place that faith had in the experience
and service of each. Personal shortcomings were victoriously overcome as the
looked away from themselves to the greatness of God.
11:35-38 The fact that others were
tortured and suffered in various other ways indicates that faith does not
provide an automatic exemption from hardships, trials, or tragedy. Furthermore,
the experience of such difficulties does not mean that the people undergoing
them possess less faith than those who are not afflicted. The same faith that
enables some to escape trouble enables others to endure it. The same faith that
delivers some from death enables other to die victoriously. Faith is not a
bridge over troubled waters, but is a pathway through them. Discerning the pathway
and the source of any hardships encountered requires aggressive prayer and
worship. Through these means, God’s perspective becomes focused.
11:39-40 In spite of the good
report resulting from their faith, the OT saints received not the promise of
the blessings of the New Covenant brought by Christ. Made perfect: The body of
Christ will be complete with the saint from both OT and NT times.
Janet Irene Thomas
Director, Playwright, Gospel Lyricist, Screenwriter
Founder/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of Fine & Performing Arts
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