FAITH – A Refresher Study – Part 8

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Seven Steps to Great Faith (From Rev. Kenneth E. Hagin):

  1. Know the integrity of the Word of God and to know that this Word is what it declares itself to be.

Hebrews 4:12 NKJV For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

2 Timothy 3:16 AMPC Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action),

  1. We must know the actual reality of our redemption in Christ, not as a doctrine, philosophy, or creed, but as an actual redemption out of the authority of Satan.

Colossians 1:12-14 NKJV (12) giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. (13) He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, (14) in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

  1. We must know the reality of the New Creation, both from a legal standpoint and a vital living standpoint.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV (17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

1 John 3:14 NKJV We know that we have passed (to change place and condition) from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.

  1. We must know the reality of our righteousness in Christ.

Romans 3:23-26 NKJV for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (24) being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, (25) whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, (26) to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Romans 5:17 NKJV For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)

2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV (21) For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

“That means that we can stand in His presence without any sense of guilt, condemnation, or inferiority. That means the prayer problem is settled…”

  1. We must know the reality of the indwelling Spirit.

1 John 4:4 NKJV You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

2 Corinthians 6:16 NKJV (16) And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM. I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.”

  1. We must know the reality of our fellowship with God.

1 Corinthians 1:9 NKJV God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 John 1:3-4 NKJV that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. (4) And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

  1. We must know the authority of the Name of Jesus.

John 16:23-24 NKJV “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. (24) Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Ephesians 1:19-23 NKJV and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power (20) which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, (21) far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. (22) And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, (23) which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Seven Hindrances to Your Faith:

  1. Unforgiveness is probably one of if not the GREATEST hindrance to faith working.

This is the only hindrance Jesus mentioned specifically so it must be important:

Mark 11:25-26 NKJV “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

Galatians 5:6 KJV  For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Galatians 5:6 AMPC For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love.

      • Jesus pointed out that it was the faith woman who had the issue of blood that healed her.

Mark 5:34 NKJV And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

      • The woman that had the issue of blood must have walked in forgiveness because her faith in Jesus was not hindered in any way.

Mark 5:25-26 NKJV Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse.

      • We don’t think of this very much if at all, but Caleb and Joshua must have walked in love and forgiveness as well.

Hebrews 11:30 NKJV By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.

      • David could have been bitter because of the way his father and brothers treated him with contempt and did not see what God could do through him.
  1. Another hindrance to our faith is worry.

Matthew 6:25 NIV  “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

1 Peter 5:6-7 AMPC  Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,  (7)  Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. [Psa 55:22]

Philippians 4:6-7 AMP Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. (7) And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

      • Worry – the rehearsing of your problem in your mind trying to search for an answer.
      • If you face a new problem, then the answer is going to have to come from the Lord.
      • When you are searching for the answer in your mind by going over and over the problem to look for the solution, you only cause yourself more anxiety and frustration.
      • There is always a way! There is always a solution!
      • God has a thousand answers or solutions to every problem we face. All you and I need is one.
  1. Practicing Sin will hinder your faith.

1 John 3:3-6 AMPC And everyone who has this hope [resting] on Him cleanses (purifies) himself just as He is pure (chaste, undefiled, guiltless). (4) Everyone who commits (practices) sin is guilty of lawlessness; for [that is what] sin is, lawlessness (the breaking, violating of God’s law by transgression or neglect–being unrestrained and unregulated by His commands and His will). (5) You know that He appeared in visible form and became Man to take away [upon Himself] sins, and in Him there is no sin [essentially and forever]. (6) No one who abides in Him [who lives and remains in communion with and in obedience to Him–deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] commits (practices) sin. No one who [habitually] sins has either seen or known Him [recognized, perceived, or understood Him, or has had an experiential acquaintance with Him].

1 John 3:20-22 NKJV For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. (21) Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. (22) And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

1 John 1:9 NKJV If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

  1. A sin-consciousness will hinder your faith.

We need to confess our sins and forget them.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV (17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Hebrews 10:1-4 AMPC FOR SINCE the Law has merely a rude outline (foreshadowing) of the good things to come–instead of fully expressing those things–it can never by offering the same sacrifices continually year after year make perfect those who approach [its altars]. (2) For if it were otherwise, would [these sacrifices] not have stopped being offered? Since the worshipers had once for all been cleansed, they would no longer have any guilt or consciousness of sin. (3) But [as it is] these sacrifices annually bring a fresh remembrance of sins [to be atoned for], (4) Because the blood of bulls and goats is powerless to take sins away.

Isaiah 43:25 NKJV “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins.

Psalms 103:12 NKJV As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

  1. A lack of understanding who we are in Christ will hinder your faith.

We all must have a clear understanding of our rights and privileges that we have in Christ Jesus.

Most often, when we don’t know these things, we will live our lives below what Jesus bought and paid for and what God has planned for our lives.

  1. Lack of understanding the power of the Name of Jesus and our privilege to use it.

John 14:13-14 NKJV And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (14) If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

John 16:23-24 NKJV “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. (24) Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

  1. We stop speaking the Word and acting on the Word when we don’t immediately see results.

Make up your mind that you are in it to win it. Stay with it for the long haul if necessary.

Galatians 6:9 NKJV And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Galatians 6:9 TLB  And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up.

Hebrews 10:35-36 NKJV Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. (36) For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:

Hebrews 6:11-12 TPT But we long to see you passionately advance until the end and you find your hope fulfilled. (12) So don’t allow your hearts to grow dull or lose your enthusiasm, but follow the example of those who fully received what God has promised because of their strong faith and patient endurance.