121209 AM What Does It Mean to Lead a Life of Faith

What Does It Mean to Lead a Life of Faith? (1)Introduction:A. God has delivered “the                          ” (Jude 3) once for all.B. Those who have obeyed the gospel have been “                                  to the Lord” (Acts 16:14-15).C. Collectively, “believers” (Acts 2:44) comprise “the household of                            ” (Gal 6:10).D. What, then, does it mean to live a life of faith? (1 Thes 1:2-10)I. The Meaning and Foundation of FaithA. Faith can be used in a variety of contexts—to trust, to confide, fidelity.1. To trust (                                ) — Acts 8:12.2. To confide (                                       ) — James 1:6; 1 Pet 2:6.3. Fidelity (                                              ) — Rev 2:10; 2 Tim 2:2.B. These three components of faith are progressive.1. Belief (intellectual credence) is the beginning point (Heb 11:1,6).2. Belief which is nurtured grows into confidence (self-surrendering reliance, Phil 4:10-13).3. Mature confidence ultimately bears the fruit of fidelity (unswerving loyalty, 2 Tim 4:7-8).C. Each component of faith is built upon the solid evidence of the character of God himself.1. He has demonstrated                               , which is worthy of our trust (Tit 1:1-2; 2 Tim 2:13).2. He has demonstrated                               , which is worthy of our confidence (Rom 8:31-32).3. He has demonstrated               and                , which are worthy of our fidelity (2 Tim 1:8-12).D. BOTTOM LINE: We can have faith in God and be faithful to God because he is a faithful God (1 Cor 1:9; 10:13; 2 Thes 3:3).