Faith and Assurance

11/19/12 Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Faith is absolutely essential. Without it you cannot please God. Without faith you cannot hear what God says. Where there is no faith there is no joy, no peace, and no hope. In fact, without faith there is nothing left for you but to live your life apart from God and then die a death that you will regret forever. Faith in Christ quenches the fiery darts (Eph.6:16) of Satan - doubt, fears, unbelief, worries, anxieties, attacks from others, and etc. The tarts are anything and everything that has the potential to lead you into sin and away from God. Satan seeks to strike you with powerful weapons such as discouragement, depression, and despair. Moses and Elijah, perhaps the two of the greatest figures in the OT, both were so discouraged that they wanted God to kill them. David faced these same schemes and fiery darts from the same enemy that we face. David wrote in Psa.43:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. What we must do is exercise our faith in the Lord until assurance comes. Assurance of salvation and of our future deliverance is a great protection against Satanic attacks like despair and discouragement. And without assurance it becomes easy to despair and become discouraged and give up the fight. How do I know that I have assurance? Assurance will produce a: 1.Sacrifical love – You willingly and joyfully sacrifice because of the God’s glory and for the good of others. 2. Sound praise –Even when you suffer there is joy that is expressed in praise. 3.Satisfied heart – You are content even with little because of the riches in Christ that awaits you. 4.Strong hands - Even laborious work will seem much easier and more enjoyable because of Who you are serving. 5.Saturated mind – When we fill our minds with thoughts of Christ and His glory we gain assurance of the ultimate victory in the One who died for us in order to bring us to God. Prayer: Father, I believe, help my unbelief! Fill me with your Spirit and word. Forgive me for ever doubting you. In Jesus name amen.