1Th_1:3. Active Faith
"Your work of faith."’971Th_1:3.
One of the leading graces of true religion is faith. It is an essential grace Religion must begin with it: carried on with it, and it cannot end safely without it; we cannot die happily without faith Let us offer,
I. Some Remarks on Faith.
1. The object of faith is God.
God essentially, or God in Christ Have faith in God. "Ye believe in God believe also in me." Saving faith is faith in the person, righteousness, and merits of the Lord Jesus Christ. Notice,
2. The nature of faith.
It is credence, reliance, trust; credence of a statement; reliance on promise; trust in engagements. Notice,
3. The ground of faith.
It is the Word of God; the testimony of the Holy Scriptures. It must regard all the contents of the inspired oracles. Every word of God is pure, and true, and good. "All Scripture," &c. Notice,
II. The Work of Faith.
Now faith is not a mere idea, or notion, or principle. It is a living, powerful, operative grace.
1. It works repentance.
We shall never see or feel the evil of sin. until we believe what the Word of God asserts.
2. Faith works obedience to the will of God.
Jam_2:17.
3. Faith works self-denial.
Abraham left his country. Moses, &c., Heb_11:24, &c. See how Paul denied himself, and at the end said, "I know in whom," &c. "I have fought," &c. Without it, man will not, cannot bear the cross, &c.
4. Faith works benevolence and activity.
It is said to work by love, Gal_5:6. I cannot savingly believe God’s love to me, without this faith producing a powerful feeling of love to others.
5. Faith works comfort.
Psa_27:13. "Let not your hearts," &c.
6. Faith works triumph over our enemies.
Life of faith crucifies the flesh; overcomes the world; quenches all the darts of the devil.
7. Faith works holiness.
"Purifying their hearts by faith." Belief of the truth. Sanctified by faith in Christ’s precious blood, &c.
Application
1. Let your work of faith be manifest.
2. Let it be constant.
3. Progressive. Abound yet more and more, &c.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS