The Seven Characteristics of Faith

Sunday Pastor quickly gave a teaching on the seven characteristics of faith which is not only apropos to our resent Bible study but also an important tool in our lives. I think it is important to put this teaching on paper, or in pixels, for easier digestion. It’s important because the Christian walk begins with faith and proceeds through faith. As your faith grows so does the depth of your relationship with Jesus Christ. The following study is directly from Pastor Phil’s sermon notes. The bold emphasis, however, is my interpretation. Thank you Pastor.

THE SCARCITY OF FAITH
Mark 6:1-6. Jesus finds a lack of faith in His home town and could do few miracles (lit., works of power) there due to their unbelief in Him. This shows that Faith must look to Christ Himself as the only source of transforming power.

THE AUTHORITY OF FAITH
Mark 7:7,13. Jesus gave the disciples Authority over unclean spirits and they exercised that Authority, through Faith, by casting out demons and healing the sick.

THE ANATOMY OF FAITH
Mark 6:39,40. Jesus reveals that Faith consists of preparation for miracles, trusting (in advance of the seen) in Him for Whom nothing is impossible. Faith requires steps into the unseen until it becomes seen. Jesus accomplished this by seating 5,000 hungry people in companies of hundreds and fifties in preparation for a miraculous meal that would come into existence only as it was in the process of being distributed. Faith is dynamic, requiring initiative and action that steps into the unseen, its vision not limited by the seen.

THE RANGE OF FAITH
Mark 6:52. Faith is not hampered by the seeming difficulty of the problem and is not surprised at the supernatural nature of the solution. The disciples, witnessing Jesus calming the storm, were greatly astonished that He had power over the wind and waves. Had they understood what had happened during the feeding of the 5,000 they would not have been amazed at this miracle over nature. This teaches us to pray for anything and everything and that nothing is too hard for Jesus.

THE ATTITUDE OF FAITH
Mark 7:28. This is the "Bread Crumbs" incident with the woman whose daughter was delivered of a demon after she responded to Jesus with persistent Faith. This teaches us that Faith is not discouraged or destroyed by the apparent rejection of Faith's request, but perseveres and does not give up.

THE CONSISTENCY OF FAITH
Mark 8:4,16. The disciples, though given a second chance (with the feeding of the 4,000) to learn the nature of Faith, failed to comprehend the extent of God's provision through the repetition of a miracle that even involved fewer mouths to feed. Faith does not doubt in the dark what has been revealed in the light.

THE DEPTH OF FAITH
Mark 9:29. Faith does not take miracle for granted. It understands that some evil strongholds require greater Faith, stronger intercession, deeper prayer, and greater sacrifice. The faith to cast out one type of demonic spirit was not sufficient to cast out another. The deeper things of Satan are overcome only by the deeper things of the Spirit.