Looking for what the Bible says about faith? You're in the right place. This page brings together key Scripture and principles on faith from across many different books of the Bible, along with practical commentary and everyday applications that can transform your life. Because this commentary is excerpted from Study and Obey's verse-by-verse book studies, every verse here has already been interpreted in its full context. As you study God's Word on faith, we encourage you to reflect on how to apply what God is teaching you. Enjoy!

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What Is Faith?

Hebrews 11:1 — "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Faith is not irrational. Neither is it a blind faith. Some believers have the idea that God wants them to close their eyes and suspend their reason and take a wild leap of faith. Some think that this is very spiritual. No. God gave us our minds for a reason. God gives us evidence of His existence in many forms including creation. God never asks us to believe in spite of all reason and evidence.

Our faith is reasonable and logical. It is not, however, 100% provable. There are many reasons to believe in God's existence. It cannot however be 100% proven. That is where faith comes in. Faith is being convinced of something that is not seen. While there are evidences or reasons to believe in the thing that is unseen, some amount of faith is still necessary.

Everyone has faith. The question is where is that faith placed? Every time you step on a plane, you exercise faith in the pilot whom you have never seen. You choose to place your faith in that company's training and hopefully strict standards. Every time you take an Uber on a busy road, you exercise faith in the driver whom you have never met. When you sit down on a chair, you exercise faith that it will hold you up. By faith, you probably don't even always check your bank account on salary day knowing that the money will turn up.

Faith is part of our everyday life. Those who deny the need for faith are kidding themselves. What will you place your faith in?

Unfortunately, there are also actions which some believers do which show a lack of faith in God. When a believer does something wrong to keep his job instead of trusting God it is a lack of faith. Worry about the future is a lack of faith. Leaning on our own understanding instead of praying is a lack of faith.

Application — What can you do in the coming week to increase your faith? Do you need to take any leaps of faith?

— From our Bible study on Hebrews 11:1-7

Habakkuk 2:4 — "Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith."

"The righteous shall live by faith." Here is a famous verse that is quoted multiple times in the New Testament. It contains one of the most important principles in Scripture. Habakkuk is gently reminded that God wants His followers to place faith in Him. This is something which the "proud ones" (Babylonians) did not do. In the end, anyone who does not place their faith in God is therefore not righteous (Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness) and will not be delivered out of the judgment.

Application — When you don't understand something about God's plan, do you make a decision to have faith? Or do you despair and give up? We don't know God's timing. We can't always understand His plans. But it is our choice to have faith in Him or not.

— From our Bible study on Habakkuk 2

Faith in Action — Abraham's Example

Hebrews 11:8 — "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going."

We should all be willing to leave our "comfort zone" in order to follow God. Abraham left his country, his friends, and many of his relatives in order to follow God's call to him. Note that when God told him to go, He didn't immediately say where. Rather He told Abram to go "to the land I will show you." So Abram was commanded to start a journey to a destination that still wasn't revealed. The most important part of God's command was to go, to start moving. Once Abram was moving it would be easy for him to change direction. But an object that is not moving cannot change directions.

At that time, traveling was not nearly as easy as it is today. The final journey was almost two thousand five hundred kilometers long. And there were many unknowns on the way. But Abraham was obedient. And because of his obedience the world was changed forever.

Application — God may ask us to leave our comfort zone in order to follow him. This could take many forms. He may ask you to leave your family and country in order to serve Him. He may ask you to quit your job. He may tell you to share the gospel with somebody when it makes you nervous. Are you ready to make sacrifices, to go into the unknown, to put complete faith in God and obey His call? What do you think is an area where God is calling you to have faith in Him and leave your comfort zone?

We should never doubt God. It would have been easy for Abraham to doubt when God told him to sacrifice Isaac, but he had such a strong confidence in God's character, he knew that the Lord would not lead him astray. In the same way, God will never lead us the wrong way. There will be many times when we do not understand God's plan. It is like trying to work a puzzle, but only seeing one piece. That piece by itself doesn't look like much. You can't tell what it is. But when the whole puzzle is finished, the significance of each piece will be revealed and if even one is missing there will be a glaring hole.

Even when we don't know why God wants us to do something and even if we don't know where it will lead, we should follow in faith. He leads us step by step.

Application — What principle have you learned from Abraham that you think you should follow in your own life? Can you share one specific example of how you will apply that principle this week?

— From our Bible study on Abraham

Romans 4:3 — "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."

Abraham was not justified by works, and none of us are, so that he could have nothing to boast about. God imputed righteousness to Abraham because of his belief. Belief is not just a set of facts. It is entrusting yourself to someone or something, which Abraham illustrated continually when he put himself and the lives of his family into God's hands and in obedience followed where God sent him.

Some of the steps of faith Abraham took include: leaving his home and country with all his family and possession to embark on a long journey into the unknown, unknown place, unknown culture, unknown future, allowing Lot to choose the best of the land knowing that the Lord would bless him wherever he went, trusting in God's righteous character enough to bargain for Sodom, believing God's promise that he would have a son, and giving up his son Isaac to be sacrificed.

Application — How can we follow in the steps of faith that Abraham had? List out some of the "leaps of faith" Abraham took. Are you willing to make the same leaps of faith and entrust yourself to God? Do you believe the promises God makes to us? Can you think of one area in your life right now you need to take this leap of faith?

— From our Bible study on Romans 4:1-12

Faith and Works

James 2:19 — "You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!"

There are some kinds of belief that don't save. The demons believe God. Satan and demons have mostly orthodox doctrines. They know the Father, Son, and Spirit personally. They believe in the Holy Trinity of the Bible. They certainly know God created the world. We know they believe in the judgment to come. But they hate God with all their hearts and fight against Him with every breath even though they know He is real and the Judge.

Demons believe God, but they do not submit to Him. Neither do they rest in Him. So although they believe God, they do not believe in God. This verse shows us very clearly that head knowledge doesn't save. Even acceptance of the fact that God is true doesn't save. Having the right doctrines doesn't save.

Application — Examine your own life. Are you changed after professing faith in Jesus? Ask God to reveal areas of your life that need surrendering to Him. Pray and commit yourself to making Christ Lord of those areas.

— From our Bible study on James 2:14-26

James 2:26 — "For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead."

James uses Rahab as another example of faith in action. Her works proved that her faith was genuine. Here is Rahab's statement of faith: "I know that the Lord has given you the land. We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt. The Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath." It undoubtedly shows that she believed God is the real God of heaven and earth.

Following this statement, her actions then proved that she meant what she said. She risked her life in order to save the lives of the spies. In essence, she betrayed her own country, people, and idols because of her faith in the true God. If Rahab said this statement of faith to the spies and then reported them to Jericho's authority, it would have proved that she was still devoted to her own idols. James said that Rahab was "justified by works." These works proved to Israel that she was loyal to Jehovah. It was because of these works (saving the spies) that she and her family were saved.

Faith and works are two sides of the same coin. Without faith, Rahab would never have risked her life for strangers. And without her deeds of protection, her professed faith would have been empty.

There are many people in the world now who call themselves Christians. About 2.3 billion people identify as Christians. A very large percentage of these people have no real evidence of that faith shown by their actions. Perhaps they have a wedding in church (and then later toss away their vows). Perhaps they go to church once or twice a year. But a neutral party observing their lives would not find any evidence that their belief is changing how they live.

— From our Bible study on James 2:14-26

Growing in Faith

Romans 10:17 — "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."

The Jews had a kind of a zeal for God. For example when they tithed, they tithed down to the smallest herb. They tried their absolute best to keep the Sabbath and even all the extra rules that had been added. Sure, some of them did these things out of personal motivations, not zeal for God. But some also did them because they really believed what they were doing was right. However the problem with the Jews and all of these groups is that their zeal didn't have a solid foundation. The things they did weren't based on the truth.

Let's say for example I am leading a trip hiking up a mountain. I am confident of this shortcut to reach the peak faster. So I lead all the people on this shortcut. We march fast, working hard to get through the jungle, perspiring all the way. I very excitedly remind everyone to keep up and push the pace. What I don't know is that this shortcut leads exactly the opposite way from where we want to go. All of my zealous efforts, are WORSE THAN USELESS. Because our work wasn't based on knowledge, it would have been better to do nothing since now all of the way has to be re-hiked. This is what it is like to have zeal without knowledge.

These verses show clearly the need to both hear and believe. While we cannot make someone believe we can let them hear, which is the necessary first step that has to come before believing. If we care for someone or a group of people, we should pray for them, and we should also make sure that they hear.

Application — Who among your friends and family and co-workers and classmates hasn't heard? Then, take it upon yourself to give them this opportunity. If you do, you will have beautiful feet.

Faith is built up by knowledge of the truth that comes as we listen to and study God's Word. Faith in the gospel begins with hearing the Word of God. And even after you believe, if you want to grow in faith, you need to continue to study and read God's Word. We can see the many times God has fulfilled His promises, taken care of His people, done miracles, shown His power, vindicated His character, answered prayer, etc. These things will help us to have faith in God when we face similar situations.

— From our Bible study on Romans 10

Habakkuk 3:2 — "O Lord, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy."

In the last two chapters we have seen that Habakkuk had questions for God. He could not understand what he was seeing around him. He was confused and he had some doubts. However, we have learned from Habakkuk that when you have doubts you should turn to God in prayer. Habakkuk's doubt could have led him many places. He could have ignored it and let it bubble under the surface while going about his business. Or it could have led him to become bitter against God. But Habakkuk did not allow his doubt to take him down these roads. Instead he dealt with it in the proper way, expressing ultimate belief in God's righteous character while also hoping for an answer to settle his questions.

At the end of his journey from doubt to faith, after God's final answer on the matter, Habakkuk responds once again by praying. We can see that Habakkuk accepts God's answer. He is satisfied. In the end he places his complete faith in God and his faith in God was vindicated.

Application — It is OK, and even good, to sincerely seek answers to questions you have about God and His character. You can search for these answers in Scripture, by asking other believers, and through prayer. However, you should not remain in a state of doubt forever. You need to move from doubt to faith. Even if your questions are not 100% settled (and they may not be this side of heaven) there should be a point in time when you come before the Lord and tell Him, "Even if I don't completely understand, I believe in you."

— From our Bible study on Habakkuk 3:1-15

Faith Tested and Rewarded

Mark 9:23-24 — "And Jesus said to him, '"If you can"! All things are possible for one who believes.' Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, 'I believe; help my unbelief!'"

The man does ask Jesus for help. Yet it is not an extremely confident request. It seems to be a request motivated out of desperation. The father had likely tried every kind of way before from doctors to priests. Obviously, nothing had worked. Sometimes our requests are also weak and lack faith. We are all flesh and blood, people are imperfect. We struggle, fail, and fall short of what we should be in Christ. Even when we lack faith, it is better to come to God with an imperfect request than to try to solve the problem on our own.

Jesus gives him a slight rebuke for his lack of faith, but only a slight one. He doesn't refuse to cast the demon out because of the father's tepid faith. The father's faith was very little, but he did have some because he asked. If he thought there was no possible way, he wouldn't have even asked. Jesus responded to this tiny mustard seed of faith and reminded all the people who were watching of the importance of faith. God is very patient with us even when we are dense and slow.

Reflect — Did you ever feel like this man did? What should you do when your faith is weak?

Sometimes we believe, but not strongly enough. Sometimes our belief is mixed with a seed of doubt. This man actually gave us a good example of what to do when our faith is lacking and that is to ask the Lord to strengthen our faith. "Help my unbelief" is a very good prayer we should often make.

Reflect — A person wants to grow in faith. What are some ways you would suggest her to go about it?

Why the disciples failed to drive it out. The disciples did not use the right method. The only way to make the demon come out was to pray for God's help because He is the only one powerful enough to do it. It is a reminder that God is the one who gives us victory.

Application — Have you faced any situations like this? What can we do when it seems we can't do anything? How can we make sure that we are relying on God when we face problems, decisions, temptations, and trials?

— From our Bible study on Mark 9:9-32

Mark 5:34 — "And he said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.'"

This woman had tried everything. She was in a desperate situation, hopeless to solve this problem or find anyone who could. That is the bad news. But the good news is that God is in the business of helping hopeless and desperate people.

Reflect — What is a trial you have experienced for a long time? How has God shown Himself to be faithful in the midst of that trial?

In her despair, she heard of Jesus and knew that He had healed many people. She believed that He could heal her, and therefore, she left her house and found Jesus in the crowd. She had such a high opinion of Jesus' power that she believed she only needed to touch His garment for healing.

It feels as though the lady was taking advantage of Jesus a little bit by not asking Him first. But Jesus did not condemn her. He knew full well she was approaching and touched His clothes. Yet He still consciously decided to heal her. This is an important reminder of Jesus' compassion and grace, which He always showed to other people.

She did have a lot of faith, and this is why Jesus was willing to heal her. He then pronounced a blessing to her. Those words would have been like balm to her soul. Not only was she physically healed, but Jesus didn't hold her rudeness against her. Instead, He forgave her and sent her away in peace. God is merciful.

— From our Bible study on Mark 5:21-43

We hope you enjoyed this Bible study on faith. May God use His Word to speak into your life and give you strength to follow it. Please take some time to reflect on the questions below and consider leaving a comment with your key takeaway or insight.

Reflection Questions

• What can you do in the coming week to increase your faith? Do you need to take any leaps of faith?
• When you don't understand something about God's plan, do you make a decision to have faith? Or do you despair and give up?
• What do you think is an area where God is calling you to have faith in Him and leave your comfort zone?
• Can you think of one area in your life right now you need to take this leap of faith?
• Are you changed after professing faith in Jesus? Ask God to reveal areas of your life that need surrendering to Him.
• Who among your friends and family and co-workers and classmates hasn't heard? Take it upon yourself to give them this opportunity.
• Did you ever feel like this man did? What should you do when your faith is weak?
• A person wants to grow in faith. What are some ways you would suggest her to go about it?

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