Lesson 15
FAITH PT. 2
Table of Contents
– The Dog and the Lion
– Faith and Works
– Faith Made Perfect
– Faith After the Cross
Scriptures Cited:
Ecclesiastes 9:4, Mark 7:27, Revelation 22:15, Revelation 5:5, Ephesians 2:8, James 2:17-26, Hebrews 11:1-7, Hebrews 11:8-10, Hebrews 11:17-29, Romans 6, Hebrews 11:30-35, Exodus 12:13, 1 Corinthians 5:7, Galatians 3:27, Acts 8:36-38, Acts 16:14-15, Acts 16:30-34, 1 Peter 1:19, Acts 22:16, Galatians 5:6
We will continue our lesson on biblical faith by looking at a scripture from the book of Ecclesiastes, which is known as one of the books of wisdom:
THE DOG AND THE LION
Ecclesiastes 9:4
4 But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
In this verse, the first thing to quickly note is where it says “for him who is joined to all the living there is hope…” This is a beautiful truth in and of itself. It basically means that, as long as we are living, as long as we are on this side of the grave – there is hope.
If we understand our situation living here on earth through the lens of the Bible, we come to realize that we are truly in a predicament. We are literally living lives that will determine whether our next step after this life will be into Heaven or Hell. But the key is that while we are here, there is hope. So it is wise to take advantage of this hope while we are still living here on earth.
But what I really want to focus on for this lesson is the second part of that verse, where it says “for a living dog is better than a dead lion.” Let’s think for a moment of how those two animals are referred to throughout the scriptures.
In most cases, references to dogs have a negative connotation – as in the case of the Gentile woman who came asking Jesus to cast the devil out of her daughter. Because she was not one of the “children of Israel” that Jesus was sent to, He responded “Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it unto the dogs” (Mark 7:27). We also see that those who will not be allowed to enter the holy city are referred to as “dogs” in Revelation 22:15.
On the other hand, we see lions depicted as mighty, strong and conquering. We even see Jesus Himself referred to as “the Lion of the Tribe of Juda” in Revelation 5:5.
So, there is a huge difference between the power of a lion and the power of a dog. And this scripture in Ecclesiastes lets us know that, though a lion is much more powerful than a dog, a living dog is still better than a dead lion.
You might be asking ‘why are we starting this lesson about faith in Ecclesiastes 9:4?’ Well, by looking at this biblical concept about a living dog being better than a dead lion, it will help us to better understand what we will see later in this lesson about the kind of faith that can actually save us (dead or living).
FAITH AND WORKS
In our previous lesson, “Faith Pt. 1“, we looked at how Ephesians 2 verse 8 – “for by grace are ye saved through faith…” has been morphed into a slogan that almost sounds like scripture. The slogan “you are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone”, sounds good, and it sounds reasonable, but does it truly line up with what the scripture says? If you look carefully at the verse in Ephesians and then compare it to this slogan, you will notice that some things are changed. There is a bit of an addition to what the scripture actually says. By adding the word “alone” this slogan has now departed from the truth of the scriptures.
So, in this lesson we will continue focusing on what the Bible says regarding faith – not what people say faith is, not what man thinks it is, but what does the Bible say about faith? What does biblical faith look like?
Remembering what we read in Ecclesiastes, let’s now go to the book of James in chapter 2, beginning in verse 17.
James 2:17
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
We are starting here in the book of James because this is the only chapter in the Bible that literally addresses ‘faith alone’. And what is faith when it is alone? We see that according to scripture, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone”. It is clear in the scripture: faith alone is dead faith.
That is why we started this faith lesson with Ecclesiastes 9:4 – to cause us to think. The power of faith (which is required for salvation) can be compared to the power of a mighty lion, but if that lion is dead, even a living dog is better than that dead lion. And so likewise, if faith is dead, it is useless.
We will continue reading here in James chapter 2:
James 2:17-22
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Note: This next verse give us an example of biblical faith.
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
We see here that Abraham’s faith was “wrought” with his works. In the original Greek language, the word ‘wrought’ in this scripture is συνήργει – “synērgei“, which means: to put forth power together with and thereby to assist.
Synērgei is also the root of the English word ‘synergy’… so this lets us know that Abraham’s faith in synergy with his works, made his faith perfect. This is the biblical meaning of faith and what faith looks like. True faith is working faith, a living faith.
Continuing on to verse 23.
James 2:23-26
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Note: Next we have our second example of biblical faith here in the book of James.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
By looking at these verses, we can learn what biblical faith is – and also, what faith is not. This scripture also shows us that there are different types of faith: “dead faith” and “faith made perfect”. And how is faith made perfect?…
FAITH MADE PERFECT
The ‘faith examples’ of Abraham and Rahab that we just read in the book of James, are also echoed in the book of Hebrews chapter 11 as part of the list of elders who “obtained a good report” by their faith.
In our previous lesson, “Faith Pt. 1“, we looked at Hebrews 11 because there we find one of the clearest definitions of biblical faith, as well as many examples of it. In verse 1 of Hebrews 11 we learned that faith is the substance, and it is the evidence of things not seen. This lets us know that one of the characteristics of faith is that – faith is something that can be seen.
We then looked at some examples of the faithful who are listed in the “Hall of faith” from Hebrews 11. We started with Abel in verse 4, and ended with the example of Noah in verse 7. And what was noted from all of those examples, is the pattern given of:
- the words “by faith”
- followed by a person
- then a verb showing what that person did by faith
This pattern shows us what biblical faith actually looks like. So now we will continue with the example of Abraham, which is listed next in verse 8 to further help us understand how faith – perfect faith, works. Verse 8 reads:
Hebrews 11:8
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
Here again we have an example of Abraham’s faith. In the first example that we saw from the book of James, Abraham showed his faith when he offered Isaac. Offered is the verb. That is what he did. Here we have another example of Abraham “by faith” – and by faith, what did Abraham do? What was the verb? He obeyed.
This gives us a picture of how faith actually works – biblical faith, saving faith, “perfect faith”. All of these people listed in Hebrews 11 who obtained a good report by their faith, are our examples of true faith.
Continuing on to verse 9:
Hebrew 11:9-10
9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Here again, it is clear that Abraham’s faith could be seen by what he did. And verse 10 is such a beautiful verse. It is beautiful because it shows how in faith, Abraham looked towards the promise of God.
In order to continue on with Abraham, let’s go to verse 17 where we see the same example that was also in the book of James.
Hebrews 11:17-20
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
Note: The pattern, “By faith”… “Abraham”… “offered”. Offered was the verb showing what he did by faith.
18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. 20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
We see again the same pattern of faith. “By faith”… “Isaac”… “blessed”. Blessed is the verb. Going on to verse 21 we will see more examples.
Hebrews 11:21-27
21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.
24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
Note: Same pattern. “By faith”… “Moses”… “refused”.
26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
All of the people listed here did the things we read about by faith. And in doing these things by faith, they obtained a good report.
Because of what they did, we can now better understand what faith is and how faith operates. Faith is not some unknowable nebulous thing that is invisible in your mind. Faith can be seen and it is evidence.
In the next verse, we see the example of the Passover, which we also saw in our Faith Pt. 1 lesson.
Hebrews 11:28
28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
As we previously learned, the faith of the children of Israel was seen when they obeyed what God had instructed them to do. By “sprinkling” or applying (verb) the blood of the lamb on the doors of their houses, they were made safe from the judgement that God brought upon Egypt. In verse 29 we read:
Hebrews 11:29
29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
There is a whole lot that we could get into regarding the symbolism and foreshadowing in this example. By going through the sea, the Israelites were truly set free and their former slave masters were drowned in the water. This example is really a whole lesson in and of itself (you can read Romans chapter 6 for more about that).
But continuing here to verse 30…
Hebrews 11:30-31
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
Here we have the example of Rahab that we also saw in the book of James. And we still see the same pattern of how biblical faith – actually works.
We will end our look at Hebrews 11 by reading through to verse 35.
Hebrews 11:32-35
32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.
34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
We will leave it there for Hebrews 11, this whole chapter being filled with example after example of the Old Testament saints and their faith. And in all of their examples, their faith could be seen by what they did.
FAITH AFTER THE CROSS
It is important to keep in mind WHO it is that we must show our faith to – it is God.
As we saw in the example of the passover, God told the children of Israel that when HE sees the blood of the lamb, He would pass over them (Exodus 12:13). Now for us, after the cross we read: “even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians 5:7). And like the children of Israel had to put the blood of the lamb on the door of their homes, scripture now tells us: “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). As we continue in this lesson, we will see the connection between faith and ‘putting on Christ’ from a few examples of “faith made perfect” in the New Testament.
In Faith Pt. 1 we looked at Acts chapter 8 with Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch as an example of faith after the cross. And what we saw is that it was exhibited through baptism – putting on Christ. In fact, when reading throughout the whole book of Acts, you will notice the same thing takes place for people who came to faith. If you just keep reading the next few verses after people heard the gospel and believed, you will see that the verb “baptized” was wrought with their faith. Baptism accompanies faith; these two things go hand in hand. They work together (synērgei).
Let’s look again at the case of the Ethiopian eunuch, to see the dynamic between faith and baptism. Acts chapter 8, verses 36 and 37:
Acts 8:36-37
36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
So, there you see the connection of the two. The eunuch desired to be baptized, but Philip gave him a condition along with baptism, which was ‘if you believe.’
If you do not believe, or if the eunuch were to have said “well, actually I don’t believe” – then I would have to venture a guess that Philip probably would not have baptized him. It would have been useless because the action must come from and with faith. These two go hand in hand. As we saw that faith without works is dead, this example seems to show us that works without faith is dead also.
Fortunately, the eunuch replied affirming his faith. Continuing to verse 38:
Acts 8:38
38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
This example clearly shows us what the eunuch’s faith looked like. It was accompanied with baptism upon the hearing and believing of the gospel.
We can see another New Testament example of faith made perfect, with the conversion of Lydia. In Acts chapter 16 verse 14, we read:
Acts 16:14
14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
We see here a woman named Lydia who heard Paul preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. It says that her heart was opened to receive what was spoken – in other words, she believed.
We previously talked about the heart being the place where truth is meant to dwell. It is the place where you receive what you believe. Faith is in the heart. And here we see an example, that Lydia received the word; she attended to the things that Paul said – she had faith.
We can gain an understanding of the gospel that Paul preached by reading the next verse. In verse 15 we see what immediately came with her belief.
Acts 16:15
15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
This is just another example of biblical faith. When we see someone believe the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the book of Acts, baptism is the verb shown with their faith, (“faith made perfect”).
We are going to stay here in chapter 16 and look at one more example. Beginning in verse 30 we have the conversion of the jailer, where we see him ask what he must do to be saved.
Pay close attention and see if you can spot the same pattern:
Acts 16:30-31
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
What many people will do is just stop right there and close the Bible up. They might even throw it somewhere, because they don’t want you to keep reading what it says next. How was the jailer to believe? What would his faith look like?
Acts 16:32-33
32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
Note: Right there we see that the word was preached to the jailer. But not just him… his entire household also heard the word. That’s key.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
So, the answer that was given when the jailer asked ‘What must I do to be saved’? was ‘You must believe on the Lord Jesus’, but then we see how he and his household believed. When the word was preached to them and upon believing, the whole house was baptized – as it says ‘he and all his’. So, all those who heard, believed and were baptized. Reading on to verse 34:
Acts 16:34
34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced,
Note: Here it is…
believing in God with all his house.
Now that we have seen a few examples of faith after the cross, we can hopefully understand what our faith should look like according to the Bible. These examples show us the initial act of perfecting our faith. But we should always remember that our commitment to Christ is a walk and a journey, and there will be many more opportunities for our faith to be seen by God.
As with the eunuch, the jailer, Lydia, and all others after the cross, baptism is what we are instructed to do when we believe the gospel. We are washed from our sins and redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:19).
If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that His death, burial, and resurrection is the payment for your sins – it is important to make your faith perfect by putting on Christ through baptism. Remember this wisdom: the living dog is better than the dead lion, and faith being alone is dead.
However, as we also saw in Ecclesiastes – there is hope while we are living. And as Ananias told Paul “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16).
Contact us and we will help you in any way possible towards the perfecting of your faith.
Galatians 5:6
6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision;
but faith which worketh by love.
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