[Special Lesson 12] Faith and Willpower

by ichthus

For a Bible study spanning 2023 – 2024, the focus is on building strong, unwavering faith in God and His promises during this period. It defines biblical faith as confident trust in God’s unseen promises and belief in what He has already done to fulfill those promises. Faith comes from hearing and understanding God’s word, so continually renewing our Scripture intake is vital. Putting on the full armor of God, which represents applying God’s word, shields our faith from attacks. Concern is expressed about a lack of genuine faith when Jesus returns, so discerning the signs of the end times to act accordingly is urged. The main thrust is making a resolute commitment during this Bible study to deeply study and master Scripture, especially the New Covenant and Revelation, allowing nothing to derail this pursuit of building an unshakable faith prepared for coming challenges.

 

Study Guide SCJ Bible Study

Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.

While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.

The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.

Review with the Evangelist

Memorization

Daniel 6:27

He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth.

He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”

Word of Encouragement:

2 Corinthians 4:16

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

 

Our Hope: To establish, build, and protect our faith in 2025 through the study of the Word.



Faith and Determination

One of the things I love about New Year’s is that it provides a refreshing reset as we acknowledge our desire to improve in the upcoming year. My prayer is that we all use this as an opportunity to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the future with hope.Today we will focus on building faith—how to establish and protect it. As I’ve said before, when someone starts studying Scripture more deeply, Satan takes notice and attacks. My hope is that 2025 becomes the year you grow strongest in your faith, like a well-trained soldier, equipped to handle any challenge.

While 2025 may bring many hopeful promises, hardship will come too, especially for believers. You must stand firm so that you can overcome. Let’s build each other up in faith and become strong together.


1. Understanding Faith

Hebrews 11:1,6

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him

The key term here is “do not see.”This term is very important, as it implies that there will come a time when we will be able to see what we are waiting for.

Verse 6 states that without faith,it is impossible to please God. This means that God expects this kind of persevering faith from every believer. If a believer does not have this kind of unwavering faith, they cannot please God – it is impossible.

So what is the kind of faith that we need to have in order to please God? Many people talk about a “blind faith” – a sort of blind allegiance without question. However, the biblical concept of faith is not simply blindly believing without evidence. Rather, it is a confident trust and assurance in the truths and promises of God, even when we cannot yet see the fulfillment. This kind of faith perseveres even when circumstances are difficult, trusting that ultimately God is faithful.

 

This faith pleases God.

 

Faith: Certain in what is not yet seen. Without —–> Impossible to please God.

 

What is blind faith?

Faith is not the same as blind faith. Blind faith is believing without any evidence.Often people are told to just believe without any explanation as to why they should believe – that is blind faith.

One of the biggest criticisms of Christians is that we have blind faith – that we haven’t met Jesus, we haven’t seen God, we haven’t witnessed miracles. So why do we believe these things exist when we haven’t seen anything?

However, blind faith is not biblical. Not once has God asked someone to believe in Him without first giving them something concrete to have faith in, without first showing that He is capable of keeping His promises.

What is it we have not yet seen? It is God’s promises. Faith is intimately tied to God’s promises – the two cannot be divorced from each other. What God asks us to believe in is what He has said He will do.

True faith means believing in two things:

 

1.-  God’s promises and

2.-  His ability to fulfill those promises.

 

True Faith = believing in What God will do, what He said He will do.



1. Believing in God’s Promise

Hebrews 11:17-19

By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18 even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. 19 Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.

This passage describes why Abraham was so willing to take his son up the mountain to sacrifice him when God asked him to.

Oftentimes, people do not really understand this story. Some say that it was immoral for God to ask a man to kill his own son. Others question if they would be willing or able to sacrifice their child if God asked them to do so.

However, these perspectives completely miss the point. Abraham had God’s promises. In Genesis 15, God promised Abraham that he would have many descendants, as numerous as the stars in the sky. God told him “I will give you a son from your own body.”

Then God told him again that it is through Isaac that the descendants He promised would come. So when God then asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham operated based on the promises God had already made and kept.

God had shown Himself faithful by giving a child to two old people who were able to conceive. He demonstrated His power to do the impossible. This is why Abraham did not hesitate to follow God’s command.

Part one of true faith is believing that God will do what He said He will do. It is trusting that He can accomplish what He promised. This belief in God’s promise is the first step of faith. Without this, one cannot take the second step of acting on that faith to please God. God cannot use someone who does not believe He can fulfill His word.

What completes true faith? The fulfillment of God’s promises. When we trust in God, we can have confidence that He will accomplish what He has said. Our faith finds its ultimate validation and satisfaction when we see God’s faithfulness demonstrated through the fulfillment of His word.



2. Believing What God has done

John 14:29

I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.

Believing in what God has done completes true faith. Believing in God’s promises is only half the battle. If one does not actually believe in what God has done, then their faith is incomplete and void. That is why John 14:29 says, “I have told you these things, now before they take place, so that when they do take place, you may believe.”

Both faith in God’s promises and belief in what He has done are important. But it is also important to be attentive to what God has done so that we can recognize and believe it when it happens. Let us be those in 2025 who are attentive to fulfillment. We must be so that we can recognize it and believe it when it happens. So, let us be attentive to fulfillment.

 

True faith = Believing in what God has done in the way God has done it (promise + fulfillment)



2. Where does faith come from? 

Romans 10:17

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

You cannot divorce faith from hearing the word.

You cannot just ask someone to believe in something they have not heard about. This is why knowledge comes before faith and actions.

First, someone must hear. So in 2025, make the determination to never stop hearing the word. For if you stop hearing the word, like disconnecting something from a power outlet, eventually your spiritual battery will drain and faith will diminish.

In order for someone to continually renew their faith, they must continue hearing the word, like a plant being fed by water. However, not every word is life-giving or faith-building, as we discussed earlier. You still have to be able to discern whether you’re receiving pure water or salt water.

Someone adrift at sea drinking salt water will perish faster, even though it’s water. There’s other harmful stuff in it. So although the word of God is like water (Deuteronomy 32:2), one must receive the right kind of word.

So in 2025, let’s focus on discerning the words we are receiving. It is very important for our lives of faith – a question of life and death, actually. Let’s be those who carefully discern which words we’re receiving.



3. Protecting Faith

Faith is vital in our lives. As it is written, faith comes by hearing the word of God. Therefore, we must safeguard our faith and ensure it continues to mature rather than weaken over time. We also hope for an increasingly steadfast faith rather than one susceptible to hardship.

We can accomplish this through putting on the full armor of God each day. When we are rooted in scripture and prayer, living righteously, and trusting in God’s promises, our faith is shielded. Just as a soldier wears armor for protection in battle, we must likewise equip ourselves spiritually as we walk each day. By clothing ourselves in truth, righteousness, peace, faith and salvation, we fortify our faith against all that seeks to tear it down.

What is the armor of God?  The armor of god is the word. But how do we know that?

Ephesians 6:10-17

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

So apostle paul goes through the armor of god. And he breaks down all of the elements that protect us. And protect our faith. Let’s go through each one first.

 

1. Belt of Truth: Belt fastens tools/weapons for readiness

2. Breast Plate of Righteousness: Protects chest (vital organs)

3. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: Shoes shift movement/actions

4. Shield of Faith: Protects against any attacks

5. Helmet of Salvation: Protects the head (mind)

6. Sword of Spirit: To fight



1. Belt of Truth

Imagining the belt of truth. What does a belt do? What does a literal or physical belt do? It holds up one’s pants. But historically, soldiers would fasten weapons to their belts for readiness in battle. So a belt holds tools and weapons, keeping them close at hand. Like Batman who keeps gadgets in his utility belt, ready for any situation.

The metaphor suggests truth is like a belt of readiness. What is truth for? What should we keep readily available and close at hand through knowing the truth? The passage seems to imply truth equips us, like a belt holding useful tools. As we grow in truth, we gain discernment and are more prepared to meet life’s challenges.

 

Belt fastens tool/weapons —-> Readiness

Sanctify by the truth —> Word

John 17:17

Sanctify them by] the truth; your word is truth.

Sanctify them by the truth. Your word is true. So, the belt of truth, you need to put on is The word.



2. Breast Plate of Righteousness

What does a breastplate do? A breastplate protects the chest or the heart – where the vital organs are located. In the same way, righteousness protects us and our most vital parts.

So what then is righteousness? And how does one develop it?

Psalms 37:30-31

30 The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just.

31 The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.

A righteous person speaks wisdom and justice because they have internalized wisdom and justice in their heart. They do the inner work first, putting God’s law and word into their heart. Then they are able to act righteously.

We should be people who are grounded in God’s word. This means we can speak wisdom and justice from our hearts. Every righteous person in the Bible knew God’s word deeply. That is why God called them out to do great things and made sure their stories were recorded. We should strive to be like them – to root ourselves in God’s truth so we can live and speak righteously.

 

Breastplate protects —-> Chest (Heart)

Righteous man —> Law of God (Word) —–> Heart



3. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

Paul then says, “Let’s have our feet ready with the gospel of peace.” What is the gospel? The gospel is the good news that gives us eternal life.

Let’s break this down further. Shoes allow for swift movement and action. They protect your feet so you don’t have to worry about the ground you’re stepping on, being able to stand firm.

Similarly, having the truth of the gospel allows someone to act swiftly and move in the way God needs them to, allowing God’s work to continue. In Luke chapter 4, Jesus quotes from the scroll of Isaiah in front of the people, at the very beginning of his ministry.

Jesus opened the book of Isaiah and began to read from Isaiah chapter 61, verses 1-2, which talks about one who comes to proclaim peace, heal, declare and deliver the good news. So what was the news people needed to hear about that was being fulfilled?

It was God’s promise to everyone. God’s promise has been fulfilled, standing right here in front of them. That’s the good news people needed to hear – that God has done what He said He would do through His Son.

Luke 4:16-21

16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,

to set the oppressed free, 

19  to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. 

20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Let us understand the context again. When we comprehend the background, things become more impactful than just passively reading. The Scroll of Isaiah is 700 years old. By Jesus reading this passage, he spans 700 years of history. In this passage, Jesus quotes Isaiah 61 – “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” After reading, Jesus rolls back the scroll. With all eyes on him, he declares “Today this Scripture is fulfilled.” The fulfillment is standing right in front of you!

Imagine being in that synagogue at that moment. I would have been awestruck. The promise God made through Isaiah has been fulfilled. The good news, which is prophecy and fulfillment, brings peace when delivered (Psalm 119:165). As we spread the gospel in this time, let us also spread peace, not merely believing in Jesus then calling it done.

 

Shoes —–> Shift movement / actions

Gospel —-> Good News (prophecies and fulfillments), Word ——> Peace



4. Shield of faith

Why Should We Believe in Jesus?

Romans 10:17

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

It is important to explain to people why we believe in Jesus – not just tell them that they should believe. A deeper understanding of the gospel explains why. Faith in Jesus equips us like a shield, protecting us from attacks. But this shield of faith only protects us if it is strong. Faith is strengthened through knowing and understanding God’s Word.

Jesus often rebuked his disciples, saying “You of little faith.” He wasn’t simply scolding them – he was highlighting that their lack of knowledge and understanding was leading to weak faith that failed under pressure. Whenever the disciples’ faith was tested and faltered, Jesus taught them more so that their faith could grow stronger.

Weak faith provides little protection, like trying to block metal weapons with a wooden shield. It may last a little while but will soon break. Let us therefore continually grow in our understanding of God’s Word so that our faith may be robust, able to withstand any challenge we may face.

 

Shield —–> Protects and Defend any attacks

Faith ——-> From hearing the Word



5. Helmet of Salvation

A helmet protects the head or the mind. So mentally preparing defensive responses for difficult conversations is like putting a shield around one’s mind.

Hebrews 8:10-12

10 This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord.

I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts.

I will be their God, and they will be my people.

11 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’

because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.

12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

Listening to and internalizing God’s teachings protects us. When God examines our inner selves and sees His Word within us, He recognizes us as His devoted followers. He is pleased. He says, “Ah, yes, this one is mine. I remember him. This one, too. And this one. Yes, these are my Son’s words. You are good to go.”

Having God’s Word inside us is like having His Spirit inside us—it safeguards us. God looks for His Word in us because that Word protects us from harm. We should fill ourselves with Scripture. Doing home blessings/memorization and constantly immersing ourselves in the Word allows more of it to dwell in our hearts and minds.

 

Helmet —-> Protects the head (Mind)

Mind and Heart —–> leads to sins forgiven (Salvation)



6. Sword of Spirit

The Bible was already directly compared to the word of God, described as ‘the sword of the Spirit.’ Swords are used to fight battles.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

The word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. I love when multiple passages in the Bible say the same thing, which happens often. It affirms that yes, this is the true understanding. God’s word is living and active – it’s not just an old book or word from thousands of years ago, but is relevant now in our time.

It will divide and judge the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts, because as we read the word we feel convicted, as it stabs the sin within us and pulls it out like a sword. However, a sword can be misused by an unskilled warrior.

That is why one must go through training before the real battle, so they can use it effectively. 

Let us handle the word of God effectively and correctly.

If one uses a sword incorrectly, they can harm someone rather than defend them. This is why we should not share the word in a way when we don’t yet fully understand it, because we can unintentionally lead someone in the wrong direction.

First master the word, then you can be a skilled tactician. You can even be like a doctor who heals with the scalpel instead of killing with it. Let us be like skilled doctors.

The armor of God represents the word. Every element of the armor relates to the word, all of it. If we want to be protected, we must know the word.

If there are parts of the word we don’t understand, it leaves openings in our armor for Satan to attack. The full armor of God is the full word of God, from Genesis to Revelation. If there are parts of the Bible we don’t understand, we are not fully protected. This is why Jesus was worried.

 

Sword  ——> To fight  =  Word of God

 

The full armor of God = Word of God



4. Faith in 2025


Luke 18:8

I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

When Jesus refers to the “Son of Man,” he is referring to himself and his second coming. He poses the question –When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” This expresses Jesus’ concern that when he returns, will people still truly have faith in him?

It is remarkable when we consider how many Christians there are in the world today – over two billion people who call Jesus their Lord and Savior in one form or another. That is 25% of the global population of over 8 billion people. With these numbers, one may wonder why Jesus would worry that there would be a lack of faith upon his return.

Clearly, Jesus must mean something more than just intellectually believing he exists or that he is the Son of God. There must be more to genuine faith than that.

Jesus seems concerned that when he returns, many who call themselves Christians will lack the depth of faith and commitment that he asks for. Let’s look at an example that illustrates why Jesus worries that on his return he might not find the kind of faith he hopes for.

As we look ahead to the future, including the year 2025, what does God want from those who profess faith in Christ? How can we move beyond superficial belief and grow in the kind of faithful commitment that Jesus seeks?

Matthew 24:15-16

15 “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation, spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Matthew 24 is an interesting chapter in the Gospels. It describes the signs of the end times – things we should expect when the Son of Man comes again.

In verse 3, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Jesus then began detailing what they should look for.

In verses 15-16, he tells them that when the “abomination that causes desolation” enters the holy place, those in Judea should flee to the mountains.

This raises some questions – what is this holy place and abomination? Which mountains should one flee to? Fleeing signals an action that God and Jesus want us to take when these signs appear. However, how can we act if we don’t understand what these signs are?

So let us make it our goal in 2025 to discern:

 

– What the abomination of desolation is

– What constitutes the holy place

– Which mountains to flee to

 

This will empower us to act when the time comes.



5. Determination in 2025

Determination Letter:

 

2025 – A Year of Action and Learning

Let 2025 be a year of action and growth. Through God’s strength, I resolve to deepen my understanding of Scripture by mastering the Bible. I will devote myself to studying the New Covenant and the book of Revelation.

I write this letter to myself as a pledge that when challenges arise, I will remember my determination to keep learning, even when things get difficult. I know that sticking to these studies requires commitment, especially over the nine months of this class. There will be obstacles trying to derail my progress. When those hard times hit, I will recognize the enemy’s schemes and respond by pressing into God’s Word even more, which renews my spirit and empowers me to persevere.

I will not easily give up when troubles come my way or be tempted to cut back on the very things that focus my mind. With the Spirit’s help, I will double down on Scripture, for that is where my strength lies. By God’s grace, this will be the year I master the Bible. My resolve is set. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!



Memorization

Romans 10:17

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

 

Let’s Us Discern

Discernment is still a work in progress ….  Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)

“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”

Analysis

Questions to Self-Reflect

Outline

Outline: Faith and Determination in 2025

Introduction: This section emphasizes the importance of faith and determination in the coming year, especially for believers who will face inevitable hardships. It sets the stage for understanding and strengthening one’s faith.

1. Understanding Faith

  • Hebrews 11:1,6: This section defines biblical faith, differentiating it from “blind faith” and emphasizing its basis in God’s promises and His demonstrated faithfulness.
  • True Faith: This subsection breaks down true faith into two key components: believing in God’s promises and believing in what He has already done, showcasing the importance of recognizing fulfilled prophecies.
  • Believing in God’s Promise: Using the example of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac, this subsection highlights how trust in God’s promises empowers believers to act in obedience.
  • Believing What God Has Done: This section argues that true faith is complete only when one acknowledges and believes in God’s fulfilled promises. It urges believers to be attentive to God’s actions in their lives.

2. Where Does Faith Come From?

  • Romans 10:17: This section establishes the crucial connection between faith and hearing the word of God. It emphasizes the importance of continual engagement with Scripture for spiritual nourishment and growth in faith.
  • Discernment: This subsection cautions against blindly accepting any message as truth, urging believers to carefully discern the source and content of the words they receive.

3. Protecting Faith

  • Putting on the Full Armor of God: This section introduces the concept of spiritual armor as a metaphor for safeguarding one’s faith, emphasizing the need for daily preparation through prayer, righteousness, and trust in God’s promises.
  • Ephesians 6:10-17: This section systematically unpacks the individual components of the armor of God, drawing connections between each piece and the Word of God.
  • Belt of Truth: This subsection highlights the importance of grounding oneself in truth, using the imagery of a belt holding tools for readiness in battle. It connects the belt to the Word through John 17:17.
  • Breast Plate of Righteousness: This subsection explains how righteousness protects one’s heart, drawing from Psalms 37:30-31 to emphasize the internalization of God’s law as a source of righteous actions.
  • Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: This subsection links the shoes to swift action and movement, emphasizing the power of the gospel – God’s fulfilled promises – to bring peace and enable believers to act according to God’s will. It references Luke 4:16-21 to showcase the fulfillment of prophecy.
  • Shield of Faith: This subsection connects faith with protection against attacks, drawing from Romans 10:17 to reiterate the importance of hearing and understanding the Word of God to strengthen one’s faith.
  • Helmet of Salvation: This subsection relates the helmet to protection of the mind, using Hebrews 8:10-12 to showcase how internalizing God’s Word safeguards believers and brings about salvation.
  • Sword of Spirit: This subsection identifies the sword of the Spirit as the Word of God, emphasizing its power to judge thoughts and convict hearts. It draws from Hebrews 4:12 to showcase the living and active nature of Scripture.

4. Faith in 2025

  • Luke 18:8: This section examines Jesus’ concern about the potential lack of genuine faith upon His return, prompting believers to reflect on the depth and commitment of their own faith.
  • Matthew 24:15-16: This section focuses on the signs of the end times, specifically the “abomination that causes desolation” and the need to flee to the mountains. It encourages believers to understand these signs and prepare for action.

5. Determination in 2025

  • Determination Letter: This section presents a personal pledge to deepen one’s understanding of Scripture, particularly focusing on the New Covenant and the book of Revelation. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance and overcoming obstacles.
  • Reflections: This section offers personal reflections on the message, highlighting the centrality of God’s Word in achieving righteousness, salvation, and overcoming spiritual exhaustion. It emphasizes the power of studying Scripture to transform minds and align desires with God’s will, referencing Romans 8:5-8. It encourages readers to prioritize spiritual growth and resist distractions.

A Study Guide

Faith and Determination: A Study Guide for 2025

I. Key Concepts:

  • True Faith: Believing in God’s promises and His ability to fulfill them. It encompasses both the anticipation of God’s future actions and the recognition of His past faithfulness.
  • Blind Faith: Believing without any evidence or logical basis. This is NOT the kind of faith encouraged in the Bible.
  • Source of Faith: Faith arises from hearing and understanding the word of God, particularly through the message of Christ. Regular engagement with Scripture is essential for nurturing and strengthening faith.
  • Protecting Faith: Just as a soldier wears armor for protection, Christians must equip themselves with the armor of God, which is rooted in God’s word. Each piece of the armor symbolizes a different aspect of spiritual preparedness and protection.
  • Determination: Making a firm decision to prioritize spiritual growth in 2025 by actively engaging with the Bible and deepening one’s understanding of its teachings. This requires commitment and perseverance, especially when facing challenges.

II. Short Answer Quiz

  1. Explain the difference between true faith and blind faith.
  2. How is faith connected to God’s promises?
  3. What does Hebrews 11:1-6 teach about the nature and importance of faith?
  4. Why is Abraham considered a model of faith in the Bible?
  5. According to Romans 10:17, where does faith come from?
  6. What is the significance of John 14:29 in relation to faith?
  7. What is the armor of God, and what does it represent?
  8. Explain the metaphorical significance of the belt of truth in the armor of God.
  9. How does the breastplate of righteousness protect a Christian?
  10. What is the meaning of Jesus’ question in Luke 18:8, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

III. Answer Key

  1. True faith is a confident trust in God’s promises and His ability to fulfill them, even when we cannot see the immediate outcome. It is based on the understanding of God’s character and past faithfulness. Blind faith, on the other hand, is believing without any evidence or reason. It is not the kind of faith that the Bible encourages.
  2. Faith is intimately tied to God’s promises. It is the belief that God will do what He has said He will do and that He has the power to accomplish His promises. This trust in God’s promises forms the foundation of true faith.
  3. Hebrews 11:1-6 defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” It emphasizes that faith is essential for pleasing God. Without faith, it is impossible to have a relationship with Him. This passage highlights the importance of persevering faith even when facing difficulties, trusting in God’s ultimate faithfulness.
  4. Abraham is considered a model of faith because he trusted in God’s promises even when they seemed impossible. He was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac because he believed that God would fulfill His promise of giving him many descendants, even if it meant raising Isaac from the dead.
  5. Romans 10:17 states, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” This verse emphasizes that faith is not a blind leap but is rooted in understanding and accepting the message of Christ as revealed in the Bible.
  6. John 14:29 highlights the importance of recognizing the fulfillment of God’s promises. Jesus says, “I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.” This verse encourages believers to be attentive to how God works in their lives and to acknowledge His faithfulness when His promises come to pass.
  7. The armor of God is a metaphor used in Ephesians 6:10-17 to describe the spiritual resources that Christians need to stand firm against the attacks of the devil. Each piece of armor represents a different aspect of spiritual preparedness and protection. The armor symbolizes the power of God’s Word to protect and empower believers.
  8. The belt of truth symbolizes the importance of grounding oneself in God’s truth. Just as a belt holds up a soldier’s pants and keeps them ready for action, the truth of God’s Word equips Christians with discernment and readiness to face life’s challenges.
  9. The breastplate of righteousness represents the protective quality of living a righteous life based on God’s Word. Just as a breastplate guards the vital organs, righteousness protects the heart and mind from spiritual harm. It implies living in accordance with God’s will and reflecting His character in our actions.
  10. In Luke 18:8, Jesus expresses concern that upon His return, there might be a lack of genuine faith on earth. He implies that mere profession of faith is not enough; true faith must be accompanied by a deep commitment to God and a life that reflects His teachings. This question challenges believers to examine the authenticity and depth of their faith.

IV. Essay Questions

  1. Discuss the role of God’s promises in developing and strengthening faith. Use biblical examples to support your answer.
  2. Analyze the significance of the armor of God as described in Ephesians 6:10-17. Explain the metaphorical meaning of each piece of armor and how it contributes to the spiritual protection and empowerment of a Christian.
  3. Examine the relationship between faith and action in the Christian life. How do these two concepts work together? Use biblical examples to illustrate your points.
  4. Explore the challenges to faith that Christians might face in the 21st century. How can believers maintain a strong and vibrant faith in the midst of these challenges?
  5. Reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ question in Luke 18:8, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” What implications does this question have for Christians today?

V. Glossary of Key Terms:

  • Faith: A confident trust and reliance on God, His promises, and His ability to fulfill them.
  • Blind Faith: Belief without evidence or logical basis.
  • Armor of God: A metaphor used to describe the spiritual resources available to Christians for protection and empowerment in their spiritual battles.
  • Belt of Truth: Represents grounding oneself in God’s truth and using it as a guide for life.
  • Breastplate of Righteousness: Symbolizes living a righteous life in accordance with God’s will and reflecting His character.
  • Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: Represent being prepared to share the good news of Christ and promoting peace.
  • Shield of Faith: Represents using faith to deflect the attacks and temptations of the enemy.
  • Helmet of Salvation: Symbolizes the protection of the mind through the assurance of salvation.
  • Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God, used for both defense and offense in spiritual warfare.
  • Determination: A firm decision and commitment to pursuing spiritual growth and living a life pleasing to God.
  • Abomination of Desolation: A term used in biblical prophecy, often interpreted as a symbol of sacrilege or spiritual defilement.
  • Holy Place: A term used in the Bible to refer to a sacred space dedicated to God, often the temple in Jerusalem.

Breakdown

Timeline of Events

This lesson does not provide a timeline of events in the traditional sense. It focuses on interpreting biblical passages to understand and strengthen faith. However, we can infer a few key points:

Ancient Times:

  • Genesis: God makes a covenant with Abraham, promising him numerous descendants. This covenant is tested when God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac.
  • 700 years before Jesus: The prophet Isaiah writes about a future messiah who will bring good news and peace.
  • The time of Jesus:Jesus begins his ministry by reading from Isaiah and declaring that the prophecy is now fulfilled in him.
  • Jesus teaches his disciples, often emphasizing the need for stronger faith based on understanding God’s word.
  • Jesus foretells his second coming and expresses concern that true faith may be lacking when he returns.

Present (2024):

  • The speaker delivers this lesson on faith, emphasizing the need to study scripture, prepare for future challenges, and discern the signs of the end times.

Future:

  • The “abomination of desolation” will enter the “holy place,” signaling the need for believers to take action.
  • The Second Coming of Jesus, at which time he will judge the faith of those who claim to follow him.

Cast of Characters

  • God: The central figure of the Christian faith. He is the one who makes and fulfills promises, sends his son Jesus, and desires a relationship with humanity.
  • Abraham: A key figure in the Old Testament. His faith in God’s promises is tested, but he remains obedient.
  • Isaac: Abraham’s son, whom God asks him to sacrifice. He is a symbol of God’s faithfulness to his promises.
  • Isaiah: An Old Testament prophet who foretells the coming of a messiah who will bring good news and peace.
  • Jesus: The Son of God and central figure of the New Testament. He fulfills the prophecies of Isaiah, teaches about faith, and will return in the future to judge the world.
  • Apostle Paul: An early Christian leader who wrote many letters included in the New Testament. He provides instructions on spiritual warfare and the armor of God.
  • “Instructor Paul”: The speaker of the lesson on faith and determination. He emphasizes the importance of studying Scripture and preparing for future challenges.
  • The Disciples: Jesus’ followers during his earthly ministry. They are often rebuked for their lack of faith and understanding.
  • Satan: The adversary of God and humanity. He seeks to deceive and tempt believers away from God’s Word.
  • Believers: Those who profess faith in Jesus Christ. They are called to study Scripture, strengthen their faith, and discern the signs of the end times.

Overview

Overview: Faith and Determination in 2025

Main Themes:

  • True Faith: This lesson emphasizes the difference between blind faith and biblical faith. True faith encompasses believing in God’s promises and His demonstrated ability to fulfill them. It’s rooted in understanding and internalizing God’s Word.
  • Source of Faith: Faith arises from consistently engaging with the Word of God. This requires discernment to ensure the “word” being consumed is pure and life-giving.
  • Protecting Faith: The “full armor of God” is presented as a metaphor for understanding and applying God’s Word. Each piece of armor represents a specific aspect of living a faith-filled life, ultimately protecting one’s faith from attacks.
  • Faith in Action: The lesson challenges students to move beyond passive belief and actively seek understanding of prophecies and God’s will, preparing to act accordingly in times of tribulation.
  • Determination in 2025: The focus is on making 2025 a year of action and learning, specifically committing to mastering the Bible, particularly the New Covenant and the book of Revelation.

Key Ideas and Facts:

1. Understanding True Faith

  • Hebrews 11:1,6: Defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see,” highlighting the unseen nature of God’s promises. It emphasizes that pleasing God is impossible without this persevering faith.
  • Blind faith vs. Biblical Faith: Blind faith is believing without evidence, while biblical faith is trusting in God’s promises and His proven ability to fulfill them.
  • Genesis 15 & Hebrews 11:17-19: The story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac exemplifies true faith, demonstrating trust in God’s promise to provide descendants through Isaac despite the seemingly contradictory command.
  • John 14:29: Underscores the importance of recognizing the fulfillment of God’s promises to strengthen belief.

2. Cultivating and Protecting Faith:

  • Romans 10:17: Faith stems from hearing the Word of God, making consistent engagement with Scripture vital.
  • Ephesians 6:10-17: The armor of God metaphorically represents the Word as a protective force against spiritual attacks. Each element – belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit – symbolizes a specific aspect of living by God’s Word.
  • John 17:17, Psalms 37:30-31, Luke 4:16-21, Hebrews 8:10-12, Hebrews 4:12: These verses provide scriptural support for the interpretation of each piece of armor.

3. Facing the Future:

  • Luke 18:8: Raises Jesus’ concern about the state of true faith upon his return, implying a need for more than just superficial belief.
  • Matthew 24:15-16: Challenges believers to actively seek understanding of end-time prophecies, such as the “abomination of desolation,” and prepare to act accordingly.

4. Determination in 2025:

  • The “Determination Letter” outlines the commitment to master the Bible in 2025, specifically focusing on the New Covenant and Revelation.
  • Romans 8:5-8: Emphasizes the importance of setting one’s mind on spiritual growth through studying God’s Word to overcome the flesh and live in accordance with the Spirit.

Important Quotes:

  • “Faith: Certain in what is not yet seen. Without —–> Impossible to please God.”
  • “Blind faith is not biblical. Not once has God asked someone to believe in Him without first giving them something concrete to have faith in, without first showing that He is capable of keeping His promises.”
  • “True Faith = believing in What God will do, what He said He will do.”
  • “God cannot use someone who does not believe He can fulfill His word.”
  • “You cannot divorce faith from hearing the word.”
  • “The full armor of God = Word of God”
  • “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
  • “As we enter the new year, many of us make resolutions to better ourselves…However, the best resolution we can make is to set our minds on spiritual growth by studying God’s Word.”

Overall Impression:

This lesson calls for a deep, active, and engaged faith grounded in thorough understanding and application of the Word of God. It encourages believers to go beyond passive acceptance and equip themselves to face future challenges and tribulations with unwavering faith and determination. The emphasis on mastering the Bible in 2025 underscores the belief that true faith is a continual process of learning, growing, and applying God’s teachings to all aspects of life.

Q&A

Q&A

1. What is true faith, and how is it different from blind faith?

True faith is not blind allegiance without evidence. It’s a confident trust in God’s truths and promises, even when we can’t see their fulfillment. It has two parts: believing in God’s promises and believing in the fulfillment of those promises. Blind faith, on the other hand, is believing without any evidence, which is not biblical. God always provides a basis for faith.

2. Where does faith come from, and how can we ensure it grows?

Faith comes from hearing the word of God. Regularly engaging with Scripture, like connecting to a power source, nourishes our faith. However, not all teachings are beneficial. We must discern between truth and falsehood, choosing life-giving words that strengthen our faith.

3. How does the armor of God protect our faith?

The armor of God, detailed in Ephesians 6:10-17, is a metaphor for the protective power of God’s Word. Each piece represents an aspect of our spiritual defense:

  • Belt of Truth: Equips us with discernment and readiness for challenges.
  • Breastplate of Righteousness: Protects our hearts by internalizing God’s Word and living justly.
  • Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: Enable us to act swiftly and share the good news of prophecy and fulfillment.
  • Shield of Faith: Deflects attacks through deep understanding and trust in God’s Word.
  • Helmet of Salvation: Safeguards our minds by filling them with God’s teachings.
  • Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God itself, used to combat falsehood and grow in righteousness.

4. Why is Jesus concerned about finding faith upon His return?

Despite the vast number of Christians, Jesus worries about the depth of their faith. He seeks more than intellectual acknowledgment; He desires a committed, active faith that perseveres through trials and understands His Word.

5. What specific actions can we take in 2025 to strengthen our faith?

We can deepen our understanding of Scripture, particularly the New Covenant and Revelation, to discern the signs of the end times and act accordingly. This includes:

  • Identifying the “abomination of desolation”
  • Understanding what constitutes the “holy place”
  • Knowing which “mountains” to flee to

6. How can studying God’s Word transform our lives?

Regularly studying Scripture strengthens our faith, disciplines our minds, and aligns our desires with God’s will. It empowers us to live righteously, resist distractions, and persevere through challenges.

7. What practical steps can we take to ensure our Bible study is fruitful?

Avoid multitasking during study time, recognizing it as a gift from God. Prioritize understanding over rote memorization, seeking to internalize the teachings and apply them to our lives.

8. How can we maintain our determination to grow in faith throughout the year?

By committing to consistent study, recognizing that challenges are inevitable, and remembering that God will provide strength and take care of our needs as we seek Him diligently. Writing a determination letter outlining our goals and motivations can serve as a powerful reminder throughout the year.

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