Characteristics of Those Who Live by Faith

Faith is simply believing or trusting in someone or something. We believe—have faith in—many things to different degrees. But what is our level of faith in God? If we were to test ourselves, what would be our score?

Faith in God and His Word is of the heart, but the proof of our faith is found in how we live and respond to life situations—especially crisis. Anyone can boast of being full of faith in the good times when everything is going well. But where is our faith in the worst of times?

We all have room to grow and we will never be perfect in our faith walk until we get to heaven. But according to God’s Word, certain attributes mark us as people of faith. May we strive to make them ours!

WHAT PEOPLE OF FAITH DO:

1. They do not get tired while doing good.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

2. They do not consider the natural to determine the reality God’s promise.

Romans 4:19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb.

3. They have joy and peace while believing.

Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

4. They are patient.

Hebrews 6:12 …that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

5. They count God as faithful.

Hebrews 11:11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.

6. They do not live by what they see.

2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.

7. They do not doubt.

James 1:6-7 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord…

Mark 11:23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.

8. Like God, they speak things into existence.

Romans 4:16-17 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did…

Mark 11:23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.

9. They have confidence that God answers prayer.

1 John 5:14-15 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

10. They do not fear.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you…

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

11. They are saved.

Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

12. They walk in forgiveness.

Mark 11:25-26 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

13. They build up their faith by praying in the Holy Ghost.

Jude 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit…

14. They use their authority given by God.

Luke 10:19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

15. They cast down ungodly thoughts.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…

16. They are strong and courageous.

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

17. They please God.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

18. They obey God’s instructions.

Isaiah 1:19-20 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword”; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

19. They are patient in the middle of their problems.

Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope [faith, confidence]; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer…

James 1:1-4 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

20. They resist the devil.

James 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

21. They act on what they believe.

James 2:18-20. 26 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

22. They stand in the armor of God.

Ephesians 6:11-18 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

23. They are not anxious but walk in peace.

Philippians 4:6-8 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

24. They do not complain or whine.

Philippians 2:14 Do all things without complaining and disputing…

25. They rejoice!

Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope [faith, confidence]; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer…

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations…

 

WHAT PEOPLE OF FAITH RECEIVE:

1. They receive blessings because they believe.

Luke 1:45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

2. They receive the harvest of what they’ve been believing for.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

3. They receive the answer to their prayer.

1 John 5:14-15 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

4. They receive good testimony (what they were commended for, a compliment).

Hebrews 11:2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

5. They receive salvation.

Romans 10:8-10 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

6. They receive miracles!

Hebrews 11

Mark 16:17-18 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”