The Life of Faith (Pt. 13) - The Works of Faith
In “The Works of Faith,” we began with Hebrews 11:1–3, which defines faith as the substance of our hope and the evidence of what we don't see. By faith, the elders gained a good testimony, and creation itself came from the unseen Word of God.
Hebrews 11:32 shows that faith produces results. Through it, people like Gideon and David subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, and overcame weakness. Their lives remind us that true faith acts.
James 2:14–26 warns that faith without works is dead. Saying we believe, but not helping others, is empty. Real faith lives through action. Abraham’s obedience and Rahab’s courage show how faith and works must go together. Just as a body without a spirit is dead, so is faith without works.
Expressions of Faith
Colossians 1:13 says we’ve been moved from darkness into Christ’s kingdom—a kingdom that operates by grace and faith. But without understanding how it works, we can live below its reality, like citizens unaware of their rights.
To illustrate this, we imagined what would happen if one suddenly received $100 million. The person would most likely prioritize these:
Security – Like moving to a safer place to protect what we’ve received. This reflects overcoming faith—faith that defends against the enemy’s attacks.
Comfort – Like upgrading our lifestyle and enjoying what we once lacked. This is receiving faith—faith that accesses God’s promises for us.
Generosity – Like giving to others, supporting causes, and blessing family. That’s manifesting faith—faith that makes God's goodness visible through us.
Personal Growth – Like seeking education or better health. This represents becoming faith—faith that transforms who we are over time.
Each of these responses reflects a different expression of living faith. If we say we’re people of faith, these four works—overcoming, receiving, manifesting, and becoming—should show up in our lives.
Receiving Faith
We need this to stand on God's promises for healing, provision, and breakthrough. Hebrews 11:33 says, “through faith... obtained promises”—showing that faith receives what God has already declared.
Romans 4 highlights Abraham’s example. Though his situation looked hopeless, he didn’t waver. He stayed anchored in faith, convinced that God would do what He promised. That’s the essence of receiving faith: holding on until manifestation comes.
If we’re not seeing the promises fulfilled, we must ask—is our receiving faith still alive? What is our “Isaac”? No matter how long it takes, faith that doesn’t waver will always see results.
Manifesting Faith
This is faith that blesses others. Hebrews 11:33 says they “subdued kingdoms”—acts done through faith, not for self, but for others. It’s the faith that shows up when we pray for the sick, encourage someone, or meet a need in Jesus’ name.
In Acts 3, Peter healed a lame man by simply offering what he carried—God’s power. In Acts 6, Stephen, though a deacon, performed signs and wonders while serving. That’s manifesting faith in action.
God hasn’t just called us to receive blessings but to be a blessing. And if the glory belongs to God, we shouldn’t fear the shame of stepping out in faith. The world may never see what we carry if we never try.
Overcoming Faith
This is our shield against all the enemy’s attacks (Ephesians 6:16). The enemy fires darts—through dreams, sickness, finances, relationships—but faith blocks them.
This faith doesn’t panic; it stands firm, like Paul shaking off the viper without fear. It’s rooted in conviction, not reaction.
Hebrews 11:33–34 shows it in action: shutting lions’ mouths, quenching fire, escaping swords, becoming valiant. It’s faith that keeps us secure and untouched by the enemy’s works.
We overcome not by avoiding attacks, but by standing in faith—the victory that overcomes the world.
Becoming Faith
Becoming faith is the faith that transforms us. It’s not about trying harder but believing that God can change who we are. Just as we use faith to receive blessings, we must use it to grow in character and holiness.
God’s goal is to conform us to Christ’s image. Without transformation, even our receiving has a limit—like Israel, who saw miracles daily but couldn’t enter the Promised Land because they weren’t changed.
Faith can do more than bless—it can make us new. And some promises require a new, changed and mature version of us to receive them.