2 Chron. 16, Faith vs. Presumption (5)

Let us continue our search for “synonyms” of faith.

(9)                        Psa. 34:10: “seek the LORD.”  This assumes that we believe God is real, that He can be found, and that we are in need of someone outside of ourselves.  Again, the great faith chapter helps us see this connection: 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 (Heb. 11:6).  To have faith in God is to diligently seek Him.

(10)                        2 Chronicles 16:7-8: rely on the LORD.  In this passage Asa, the king of Judah, is being reproved by a prophet.  Unlike a time in the past when God delivered Asa from a great army because he relied on the LORD, now against a less powerful enemy Asa had relied on the King of Syria.  The Hebrew term means to lean on someone or something for support.  Whoever we lean on is the object of our faith.  Later in this chapter we have an illustration that many of us can identify with.  When Asa became sick “he did not seek the LORD, but the physicians.”  Can the LORD use the physicians? Yes.  Could the LORD have used the Syrians?  Possibly, although that is not His usual way.  If we rely on the LORD we come to Him first, seeking Him, waiting on Him, and then committing our way to Him as He leads us.

(11)                        Acts 16:31: Just a reminder.  In the NT “believe” is the verb form (pisteuo).  “Faith” is the noun form (pistis).  The English term “trust” is synonymous, but in many English translations “trust” translates the Greek word for “hope” (elpizo).  “Hope” is synonymous with “faith” but is faith applied to something in the future.  Heb. 11:1 shows the connection: Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  We look back to the cross, believing in Christ our Savior.  We look to the future, hoping on the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:13).

(12)                        Rom. 10:13: “call on.”  Acts 16 says believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.  Rom. 10:13 says (quoting Joel 2:32), whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. 

(13)                        2 Thess. 3:4: “have confidence in.”  The Greek term has to do with being “persuaded.”  Paul uses it here, saying he is confident that the Lord would do His work in the Thessalonian believers.

(14)                       John 1:12: “receive.”  John’s language tells us this is the same as faith.  Whoever among the people of Jesus’ day “received” or welcomed Jesus from the heart was “believing on His name.”