​Introduction:
1. This morning we studied passages that teach us about "faith," the first of 3 abiding subjects listed in
1 Corinthians 13:13.
2. This evening we are concentrating on passages that teach us about the "one faith" mentioned in
Ephesians 4:5.
3. Let us begin by pointing out that . . .
Discussion
I. THE BIBLE SPEAKS ABOUT "FAITH" IN DIFFERENT SENSES
A. Many times "faith" refers to belief or trust in God.
1. This kind of faith is essential (Hebrews 11:6).
2. It is developed as a result of hearing God's Word properly (Romans 10:17).
3. It is demonstrated by obedience to God's will (Hebrews 11:8).
B. The Bible speaks about different kinds of faith: "little faith" (Matthew 8:26), "dead faith" (James 2:17),
and "great faith" (Matthew 8:10).
C. The Bible also makes a number of references to "the faith" that are of special interest to us in this study.
D. Let us turn our attention to . . .
II. PASSAGES THAT IDENTIFY THE "ONE FAITH"
A. Acts 6:7
1. The congregation in Jerusalem was experiencing tremendous growth.
2. A problem developed that could have stopped this growth.
3. Fortunately, the apostles handled this problem wisely.
4. Vs.7 reveals the results: God's Word increased, and the number of disciples multiplied, and "a great
company of the priests were obedient to the faith."
5. "The faith" refers to a system of belief that can be obeyed.
B. Acts 24:24
1. While Paul was in custody, Felix "heard him concerning the faith in Christ."
2. "The faith" refers to a system of belief that is taught and can be learned.
C. Galatians 1:20-24
1. Paul was giving a biographical sketch of his life.
a. Before he became a Christian, he did his best to destroy Christianity.
b. After he was converted, he preached "the faith."
2. The message Paul preached is revealed in Galatians 1:11-12 [the Gospel that the Lord had revealed
to him].
D. We learn from these passages that "the faith" is the system of belief that is revealed in the Gospel.
E. This is the "one faith" mentioned in Ephesians 4:5 -- it is to be taught, it is to be heard and learned, and
it is to be obeyed.
III. THE BIBLE CONTAINS NUMEROUS INSTRUCTIONS THAT RELATE TO THE "ONE FAITH"
A. (Acts 14:21-22) God's people are "to continue in the faith."
B. (Acts 16:4-5) The church is to be "established in the faith."
C. (1 Corinthians 16:13) God's people are to "stand fast in the faith."
D. (Philippians 1:27) God's people are to strive together with one mind for "the faith of the Gospel."
E. (Jude 3) God's people are to earnestly contend for "the faith" that was delivered once for all.
Conclusion:
1. A special blessing is in store for those who "keep the faith" (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
2. Are you in "the faith?" (2 Corinthians 13:5)