PRACTICAL TRUTH #1
LIVING BY FAITH IN GOD

"How can a believer know he is walking in faith?"

1 Thessalonians 3:1-10  

1Th 3:5  For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.

1Th 3:9,10  For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith? 

Test #1 – Am I doing this for the glory of God, or just to please myself?
 

Rom 4:20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

Luke 1:37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”   (also: Matt 19:26)
 

-- David did not act in faith when he numbered the people, because he did it for his own glory and not for God’s glory.  Pride is an enemy of faith.

Test #2 – Am I rushing ahead impetuously, or am I willing to wait?
 

Rom 10:11  For the Scripture says,  “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”     

Rom 14:23  for whatever is not from faith is sin.
 

-- Job was tempted to become impatient with God.  A willingness to wait on the Lord is an evidence of true faith.  Impatience means unbelief. 

Test #3 – Can I defend what I am doing from the Word of God?
 

Rom 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
 

-- Eve did not do what God said; she disobeyed the Word of God when she ate from the tree.  True faith is always based on the Word of God.  His Word gives us precepts to obey, promises to claim, and principles to follow.

Test #4 – As I contemplate this move, do I have joy and peace within?
 

Rom 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.

Col 3:15  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
 

-- Joshua had no joy or peace in his heart, because he was suffering under Satan's accusations.  True faith brings joy and peace through the Holy Spirit.  Where there is faith, the Spirit is there; where he is, there is peace (one deeper than human emotions alone) - when you lose that inner peace, it's because you detoured from the will of God.