Foundation of Faith Towards God
Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
We see in Hebrews 11 what faith towards God is.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval.
By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.
Hebrews 11:1-3 NASB® 1995
“Faith”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Faith” is pistis (4102): Faith, belief, trust, confidence, fidelity
HELPS Word-studies: 4102 pístis (from 3982/peithô, "persuade, be persuaded") – properly, persuasion (be persuaded, come to trust); faith.
Faith (4102/pistis) is always a gift from God, and never something that can be produced by people. In short, 4102/pistis("faith") for the believer is "God's divine persuasion" – and therefore distinct from human belief (confidence), yet involving it. The Lord continuously births faith in the yielded believer so they can know what He prefers, i.e., the persuasion of His will (1 John 5:4).
“Assurance”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Assurance” is hupostasis (5287): Substance, assurance, confidence, essence, reality
HELPS Word-studies: 5287 hypóstasis (from 5259 /hypó, "under" and 2476 /hístēmi, "to stand") – properly, (to possess) standing under a guaranteed agreement ("title-deed"); (figuratively) "title" to a promise or property, i.e., a legitimate claim (because it literally is, "under a legal-standing") – entitling someone to what is guaranteed under the particular agreement. For the believer, 5287/hypóstasis ("title of possession") is the Lord's guarantee to fulfill the faith He inbirths (cf. Hebrews 11:1 with Hebrews 11:6). Indeed, we are only entitled to what God grants faith for (Romans 14:23).
“Conviction”: Strong’s: The Greek word for Conviction” is elegchos (1650): Reproof, conviction, evidence, proof
“Gained Approval”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Gained Approval” is martureó (3140): To bear witness, testify, give evidence, affirm that one has seen, heard, or experienced something.
Thayer’s Greek Lexicon: b. emphatically; to utter honorable testimony, give a good report; the thing in which the commended excellence appears, 1 Timothy 5:10; Hebrews 11:2
“Understand”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Understand” is noeó (3539): To perceive, to understand, to think, to consider
HELPS Word-studies: 3539 noiéō (from 3563 /noús, "mind") – properly, to apply mental effort needed to reach "bottom-line" conclusions. 3539 (noiéō) underlines the moral culpability we all have before God, for every decision (value-judgment) we make. This follows from each of us being created in the divine image – hence, possessing the inherent capacity by the Lord to exercise moral reasoning.
And 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 seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6 NASB® 1995
Faith is a Gift
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
Ephesians 2:8 NASB® 1995
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
Romans 10:17 NASB® 1995
For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.
Romans 12:3 NASB® 1995
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NASB® 1995
There are many misunderstandings about spiritual gifts. I want to point out that the Word of God is very clear that we are to seek to walk in spiritual gifts, and that we should seek opportunities for our faith to grow. When we see that He is faithful, He produces growth in our faith—if we allow Him to.
Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
1 Corinthians 14:1 NASB® 1995
Faith Introduces us to Grace
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations,
knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
and perseverance, proven character;
and proven character, hope;
and hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:1-5 NASB® 1995
“Obtained”: Strong’s: The Greek word for is echó (2192): To have, to hold, to possess
“Introduction”: Strong’s: The Greek word for is prosagógé (4318) Access, introduction
HELPS Word-studies: 4318. prosagōgḗ (from 4314 /prós, "with, towards" and 71 /ágō, "come") – properly, come towards (near); have access (approach), with intimate (face-to-face) interaction (note the prefix pros). All three occasions of 4318/prosagōgḗ ("interactive access") refer to "having audience (direct access) with God" (J. B. Lightfoot, MM).
We see in Titus what grace does.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,
Titus 2:11-12 NASB® 1995
The Righteous Live by Faith
We will continue in Hebrews 11 to see many examples of what faith towards God looks like.
By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.
By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.
And 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 seek Him.
By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE.
All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; it was he to whom it was said, “IN ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE CALLED.” He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type.
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regardingthings to come.
By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.
By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.
By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them.
By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.
By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.
And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.
And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.
Hebrews 11:4-40 NASB® 1995
“Righteous”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Righteous” is dikaios (1342): Righteous, just, upright
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 1342 díkaios (an adjective, derived from dikē, "right, judicial approval") – properly, "approved by God" (J. Thayer); righteous; "just in the eyes of God" (Souter). See 1343 ("dikaiosynē). ["Righteous" relates to conformity to God's standard (justice). For more on the root-idea see the cognate noun, 1343 /dikaiosýnē ("righteousness").] 1342/díkaios ("righteous, just") describes what is in conformity to God's own being (His will, standard of rightness); hence "upright."
“Impossible”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Impossible” is adunatos (102): Impossible, unable, powerless
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: impossible, impotent, weak; unable, i.e. Weak (literally or figuratively); passively, impossible; could not do, impossible, impotent, not possible, weak.
“Please”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Please” is euaresteó (2100): To please, to be pleasing, to be acceptable
“Reverence”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Reverence” is eulabeomai (2125): To act with reverence, to be cautious, to fear
Thayer’s Greek Lexicon: 3. to reverence, stand in awe of
“Heir”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Heir” is kléronomos (2818): Heir
HELPS Word-studies: 2818 klēronómos (a masculine noun derived from 2819 /klḗros, "lot" and nemō, "to distribute, allot") – an heir; someone who inherits.
“Righteousness”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Righteousness” is dikaiosuné (1343): Righteousness, justice
HELPS Word-studies: 1343 dikaiosýnē (from 1349 /díkē, "a judicial verdict") – properly, judicial approval (the verdict of approval); in the NT, the approval of God ("divine approval"). 1343/dikaiosýnē ("divine approval") is the regular NT term used for righteousness ("God's judicial approval"). 1343/dikaiosýnē ("the approval of God") refers to what is deemed right by the Lord (after His examination), i.e. what is approved in His eyes.
“Obeyed”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Obeyed” is hupakouó (5219): To obey, to listen attentively, to heed
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 5219 hypakoúō (from 5259 /hypó, "under" and 191 /akoúō, "hear") – properly, to obey what is heard (literally, "under hearing"). 5219/hypakoúō ("obey") is acting under the authority of the one speaking, i.e. really listening to the one giving the charge (order). 5219/hypakoúō ("to hearken, obey") suggests attentively listening, i.e. fully compliant (responsive). [5219 (hypakoúō) is an "intensification" of the simple verb "to listen" (191 /akoúō, "hear").]
“Tested”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Tested” is peirazó (3985): To test, to tempt, to try, to examine
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: tempt, examine, try. From peira; to test (objectively), i.e. Endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline -- assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt(-er), try.
HELPS Word-studies: 3985 peirázō (from 3984 /peíra, "test, trial") – "originally to test, to try which was its usual meaning in the ancient Greek and in the LXX" (WP, 1, 30). "The word means either test or tempt" (WP, 1, 348). Context alone determines which sense is intended, or if both apply simultaneously.
“Regarding”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Regarding” is peri (4012): about, concerning, around, on account of
HELPS Word-studies: 4012 perí (a preposition) – properly, all-around (on every side); encompassing, used of full (comprehensive) consideration where "all the bases are covered" (inclusively). 4012 (perí) is often translated "concerning" ("all about"). [4012/perí is the root of the English term, "perimeter."]
“Things to come”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Things to come” is melló (3195): to be about to, to intend, to be destined
“Endure ill-treatment”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Endure ill-treatment” is sugkakoucheomai (4778): To suffer together, to be mistreated together
Thayer’s Greek Lexicon: to treat ill with another; passive, to be ill-treated in company with, share persecutions or come into a fellowship of ills: Hebrews 11:25. Not found elsewhere.
“Passing”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Passing” is proskairos (4340): Temporary, for a season, transient
HELPS Word-studies: 4340 próskairos– (an adjective, derived from 4314 /prós, "motion towards, with" and 2540 /kairós, "a season") – properly, a limited time of opportunity; fleeting, temporary ("only lasts for a while").
“Pleasures”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Pleasures” is apolausis (619): Enjoyment, benefit, pleasure
HELPS Word-studies: 619 apólausis (from 575 /apó, "away from" and lauō, "enjoy") – properly, enjoyment, especially a particular advantage or benefit (note the looking back conveyed by the prefix, apo).
“Considering”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Considering” is hégeomai (2233): To lead, to consider, to regard, to think
HELPS Word-studies: 2233. hēgéomai (from 71 /ágō, "to lead") – properly, to lead the way (going before as a chief) – cognate with 2232 /hēgemṓn ("a governor or official who leads others"). 2233/hēgéomai ("what goes before, in front") refers to coming first in priority such as: "the leading thought" in one's mind, i.e. to esteem (regard highly); or a leading authority, providing leadership in a local church (see Heb 13:7,17,24).
“Reproach”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Reproach” is oneidismos (3680): Reproach, insult, disgrace
“Endured”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Endured” is kartereó (2594): To endure, to be steadfast, to persevere
“Weakness”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Weakness” is astheneia (769): Weakness, infirmity, sickness
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 769. asthéneia – properly, without strength (negating the root sthenos, "strength"). See 772 (asthenēs). 769/asthéneia ("weakness, sickness") refers to an ailment that deprives someone of enjoying or accomplishing what they would like to do. 769 (asthéneia) focuses on the handicaps that go with the weakness.
“Made strong”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Made strong” is dunamoó (1412): To empower, to strengthen, to make strong
Those counted as righteous by God stepped out in faith and obedience, holding fast to the Word of the Lord. As they did, their faith grew stronger, and they were firmly established in the truth.
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.”
Romans 1:17 NASB® 1995
“Revealed”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Revealed” is apokaluptó (601): To reveal, to uncover, to disclose
HELPS Word-studies: 601. apokalýptō (from 575 /apó, "away from" and 2572 /kalýptō, "to cover") – properly, uncover, revealing what is hidden (veiled, obstructed), especially its inner make-up; (figuratively) to make plain (manifest), particularly what is immaterial (invisible).
Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord— for we walk by faith, not by sight— we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.
2 Corinthians 5:6-9 NASB® 1995
Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.
FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE,
HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME AND WILL NOT DELAY.
BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH;
AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM.
But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.
Hebrews 10:35-39 NASB® 1995
Do not “Throw away”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Throw away” is apoballó (577): To throw off, to cast away, to lose
“SHRINKS BACK”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “SHRINKS BACK” is hupostelló (5288): To draw back, to withdraw, to shrink from declaring
HELPS Word-studies: 5288 hypostéllō (from 5259 /hypó, "under" and 4724 /stéllō, "draw in") – properly, draw under, pulling back to retreat (go backwards); withdraw (shrink from); shun; "back off," especially due to compromise.
“Shrink back”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Shrink back” is hupostolé (5289): Withdrawal, shrinking back, hesitation
“Destruction”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Destruction” is apóleia (684): Destruction, ruin, loss, perdition
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 684 apṓleia (from 622 /apóllymi, "cut off") – destruction, causing someone (something) to be completely severed – cut off (entirely) from what could or should have been. (Note the force of the prefix, apo.) 684/apṓleia ("perdition") does not imply "annihilation" (see the meaning of the root-verb, 622 /apóllymi, "cut off") but instead "loss of well-being" rather than being (Vine's Expository Dictionary, 165; cf. Jn 11:50; Ac 5:37; 1 Cor 10:9-10; Jude 11).
“Preserving”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Preserving” is peripoiésis (4047): Possession, acquisition, preservation
HELPS Word-studies: 4047 peripoíēsis (from 4012 /perí, "all-around" and 4160 /poiéō, "make") – properly, make one's own; completely obtain, i.e. as a full possession (to real advantage, LS) – literally, "for abundant (all-around) gain."
James 2 elaborates on this further.
What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God. You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
James 2:14-26 NASB® 1995
“Dead”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Dead” is nekros (3498): Dead, deceased
HELPS Word-studies: 3498. nekrós (an adjective, derived from nekys, "a corpse, a dead body") – dead; literally, "what lacks life"; dead; (figuratively) not able to respond to impulses, or perform functions ("unable, ineffective, dead, powerless," L & N, 1, 74.28); unresponsive to life-giving influences (opportunities); inoperative to the things of God.
“Useless”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Useless” is argos. (692): Idle, lazy, inactive
“Perfected”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Perfected” is teleioó. (5048): To complete, to perfect, to accomplish, to bring to an end.
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 5048 teleióō– to consummate, reaching the end-stage, i.e. working through the entire process (stages) to reach the final phase (conclusion). See 5056 (telos). [This root (tel-) means "reaching the end (aim)." It is well-illustrated with the old pirate's telescope, unfolding (extending out) one stage at a time to function at full-strength (capacity effectiveness).]
“Justified”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Justified” is dikaioó (1344): To justify, to declare righteous, to acquit
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 1344. dikaióō (from dikē, "right, judicial-approval") – properly, approved, especially in a legal, authoritative sense; to show what is right, i.e. conformed to a proper standard (i.e. "upright"). The believer is "made righteous/justified" (1344/dikaióō) by the Lord, cleared of all charges (punishment) related to their sins. Moreover, they are justified (1344/dikaióō, "made right, righteous") by God's grace each time they receive (obey) faith (4102 /pístis), i.e. "God's inwrought persuasion" (cf. the -oō ending which conveys "to bring to/out").
We see here that faith is working in works, and it is as a result of works that faith is perfected.
In this next section, we will look at the good works we are to walk in.
Good Works
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8-10 NASB® 1995
We see here that the good works we are to walk in are created by God beforehand. We will look at Mark to see what God’s definition of good is.
As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.
Mark 10:17-18 NASB® 1995
Here, Jesus shows that only God is good. Therefore, only what comes from God is truly good. We must ask the Father to help us use His definitions of words instead of the ones we may have adopted from the world.
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
Philippians 2:12-13 NASB® 1995
We look to Jesus as our example of how to walk in the good works the Father prepared beforehand. We see that Jesus did nothing on His own, but only what He saw the Father doing. This is how we must live.
Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel.
John 5:19-20 NASB® 1995
Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
John 14:12-15 NASB® 1995
We see in 1 Corinthians that it is through the Holy Spirit that we know the mind of God. This is how we know the good works we are meant to walk in.
For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God,
1 Corinthians 2:10-12 NASB® 1995
But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, therefore we also speak, knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you.
2 Corinthians 4:13-14 NASB® 1995
To see more about becoming one heart and one mind with the Father, see Being One Heart and One Mind, and for more on the Holy Spirit, see Foundation of the Holy Spirit
We Declare our Faith by Becoming Imitators
First Thessalonians 1 shows that we are to become imitators. By imitating faithful believers, such as Paul, we declare our faith toward God.
We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-10 NASB® 1995
“Full”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Full” is polus (4183): many, much, great
HELPS Word-studies: 4183. polýs – many (high in number); multitudinous, plenteous, "much"; "great" in amount (extent).
“Conviction”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Conviction” is plérophoria. (4136): Full assurance, complete certainty, full conviction
“Imitators”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Imitators” is mimétés (3402) - an imitator, follower.
“Imitator”: 1. To use or follow as a model. 2. a. To copy the mannerisms or speech of; mimic. b. To copy (mannerisms or speech) 3. To copy exactly; reproduce. 4. To appear like; resemble. - American Heritage® Dictionary
HELPS Word-studies: 3402. mimētḗs (the root of the English term, mimic, "one who imitates, emulates") – properly, the positive imitation that arises by admiring the pattern set by someone worthy of emulation, i.e. a mentor setting a proper example. 3402/mimētḗs ("emulator, imitator") is always used positively in the NT (seven times) – of followers of Christ emulating a God-approved example. The supreme model is God Himself (see Eph 5:1).
“Emulator”: 1. To strive to equal or excel, especially through imitation. - American Heritage® Dictionary
“Tribulation”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Tribulation” is thlipsis (2347): Tribulation, Affliction, Distress, Persecution
HELPS Word-studies: 2347 thlípsis – properly, pressure (what constricts or rubs together), used of a narrow place that "hems someone in"; tribulation, especially internal pressure that causes someone to feel confined (restricted, "without options"). 2347/thlípsis ("compression, tribulation") carries the challenge of coping with the internal pressure of a tribulation, especially when feeling there is "no way of escape" ("hemmed in").
“Turned”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Turned” is epistrephó (1994): To turn, to return, to turn back, to convert
“Idols”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Idols” is eidólon (1497): Idol
Thayer’s Greek Lexicon: 2.a false god: Acts 15:20 (on which see ἀλίσγημα); Romans 2:22; 1 Corinthians 8:4, 7; 1 Corinthians 10:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; 1 Thessalonians 1:9 (often in the Sept.); φυλάσσειν ἑαυτόν ἀπό τῶν εἰδώλων, to guard oneself from all manner of fellowship with heathen worship, 1 John 5:21
“Serve”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Serve” is douleuó (1398): To serve, to be a slave to, to be in bondage
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 1398. douleúō (from 1401 /doúlos) – properly, to serve as a slave, having all personal ownership-rights assigned to the owner; (figuratively) to willingly give over the prerogative to be self-governing. See 1401 (doulos).
These definitions show the traits of those who become imitators: they receive the word with full conviction, even amid tribulation, and they turn from idols to serve the living God.
To read more about removing sin practices and mastering sin, see Foundation of Repentance and Washing our Garments
In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul expands on this by urging believers to imitate him as he imitates Christ. We should not imitate someone simply because they claim to be a Christian or a disciple of Jesus, but only those who are truly imitating Christ.
Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1 NASB® 1995
See more on The Disobedient and False Brethren
Here are some more scriptures on who and what we are to imitate.
Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited.
Hebrews 13:7-9 NASB® 1995
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
3 John 11 NASB® 1995
Hebrews 6 shows that imitating those who inherit the promises through faith and patience keeps us from becoming sluggish.
But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way. For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patienceinherit the promises.
Hebrews 6:9-12 NASB® 1995
“Diligence”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Diligence” is spoudé (4710): Diligence, earnestness, zeal, effort
HELPS Word-studies: 4710 spoudḗ (from 4692 /speúdō, "move quickly, speed on") – properly, swiftness to show zealous diligence, i.e. one's "best" (full effort by making haste). For the believer, 4710/spoudḗ ("speedy diligence") means quickly obeying what the Lord reveals is His priority. This elevates the better over the good – the more importantover the important – and does so with earnest swiftness (intensity).
“Full assurance”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Full assurance” is plérophoria(4136): Full assurance, complete certainty, full conviction
“Sluggish”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Sluggish” is nóthros (3576): Sluggish, lazy, dull
HELPS Word-studies: 3576. nōthrós – properly, slow, sluggish (LS); (figuratively) dull because slothful; lazy, inert, listless (lackadaisical).
“Patience”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Patience” is makrothumia (3115): Patience, Long-suffering, Forbearance
HELPS Word-studies: 3115. makrothymía (from 3117 /makrós, "long" and 2372 /thymós, "passion, anger") – properly, long-passion, i.e. waiting sufficient time before expressing anger. This avoids the premature use of force (retribution) that rises out of improper anger (a personal reaction). 3115/makrothymía ("divinely-regulated patience") is used of God Himself (see 1 Pet 3:20; 2 Pet 3:15). Indeed, only the Lord produces 3115/makrothymía ("true patience, longsuffering") in us and hence is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22). "3115 (makrothymía) embraces steadfastness and staying-power. If in English we had an adjective 'long-tempered' as a counterpart to 'short-tempered,' then makrothymiacould be called the quality of being 'long-tempered'. . . . which is a quality of God (LXX, Ex 34:6)" (F. F. Bruce, Commentary on Galatians, 253).
“Inherit”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Inherit” is kléronomeó (2816): To inherit, to receive an inheritance, to be an heir
HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 2816. klēronoméō (from 2818 /klēronómos, "a specific allotment of inheritance, apportioned by casting lots") – properly, to assign inheritance (inherit) by lot. See 2818 (klēronomos) for more discussion on sonship and inheritance. 2816/klēronoméō ("to assign inheritance by lot-casting") is used in relation to believers claiming their earthly inheritance assigned (alloted) by the Lord.
Faith is an Encouragement to One Another
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world.
Romans 1:8 NASB® 1995
For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.
Romans 1:11-12 NASB® 1995
For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything.
1 Thessalonians 1:8 NASB® 1995
For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain.
But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 3:5-8 NASB® 1995
We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure.
2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 NASB® 1995
Examples of Those Full of Faith
The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord. And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
Acts 11:22-26 NASB® 1995
The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.
The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.
And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen. But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.
Acts 6:5-10 NASB® 1995
Now Jesus started on His way with them; and when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself further, for I am not worthy for You to come under my roof; for this reason I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him, and turned and said to the crowd that was following Him, “I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.” When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.
Luke 7:6-10 NASB® 1995
Faith Protects Truth
in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Ephesians 6:16 NASB® 1995
“Extinguish”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Extinguish” is sbennumi (4570): To quench, to extinguish, to put out
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
1 Peter 5:8-10 NASB® 1995
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
1 John 5:4 NASB® 1995
“Overcome”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Overcome(s)” is nikaó. (3528): To conquer, to overcome, to prevail, to gain victory
HELPS Word-studies: 3528nikáō(from 3529 /níkē, "victory") – properly, conquer (overcome); " 'to carry off the victory, come off victorious.' The verb implies a battle" (K. Wuest).
Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.
And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.”
Revelation 14:12-13 NASB® 1995
These studies are just an overview of each of these topics. Please, take time to study all of these elementary teachings for yourself.
References:
“Scripture quotations taken from the NASB® 1995 - New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.Lockman.org”
Strong’s Greek/Hebrew:: Biblehub.com
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Biblehub.com
THAYER’S GREEK LEXICON, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2002, 2003, 2006, 2011 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. BibleSoft.com
HELPS Word-studies taken from The Discovery Bible, available at discoverybible.com, copyright © 2021, HELPS Ministries Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Edited 2/2026