WELCOME
By Dena Ivie
"...that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me" (Romans 1:12)
What does it mean to have mutual faith? Mutual is defined as "a reciprocal relationship.” To have a mutual faith, one must share a reciprocal relationship with others. How can this be done in regard to our faith? Only by sharing the same faith, that is, the same system of beliefs and the same plan of salvation, can we share mutual faith. The scriptures speak of those who share a mutual faith.
"To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior" (Titus 1:4)
"Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:1)
"There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Ephesians 4:4-6)
Where do we learn about this mutual faith? "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17)
We learn how to obtain, by obedience to God's plan, this mutual faith only from a proper understanding of God's word. This mutual faith, which is God's plan of salvation, does not come from feelings or ideas of the wisdom of men.
1 Corinthians 2:5, "that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."
Let us always take time to encourage and strengthen one another in our mutual faith, so that together, as we continue in the faith, we may enter the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22, "strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, ’We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.'"
QUESTIONS
1. Define the word mutual.
2. Give the verse that teaches there is but one faith.
3. Where do we learn of this one faith? Give a verse to prove your answer.
4. There are verses that speak of "our common faith" and "like precious faith" and "the mutual faith.” Give the references for these three verses.
5. What responsibility do we have to those who share this mutual faith? Give verses to prove your answers.
6. Is it necessary to continue and hold fast to this mutual faith? Give a verse(s) to prove your answer.
7. Is it possible for one to be deceived and think she is a part of this mutual faith, but according to God's word, she is not? Discuss your answer and prove with scriptures.
All Scripture is taken from the NKJ Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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