In the Bible, faith is trusting in God and believing in His promises, even when we cannot see them. It means having confidence that God loves us and will take care of us, just like the stories of heroes in the Bible who believed in Him.
Scripture
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.
3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.
By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.
6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Understanding Faith in the Bible for Kids
Understanding faith in the Bible for kids is about recognizing that faith is more than just believing in something; it’s about placing trust in God and His goodness. Hebrews 11:1 explains that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” This means that even when we can’t see God, we can trust that He is always with us, just like how a child trusts a parent’s love. Kids can learn from stories like David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17), where David’s faith in God helped him overcome a giant. His belief in God’s strength taught children that faith can empower them to face their own challenges, no matter how big they seem.
Moreover, engaging with the concept of faith can be fun and relatable for kids. For example, Jesus teaches in Mark 10:14 that “the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,” referring to children. This encourages kids to embrace their simple, genuine faith. Like the little boy who shared his lunch with Jesus (John 6:9), they can learn that even small acts of faith, when handed over to God, can lead to miraculous results. Understanding faith in this way helps children recognize that it’s not about how much faith they have, but how they use it to trust God and believe in His promises for their lives, reinforcing that God’s love and care are always present, guiding them every step of the way.
The Greek word for “faith” is “πίστις” (pistis). This term is derived from the verb “πιστεύω” (pisteuō), which means “to believe” or “to trust.” The root of “pistis” is often associated with concepts of assurance, confidence, and reliance. Scholars such as William L. Lane in his work on the New Testament highlight that “pistis” encompasses not just intellectual assent but also a relational trust that involves commitment and fidelity to a person or belief.
Etymologically, “pistis” is linked to the idea of being persuaded or convinced, which is foundational in understanding how faith operates within the biblical context. The term has been extensively studied by theologians like N.T. Wright, who emphasizes that faith in the New Testament is not merely a private belief but is deeply communal and relational, reflecting a trust in God’s promises and character. This understanding of faith as both a personal conviction and a communal experience is crucial for teaching children about faith in a way that is both accessible and meaningful.
Faith as Trust in God
Faith in the Bible teaches kids that trusting God is like believing in a friend who always keeps their promises. Just as children rely on their parents or caregivers to take care of them, they can trust that God is always there to help and guide them. This trust helps them feel safe and secure, knowing that God has a plan for their lives.
Faith as a Journey
Understanding faith is also about recognizing that it is a journey, not just a destination. Kids can learn that faith grows over time, just like how they grow taller and learn new things. They can think of their faith as a seed that needs nurturing through prayer, reading the Bible, and being kind to others. This journey encourages them to ask questions, explore their beliefs, and develop a deeper relationship with God.
Faith as a Source of Strength
Kids can understand that faith provides strength during tough times. Just like superheroes have powers that help them overcome challenges, faith gives them the courage to face difficulties in their lives. When they encounter problems or feel scared, they can turn to their faith for comfort and support, knowing that God is always with them, helping them to be brave and resilient.
How to Deepen Your Faith and Trust in God
Deepening your faith and trust in God is a journey that requires intentionality and openness to His presence in your life. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture; the Bible is not just a book, but a living testament of God’s promises and love for us. As you read, take time to meditate on the verses that resonate with you, allowing them to shape your thoughts and actions. Prayer is another vital component—make it a daily practice to communicate with God, sharing your fears, hopes, and gratitude. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and challenge you in your walk of faith. Remember, faith is not the absence of doubt but the choice to trust God despite it. Embrace the small steps, celebrate the progress, and be patient with yourself as you grow; God is faithful and will meet you where you are.
Bible References to Understanding Faith for Kids:
Matthew 17:20-21: 20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”
21 But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting.”
James 2:14-26: 14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food,
16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?
17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder.
20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?
22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works;
23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God.
24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?
26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
Romans 10:9-10: 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Ephesians 2:8-9: 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Mark 11:22-24: 22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God.
23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.
24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Luke 17:5-6: 5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
6 And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
John 3:16-18: 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
Galatians 2:15-16: 15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners;
16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
1 Peter 1:8-9: 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,
9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
2 Corinthians 5:6-7: 6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord,
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
1 Timothy 4:12-16: 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.
14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.
15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.
16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Proverbs 3:5-6: 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Philippians 4:6-7: 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 23:1-6: 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.