(This article is part of NFCM's sponsorship of the Catholic Man channel and originally appeared as part of the Catholic men’s E-zine, Being a Man of Faith, (Jan-Feb 2003 issue) which is available on the NFCM website. You may email them at info@nrccm.org.)
Reflection/Discussion Questions on Page 2
Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men
1. What is your understanding of the definition of faith as used in Hebrews 11:1?
2. The implications of the selected Old Testament passages on faith are that we will stumble if we live our lives without strong faith in God. Why do you believe this is or is not true?
3. Do you think the words of Jesus Christ on faith cited above imply that faith is a magic wand that we wave that causes things to magically happen? Why or why not? What role does faith have in answering God’s call and doing the works of God in our lives?
4. In James 3:26 we hear these words: “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead.” These words often spark great debates on faith versus works in terms of our salvation in Jesus Christ. In light of Paul’s words in the book of Romans, as cited above, what is your understanding of the role of faith in doing the works of God?
5. Martin Luther once said, “We are justified by faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone.” What do you think he meant? Do you agree with this? Why or why not?
6. The Scripture passages above demonstrate the importance God places on faith. How have these passages impacted your view of the importance of faith in your own life? What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in the Lord?
[Editor's Note: This article is the fourth in a series on the theme “Being a Man of Faith.” Click here to find the first article, the second article or the third article.]
The Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are filled with hundreds of passages on faith. Below are a small sample of these passages from the Old Testament, Jesus’s words in the Gospels, and St. Paul’s words in the Book of Romans. It is clear from these passages how critically important faith is to God, and how important it is for us as Catholic men to live our lives as “men of faith.” Spend some time prayerfully reading and reflecting on these passages, and then use the questions for reflection/discussion to go deeper into your understanding of these Scriptures.
FAITH
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Heb 11:1).
OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES ON FAITH
“If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all” (Is 7:9).
“See, he is puffed up; his desires are not upright — but the righteous will live by his faith” (Hb 2:4).
“Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld” (2 Chr 20:20).
“So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith” (Mal 2:16).
JESUS’S WORDS ON FAITH FROM THE GOSPELS
“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mk 11:22-24).
“Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom” (Lk 12:27-32).
“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in My name, and I will do it” (Jn 14:12-13).
ST. PAUL’S WORDS ON FAITH FROM THE BOOK OF ROMANS
“For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith’” (Rom 1:17).
“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Rom 3:22-24).
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand” (Rom 5:1-2).
“What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works” (Rom 9:30-32).
