UNQUALIFIED FAITH ROSS SMITH
ALL REFERENCES FROM AMPLIFIED VERSION UNLESS NOTED
2 Timothy 1:5 I am calling up memories of your SINCERE AND UNQUALIFIED FAITH (the leaning of your ENTIRE personality on God (Stated 13 x in NT) in Christ in ABSOLUTE trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness), [a faith] that first lived PERMANENTLY in [the heart of] (The “Motives” .. comments mine) your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am [fully] persuaded, [dwells] in you also.
“UNQUALIFIED FAITH” can also be translated as “UNLIMITED BELIEF” which can then be further translated as “UNQUESTIONABLE OR ABSOLUTE ADHERENCE, TRUST and RELIANCE.”
The word “UNQUALIFIED” in this context does not mean incapable or inferior, but the exact opposite. It means that there is unquestioned integrity and Verity of such dimension that it is unlimited.
The word “ABSOLUTE” is a similar word to “UNQUALIFIED” and means “free from limitations, restrictions or exceptions, very great, or to the largest degree possible, unmitigated. (No wonder Hebrews 1:8 states, Your kingdom is a sceptre of ABSOLUTE righteousness)
Different translations use different terms in trying to convey the meaning of “UNQUALIFIED FAITH”.
KJV unfeigned,
ISV sincere
BBE true
LITV unpretended
CEV genuine
If Timothy and his maternal line were described as such, is this state of unquestionable trust an option for us?
If so, will we pursue it?
However, the Apostle Paul fleshes it out, describing it in different terms but with the same intent. He states that our personality should exude “ABSOLUTE trust and confidence.” This is another way to describe “BELIEVE” or “FAITH” as “ADHERE, TRUST, RELY”.
A significant feature of “UNQUALIFIED FAITH” is that once it is established in the individual’s character, it ENDURES or becomes “PERMANENT” and serves as a continual resource for all exigencies that arise during our day, anything impacting on our life.
Paul describes it as, “I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me, I am ready (Meaning he is “Prepared” .. comments mine) for anything and equal to anything (Or “Up to it” .. comments mine) (Philippians 4:13).
How could the Apostle make that statement without having had to face insurmountable trials and tribulations, all designed to “ABSOLUTELY” assess the degree of “Adhere, Trust and Rely” and to prove that he was not presumptuous or proud but “PROVEN.” NOT A BOAST, BUT FACT.
GREAT FAITH
How neatly encapsulated is the principal as espoused in Romans, where it is confirmed that oanly ENDURANCE can bring out those qualities now identified as “APPROVED FAITH AND TRIED INTEGRITY.” What objections can we bring that re legitimate that have not been proven by experience?
Romans 5:4 And ENDURANCE (fortitude) develops maturity of character (APPROVED FAITH AND TRIED INTEGRITY). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.
The EFFECT of “ENDURANCE or PERMANENCE” is MATURITY or CONFORMITY.
ENDURANCE BECOMES EASY WHEN WE “ADHERE, TRUST, AND RELY” and the “Tried Integrity” is proving if we are being truthful or just stoic, grinning and bearing it but not wholly joyful.
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The Apostle reflects that Timothy’s grandmother was obviously both a proponent and picture of this enviable ability, passed on, no doubt by both teaching and example, firstly to Timothy’s mother and then to him. Paul’s memories were obviously of the visible trait and of a permanent nature, that is, applicable in every situation.
YOU CAN’T INHERIT HOLINESS, BUT YOU CAN RECEIVE THE HERITAGE OF CHARACTER.
THAT WHICH TIMOTHY’S GRANDMOTHER PASSED DOWN WAS NOT AN INHERITANCE BUT A HERITAGE. An inheritance can be squandered, but a heritage is preserved intact for the next generation. Solomon, in his wisdom, identified in its basic form the principle of “HERITAGE”, that is, a perpetuation. Paul has observed the permanence of purpose or motive, not just for the easy occasions.
Psalm 127:3 Behold, CHILDREN ARE A HERITAGE from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
In our present society, children can become an “inheritance” where the grandparents get the kids while the parents get the new car and the bigger TV!
A “HERITAGE” requires the receiver’s active involvement and participation, and Timothy was the beneficiary of the “ADHERENCE, TRUST and RELIANCE” of his maternal line. It can also be viewed as an “INHERITANCE” because it is an “ASSET” passed down.
An inheritance comes easily to the recipient, but not the benefactor), whereas a heritage is acquired by hard work and must be given as a precious heirloom to the next generation. We may need to clarify terms here so that there is no blurring of the lines. We have gained an inheritance, but we can also squander it, as evidenced by the parable of the Prodigal Son.
An “INHERITANCE” can be in imitation of the benefactor; it is material.
A “HERITAGE” can be an emulation or a copy of the model.
Ephesians 1:11 (A) In Him we also were MADE [God’s] heritage (portion) and we OBTAINED an inheritance;
Hebrews 3:19 So we see that they were not able to enter [into His rest], because of their unwillingness to adhere to and trust in and rely on God [UNBELIEF HAD SHUT THEM OUT]. (They squandered their inheritance and had no heritage.)
- We can leave a “LEGACY”, which is a history left behind, and
- We can leave an “INHERITANCE”, which generally consists of money or property, or
- We can leave a “HERITAGE”, which is character, values, culture and honour.
“HERITAGE” is what you have, “INHERITANCE” is what you get.
There are whole realms of insights that belong to the people of God, which we have failed to explore and, therefore, haven’t been leaving a heritage for future generations.
HERITAGE BUILDINGS HAVE “CHARACTER”
We, too, have the opportunity to evidence and perpetuate the same “UNQUALIFIED FAITH”. We were launched on the trajectory (but not yet reached the goal) at the very moment we accepted Jesus Christ as Lord. The Apostle Paul explained the process in Romans 1:16 – 17, and the explanation is interesting. Verse 16 establishes the foundation.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of THE GOSPEL (good news) of Christ, for it is God’s power WORKING UNTO (w.i.p.) SALVATION [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who BELIEVES with a PERSONAL TRUST and a confident SURRENDER and firm RELIANCE, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
The “UNQUALIFIED FAITH” is “PERSONAL”
Lois had it
Mum had it
Now Timothy has it, personally, not corporately
The effect of verse 16 is many-faceted; it removes all “questioning and doubting” (Philippians 2:14), dismisses “silent debate”, (Luke 12:17) alleviates “fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts.” (James 3:18)
Our initial encounter with the Grace of God was when we embraced “THE GOSPEL”, universally described as “SALVATION”, but now Paul provides the keys which the church at large has long ignored, the “WORKING UNTO” because it requires more than most are prepared to give, and to prove that which is “ABSOLUTE.”
The word “BELIEVE” is a profoundly intense expression, not just the mental assent afforded it by the majority and accompanied by a false sense of security and a diaphanous sheet of presumption.
You will note that Paul proceeds to define where the inertia originates, which, when understood and applied, will propel us to attain “UNQUALIFIED AND ABSOLUTE FAITH” and evidence it by our “Adherence, Trust and Reliance”.
But now, in verse 17, the purpose of the “GOSPEL referred to in verse 16 becomes much more than the superficial concept of once having acknowledged Jesus Christ as Lord that there is nothing more required. The gospel was the cultivation of the soil to produce righteousness, the “WORKING UNTO”, not just some pious face or ritualistic behaviour, but a characteristic that is to become obvious, and as Paul says, it is “REVEALED.”
Romans 1:17 For in the GOSPEL a RIGHTEOUSNESS which God ascribes is REVEALED, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. As it is written, The man who through faith is just and upright shall live and shall live by faith. (Romans 4:13 says “Righteousness of faith” or of “Adherance,Trust and Reliance”.
This one Scripture puts to rest the erroneous doctrine of “ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED”.
The Apostle could have stopped right there but sets out to develop a monograph designed to bring us to that understanding of the eternal excursion we embarked upon when we “BELIEVED.” To use the word “FAITH” six times in one verse surely demands that we pause to contemplate the intensity of the Apostle’s expression and what he is trying to convey.
Each time, “FAITH” is preceded by a prefix of consequence essential for the ultimate goal, “UNQUALIFIED FAITH.”
- Springing from
- Leading to
- Disclosed through (Have we on many occasions of reading
- Arouses to this verse, just skip over these prefixes?)
- Through
- Shall live
But before we explore these prefixes, we must first identify what it is we are talking about when we use the word “FAITH.” Verse 16 begins the disclosure by using the phrase, “Trust, Surrender, Reliance”, but the Amplified New Testament’s overwhelming usage are the words, “Adhere, trust and rely”, used some 40 times. The early Church understood this process as evidenced by Timothy and his maternal line, but in man’s simplification of being a “BELIEVER”, both the route and the result have been obscured.
We say we “BELIEVE”, but what evidence do we have to show that we “ADHERE, TRUST RELY”? This evidence is the outcome of experience born of our trials, troubles and temptations, or a more palatable term is “SANCTIFIED EXPERIENCES”. Without these experiences, we have little to show.
So, let us right here and now eliminate any thought or expression of “how hard I’ve got it, how pressured I am”, and begin to exalt in our privileged calling. Don’t fear opposition; expect it and use it as an opportunity to fuel your growth.
THE PURPOSE OF FAITH IS RIGHTEOUSNESS according to Romans 1:17 (Page 5) and therefore the whole purpose of “BELIEVING” or in the amplification, “Adhering to, trusting in, relying on” demands the development of this ability and Paul in his discourse here has already stated, “righteousness which God ascribes is REVEALED”. God gives it to us; we are to exhibit. Accordingly, it is contingent upon us to perpetuate the heritage of “UNQUALIFIED FAITH.”
Can we peel back the layers of Romans 1:17 uncover the implications that Paul has gone to so much trouble to enunciate, recalling that in every instance, it is the pursuit of “UNQUALIFIED FAITH” in the pursuit of “RIGHTEOUSNESS”?
- SPRINGING FROM The original has the meaning of, “A primary preposition denoting origin, (Page 5) the point whence motion or action proceeds.” This “origin” was when we first “BELIEVED”, but there was ignorance of the responsibility we assumed when we became Christ’s representatives; the “springing” didn’t proceed, generally due to inadequate shepherding, a task we are now committed to.
Hebrews 4:2 For indeed we have had the glad tidings [Gospel of God] PROCLAIMED TO US just as truly as they [the Israelites of old did when the good news of deliverance from bondage came to them]; but the message they heard DID NOT BENEFIT THEM, because it WAS NOT MIXED WITH FAITH (with the leaning of the entire personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness) by those who heard it; neither were they united in faith with the ones [Joshua and Caleb] who heard (did believe).
When we were not made aware, we missed out on the fact that the exigencies of our day were God-given opportunities to initiate our “Adherence, Trust and Reliance” or to use an acronym, “ATR”. When this initial “SPRING” is not implemented, cultivated, recognised, then the whole process is halted. How vital are “Good shepherds”?
- LEADING TO The “WALK”, or the progress of Christian development, now takes us in the right direction. Although we may sometimes/often stray, the ability to “Adhere, Trust and Rely” will draw us back to the narrow path that requires divine guidance amid the testing “Adversity”, which is intended to perpetuate our pursuit of “RIGHTEOUSNESS” and “UNQUALIFIED FAITH”.
Matthew 7:14 But the GATE IS NARROW (contracted by pressure) (That is the “Adversity” referred to above .. comments mine) and THE WAY IS STRAITENED AND COMPRESSED that leads away to life, and few are those who find it.
A NARROW GATE
If we are not feeling this “pressure, the straitened and compressed road”, then what are we “LEADING TO?”
- DISCLOSED THROUGH Paul has already indicated that this development has to become evident, it has to be visible to be genuine. It is in the manner we handle the “EXPERIENCES” of life that prove if we are truly resting in the Lord or whether we are just skating through hoping for the best. Our “Adherence, trust and reliance” disposes of unsanctified management of trials and tests.
- AROUSES TO All the preceding steps reinforce our ability to step up when the going gets tough. The Word promises that it will get tough, and the “AROUSAL” is to develop MORE and more robust “ADHERE, TRUST AND RELY”, all stimulating the growth of character and personality that replicates that of the family of Timothy in their exhibition of “UNQUALIFIED FAITH”. The more we grow in Christ, the more demanding the route. “For everyone to whom much is given, of him shall much be required; and of him to whom men entrust much, they will require and demand all the more.” (Luke 12:48 (B)
- THROUGH Each experience we face is temporary, except if we don’t learn by it, in this case, we may have to “resit” the exam several times until we benefit from the “AROUSAL.” The Psalmist had enough experience of the durations of troubles, and he confidently penned the words, “ For His anger is but for a moment, but His favor is for a lifetime or in His favor is life. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)
The same sentiment is expressed in 2 Corinthians 4:17. As we come “THROUGH” the event, our “ADHERE, TRUST AND RELY” brings us further along the “LEADING TO”, or “RIGHTEOUSNESS and UNQUALIFIED FAITH.” “EXPERIENCE BUILDS CONFIDENCE”. (Hebrews 6:12)
- SHALL LIVE That is the goal of every true Christian, both in this life and in the life to come. The continuing and perpetual development of “RIGHTEOUSNESS” means that we will begin to see God in everything that occurs. Therefore, the pressures and stresses that dominate our society will serve to demonstrate the serenity and freedom from fears and agitating passions (James 3:18) of the one whose “FAITH, BELIEF, ADHERE TRUST, RELY”, all one and the same thing, will constitute that contrast espoused in Hebrews 5:11, “Let your lives be so in contrast as to expose and reprove and convict them”.
It will also direct us to that enviable condition of 1 Corinthians 2:15, that of the “SPIRITUAL MAN,” whose relationship with the Lord is so intense that he can see into and through everything with the comprehension that comes from that “RIGHT STANDING WITH GOD” or that righteous condition initiated in the gospel and perpetuated in the “FAITH – full”, that “REAL NEW LIFE” of Colossians 3:3
One great advantage that we either overlook or are unaware of is that we no longer have to FIGHT despite having to FACE. That “AWARENESS” of God at work in every situation comes into focus when we realise that God is intimately involved when we allow His participation and do not “allow ourselves”. (John 14:27)
Romans 8:31-39 sets down a comprehensive checklist of how and where we are under the Divine Providence of a God Who loves us so much that even the eloquence of the Apostle struggles to adequately describe the range and scope. Our solid hope is that if we will “Adhere, Trust and Rely” on Christ as our Saviour and our King, then we will be so surrounded by the love of God in a way that no terrorist, no torture, no demons, no disasters, no disease, no man, no microbe, no government, and no grave can destroy.
So regardless of what is taking place, on any front, in any dimension, from any source, Paul asserts that we are completely catered for.
Romans 8:37 Yet amid ALL THESE THINGS (Read what “all these things” are in this passage .. comment mine) WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS AND GAIN A SURPASSING VICTORY THROUGH HIM WHO LOVED US.
Although the word in Jeremiah refers to the Jewish nation, the God Who achieves this result is the same God of Romans 8:37. So, we must recognise the futility of trying to overcome by our own sense and reason, and hasten to utilise the resources that “UNQUALIFIED FAITH” brings to every event, circumstance, opportunity and see that we have such an “Advocate” that a victory is assured that will be God-glorifying.
Jeremiah 50:34 THEIR REDEEMER IS STRONG; (And “our Redeemer”, the one and same person) THE LORD OF HOSTS is His name. He will surely and thoroughly plead their case and defend their cause, that He may give rest to [the land of Israel and to the Babylonian-enslaved nations of] the earth, but unrest to the inhabitants of Babylon.
There is the converse, of course, just as there is black and white, so there is the threat of,
Hebrews 3:19 So we see that they were not able to enter [into His rest], BECAUSE OF THEIR UNWILLINGNESS TO ADHERE TO AND TRUST IN AND RELY ON GOD [UNBELIEF HAD SHUT THEM OUT]
Ross Smith 