Sermon Theme
It is a word we use probably everyday either by verbalizing the word or doing the action We use it in regard to all manner of activities of life:
- We have FAITH in the mechanics of car or aeroplane to travel safely
- Relationships are built on FAITH in the person we trust with our love (vulnerabilities)
- Blind people place FAITH in the guide dogs and we have faith in our pets to alert us to intruders
The concept of faith is something in our modern world which has almost lost its meaning
Its meaning in Scripture, as to saving faith – is just about lost to most people because of this loose and common use of the word
- Some people believe they have saving faith because they believe God exists → if that were the case, even Satan has saving faith and is going to Heaven!
- Others only turn to God when they are in trouble they feel is too big for them → the faith of the trenches, or these days the hospital intensive care unit.
It is vital that we know what saving faith is, for if we do not have it, we will die eternally.
Sermon outline
- FAITH’S HUMILITY
- FAITH’S CONFIDENCE
- JESUS, FAITH’S ONLY FOCUS
Readings reproduced on this page:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996, 1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Readings
Luke 7:1–10 (NIV84)
1When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.
2There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die.
3The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant.
4When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this,
5because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.”
6So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.
7That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.
8For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
9When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.”
10Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
Text
Luke 7:9-10 (NIV84)
9When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.”
10Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
