Have Faith in God
Faith is the essential component of a vibrant and effective Christian life, and cultivating great faith is crucial for overcoming challenges and accomplishing great things for God.
Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'Obedient' (hupekoos/hypekoos), emphasizing the importance of attentively listening and hearkening to God's commands. The sermon highlights the significance of obedience as a reflection of submission to God's authority and will, drawing parallels between Adam's disobedience leading to sin and death, and Christ's perfect obedience leading to righteousness and life for believers. The message encourages Christians to follow Jesus' example of obedience, emphasizing the need to surrender our will to the leading of the Holy Spirit and walk in a manner worthy of God's calling.
Text
Faith is the foot of the soul by which it can march along the road of the commandments. Love can make the feet move more swiftly; but faith is the foot which carries the soul. Faith is the oil enabling the wheels of holy devotion and of earnest piety to move well; and without faith the wheels are taken from the chariot, and we drag heavily. With faith I can do all things; without faith I shall neither have the inclination nor the power to do anything in the service of God. If you would find the men who serve God the best, you must look for the men of the most faith.
Little faith will save a man, but little faith cannot do great things for God. Poor Little-faith could not have fought "Apollyon;" it needed "Christian" to do that. Poor Little-faith could not have slain "Giant Despair;" it required "Great-heart's" arm to knock that monster down. Little faith will go to heaven most certainly, but it often has to hide itself in a nut-shell, and it frequently loses all but its jewels. Little-faith says, "It is a rough road, beset with sharp thorns, and full of dangers; I am afraid to go;" but Great-faith remembers the promise, "Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; as thy days, so shall thy strength be:" and so she boldly ventures.
Little-faith stands desponding, mingling her tears with the flood; but Great-faith sings, "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:" and she fords the stream at once. Would you be comfortable and happy? Would you enjoy religion? Would you have the religion of cheerfulness and not that of gloom? Then "have faith in God." If you love darkness, and are satisfied to dwell in gloom and misery, then be content with little faith; but if you love the sunshine, and would sing songs of rejoicing, covet earnestly this best gift, "great faith."
Sermon Outline
- I. The Importance of Faith
- A. Faith is the foot of the soul
- B. Faith enables devotion and piety
- C. Without faith, we are powerless
- II. The Difference Between Little and Great Faith
- A. Little faith will save us, but not accomplish great things
- B. Great faith is necessary for overcoming challenges
- III. Characteristics of Little and Great Faith
- A. Little faith is timid and fearful
- B. Great faith is bold and confident
- C. Great faith trusts in God's promises
Key Quotes
“Faith is the oil enabling the wheels of holy devotion and of earnest piety to move well;” — C.H. Spurgeon
“With faith I can do all things;” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Would you be comfortable and happy? Would you enjoy religion? Would you have the religion of cheerfulness and not that of gloom?” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We must cultivate great faith in order to accomplish great things for God.
- Little faith will save us, but it is not sufficient for overcoming challenges and living a vibrant Christian life.
- Trusting in God's promises is essential for cultivating great faith and living a life of bold confidence.