Lord, Increase My Faith!
C.H. Spurgeon's sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking divine help to increase faith rather than relying on personal strength.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that faith is a divine gift that requires careful nurturing and cannot grow without God's intervention. He stresses the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit to increase our faith rather than attempting to do so through our own strength, which can lead to pride and despair. Spurgeon encourages believers to humbly pray for an increase in faith, acknowledging their dependence on God to strengthen their belief. He reminds us that true faith is cultivated through divine power and the anointing of the Spirit. The sermon calls for a posture of humility and reliance on God in our journey of faith.
Text
Faith is not a weed to grow upon every dunghill, without care or culture: it is a plant of heavenly growth, and requires divine watching and watering. He who is the author of faith and the finisher of it, is the only one who can increase it. As no man ever obtains his first faith apart from the Spirit of God, so no man ever getteth more faith except through the working of that selfsame divine power. The Spirit which rests upon Jesus must anoint us also, or the measure of faith will not be enlarged.
Breathe then the prayer to God, my brother, "Increase my faith:" this will be a far wiser course than to resolve in your own strength, "I will believe more," for, perhaps, in rebuke of your pride you will fall into a decaying state, and even believe less. After having made so vainglorious a resolution, you may fall into grievous despondency: do not therefore say, "I will accumulate more faith," but pray "Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief." Herein is your wisdom.
From a sermon by Charles Haddon Spurgeon entitled "Increased Faith The Strength Of Peace Principles," delivered October 15, 1876.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Understanding the nature of faith
- The divine origin of faith
- The necessity of spiritual growth
-
II
- The role of prayer in increasing faith
- Avoiding pride in our faith journey
- Recognizing our dependence on God
-
III
- The relationship between faith and peace
- The importance of humility in belief
- Seeking God's help in our struggles
-
IV
- The dangers of self-reliance
- The power of the Holy Spirit
- The call to persistent prayer
Key Quotes
“Faith is not a weed to grow upon every dunghill, without care or culture: it is a plant of heavenly growth.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Breathe then the prayer to God, my brother, 'Increase my faith:' this will be a far wiser course than to resolve in your own strength.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Pray regularly for an increase in faith, recognizing your dependence on God.
- Cultivate humility in your faith journey to avoid the pitfalls of pride.
- Seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in all aspects of your spiritual growth.