Prevailing Faith
David Wilkerson's sermon 'Prevailing Faith' encourages believers to trust in God's promises and overcome fear with faith.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the contrast between true faith and unbelief as illustrated in Numbers 13 and 14. While the ten spies reported fear and doubt about the strength of their enemies, Caleb and Joshua stood firm in their faith, believing in God's promise to deliver the land. The congregation's fear led them to consider returning to captivity, but true faith calls believers to confront their fears and trust in God's power. Wilkerson encourages listeners to recognize that the enemy cannot prevent them from receiving God's blessings and to boldly declare their faith in the face of adversity. Ultimately, he urges believers to let their faith prevail and move forward into the fullness of what God has prepared for them.
Text
In Numbers 13 and 14, we find the language and definitions of true faith and unbelief. The ten spies who had gone up into the land had returned with a report of what they had seen. "We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large" (Numbers 13:27-28). So the report was both positive and negative.
The people panicked and cried out in fear and unbelief, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we" (see 13:31). But Caleb, a quiet voice of faith, had just the opposite approach: "Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it" (13:30).
The whole congregation joined in, "Let's go back to Egypt and captivity. We can't make it to the Promised Land. There are too many strong enemies" (14:1-4). But again, faith speaks through Joshua and Caleb: "The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land ... [The Lord] will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land which flows with milk and honey" (14:7-8).
God wants to know what is in your heart as a true believer. Is it fear of giants and a desire to go back to Egypt? He wants a people who will use faith to tear down everything that keeps them from the fullness of Jesus.
The enemy has no power to stop God's people from attaining what he has for them. Satan may be using a giant of trouble against you right now -- not to keep you down but to keep you out. All hell is raging against you to keep you from moving into the fullness of Christ, to a place of rest, a life of confidence and a walk of peace under his lordship.
Let your faith prevail and proclaim, "I will not fear what man can do. My enemies have no power for God is with me. I'm going in to what he has for me!"
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Introduction to the concept of faith and unbelief
- The report of the ten spies
- The reaction of the people
-
II
- The contrasting faith of Caleb and Joshua
- The encouragement to trust in God's promises
- The call to action for believers
-
III
- Understanding the giants we face
- The power of faith in overcoming obstacles
- The importance of moving forward in faith
-
IV
- God's desire for a faithful people
- The consequences of fear and unbelief
- The assurance of God's presence
Key Quotes
“Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” — David Wilkerson
“The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land.” — David Wilkerson
“I will not fear what man can do. My enemies have no power for God is with me.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Identify the giants in your life and confront them with faith.
- Choose to trust in God's promises rather than succumbing to fear.
- Encourage others to stand firm in their faith and pursue God's calling.