The Need of Faith

The Need of Faith

August 17, 2008

Introduction

In Hebrews 11:6, we find these words: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

This morning our study is a study of faith. What is faith? How important is faith? How do we increase our faith?

Body

I. What is faith?

A biblical statement of faith.

(Heb 11:1 NKJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

(Heb 11:1 NASB) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

There are degrees of faith.

1. Jesus described the people of His time on earth as a faithless generation..

(Mat 17:17 NKJV) Then Jesus answered and said, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me."

2. He rebuked His disciples as men of little faith.

(Mat 8:24-26 NKJV) And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. {25} Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" {26} But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

3. There was a Gentile of great faith.

(Mat 8:5-13 NKJV) Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, {6} saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented." {7} And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him." {8} The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. {9} "For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." {10} When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! {11} "And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. {12} "But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." {13} Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." And his servant was healed that same hour.

4. We should have a full assurance of faith.

(Heb 10:19-23 NKJV) Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, {20} by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, {21} and having a High Priest over the house of God, {22} let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. {23} Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

II. How important is faith?

Let’s review our introductory statement:.

(Heb 11:6 NKJV) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

B. It is faith in a Being, faith in God.

C. It must be a faith that our lives will affect our eternity.

“ and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

1. He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

(Mat 16:27 NKJV) ""For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works."

(Rev 22:12 NKJV) ""And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work."

2. It must be a faith that we live by.

(2 Cor 5:7 NKJV) For we walk by faith, not by sight.

III. How do we increase our faith?

Faith comes by hearing the Word of God.

(Rom 10:17 NKJV) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

The apostles asked the Lord to increase their faith.

(Luke 17:5 NKJV) And the apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."

B. Our experiences with God can help increase our faith.

1. David observed how God helped the righteous.

(Psa 37:25 NKJV) I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread.

2. As we see God work in our lives through answered prayer, and n other ways, our faith should grow.

Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

IV. Do we have an active, living faith?

(James 2:20 NKJV) But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

Conclusion

I. May we all stay close to God and to His word.

II. Have you been obedient to Him?

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