Having Strong Faith
March 11, 2015 Save Article"
John 4:46-54
(Program 2245, Airing on 10.18.09)
- INTRODUCTION
- In our economy, the dollar is the medium of exchange; but in the Kingdom of Heaven, faith is the medium of exchange.
- Matthew 9:29
- Hebrews 11:6
- Not only do we need to possess faith, but we need for faith to possess us. We need a mighty faith because we have a mighty God.
- The latter part of John 4 tells the story of a man who went from having a superficial and superstitious faith to a strong faith and, finally, to a saving faith.
- THE PROBLEM OF A SUPERFICIAL AND SUPERSTITIOUS FAITH (John 4:46-48)
- This man’s faith was based upon signs and wonders; he depended upon his five senses rather than upon the Word of God.
- Jesus had performed a miracle at Cana; because of this, many people followed after Him, seeking a miracle rather than seeking the Messiah.
- John 2:23-25
- Jesus performed many signs and wonders, as did the early apostles. The point of these miracles was that we might believe on Jesus; that we would seek a Savior rather than a sign.
- Acts 2:22
- John 20:30-31
- 2 Corinthians 12:12
- Hebrews 2:4
- Matthew 12:39
- What is wrong with seeking a sign?
- It dishonors God.
- 1 John 5:10
- John 20:25-31
- It can be deceiving.
- Matthew 24:24
- 2 Thessalonians 2:9
- Revelation 13:13-14
- It dishonors God.
- THE PROGRESSION OF STRONG FAITH (John 4:49-53)
- He heard the Word of God. (John 4:49-50)
- Faith is not receiving from God what you want; faith is accepting from God what He gives. Faith is taking God at His Word.
- Romans 10:14, 17
- He believed the Word of God. (John 4:50)
- Romans 14:23
- He obeyed the Word of God. (John 4:50-51)
- Romans 16:26
- James 2:26
- He rested in the Word of God. (John 4:51-53)
- He did not demand proof.
- The rest of faith is the mark of real faith.
- Psalm 37:5-7
- Isaiah 28:16
- He heard the Word of God. (John 4:49-50)
- THE PROVISION OF SAVING FAITH (John 4:53)
- All of the miracles of Jesus point to a greater miracle, which is the new birth.
- Luke 19:10
- Matthew 9:12
- CONCLUSION
- What good is a miracle if we never surrender to the Lordship of Christ and receive salvation? What good is to be healed if we eventually die without Jesus?
- Jesus still performs miracles, but we must never substitute the miracle for the Miracle Worker.
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