Having Strong Faith

March 11, 2015 Save Article

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John 4:46-54
(Program 2245, Airing on 10.18.09)

1. INTRODUCTION
   1. In our economy, the dollar is the medium of exchange; but in the Kingdom of Heaven, faith is the medium of exchange.
   2. Matthew 9:29
   3. Hebrews 11:6
   4. 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.
   5. 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.
2. THE PROBLEM OF A SUPERFICIAL AND SUPERSTITIOUS FAITH (John 4:46-48)
   1. This man’s faith was based upon signs and wonders; he depended upon his five senses rather than upon the Word of God.
   2. Jesus had performed a miracle at Cana; because of this, many people followed after Him, seeking a miracle rather than seeking the Messiah.
      1. John 2:23-25
   3. 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.
      1. Acts 2:22
      2. John 20:30-31
      3. 2 Corinthians 12:12
      4. Hebrews 2:4
      5. Matthew 12:39
   4. What is wrong with seeking a sign?
      1. It dishonors God.
         1. 1 John 5:10
         2. John 20:25-31
      2. It can be deceiving.
         1. Matthew 24:24
         2. 2 Thessalonians 2:9
         3. Revelation 13:13-14
3. THE PROGRESSION OF STRONG FAITH (John 4:49-53)
   1. He heard the Word of God. (John 4:49-50)
      1. Faith is not receiving from God what you want; faith is accepting from God what He gives. Faith is taking God at His Word.
      2. Romans 10:14, 17
   2. He believed the Word of God. (John 4:50)
      1. Romans 14:23
   3. He obeyed the Word of God. (John 4:50-51)
      1. Romans 16:26
      2. James 2:26
   4. He rested in the Word of God. (John 4:51-53)
      1. He did not demand proof.
      2. The rest of faith is the mark of real faith.
      3. Psalm 37:5-7
      4. Isaiah 28:16
4. THE PROVISION OF SAVING FAITH (John 4:53)
   1. All of the miracles of Jesus point to a greater miracle, which is the new birth.
   2. Luke 19:10
   3. Matthew 9:12
5. CONCLUSION
   1. 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?
   2. Jesus still performs miracles, but we must never substitute the miracle for the Miracle Worker.

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