Unbelief.
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· 5 viewsThe effects of a limited faith.
Notes
Transcript
Read Mark 6:1-13
Introduction:
“Without faith it’s impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Heb 11:6
Since Adam, unbelief has always been the problem of Humanity…
Most people say, “I have faith”.
Unbelief is not only about not having faith, but also about having faith in the wrong person (the case of unbelievers), or about having limited faith in the right person (the case of many believers).
The effects of a limited faith.
Limited faith produces limited answers about Jesus.
Limited faith produces limited answers about Jesus.
When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands? “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him.
The people who attended the synagogue was supposed to be people of faith. But they showed unbelief or limited faith.
Limited faith produces limited answers because...
It closes our eyes to the evidence.
It closes our eyes to the evidence.
As many people do, they were asking the right questions, but because of their unbelief they were arriving to the wrong conclusion: It cannot be! He cannot be the Messiah!
People close their eyes and ears to what they see and hear.
This is how it was in Nazareth! Jesus had been in Nazareth the year before. They tried to kill him on that occasion, because he would not do what they wanted. Now, he comes back and teaches in the synagogue, and they are astonished, but still not believing!
Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God.
Limited faith produces limited answers because...
Jesus’ claims become offensive.
Jesus’ claims become offensive.
When people has decided to follow their own will and not Jesus, many truths you tell them about Jesus becomes an offense…
Despite the fact that they had heard about the marvelous things He had done, they did the incredible -- they took refuge in that final resort of all weak and small minds -- they ridiculed him. They took offense at him, and began to discount all he had done and said: "He can't be anything, because we know him. We know his beginnings, his family, where he came from."
Jesus claims and teaching are not always well received, not even by His followers. John 6:61-66 It was offensive because they could not understand it (1 Cor 1:18; 2:14)
Limited faith leads to limited lives (blessings).
Limited faith leads to limited lives (blessings).
To receive, you must believe.
To receive, you must believe.
God rewards those who have faith. Showers of blessing are enjoyed by those who truly believe.
An entire Israelite generation died in the desert when God wanted to take them to the promise land:
So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief.
What a contrast with those two blind men who came to Jesus. He asked them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” Yes, Lord!
Then He touched their eyes, saying, “It shall be done to you according to your faith.”
God wants to bless you! What is the hindrance? Limited faith.
Limited faith leads to limited blessings because...
To receive, you must be willing to give.
To receive, you must be willing to give.
“Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet for a testimony against them.” They went out and preached that men should repent.
The disciples were giving what they had: the gospel. They did not take money, provisions, or clothes. They had just a beautiful, life-changing message: the gospel of Jesus. That’s what they were giving!
Those on the receiving end had to be also willing to give. To give their heart and obedience to Jesus, their hospitality, and provision to the messengers.
A true disciple is always willing to give what they have…
People expect to receive from us.
Illust. Peter and the lame man at the temple…
And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!”
God will not give to you if you’re not willing to give.
Illust. Money does not stay with one forever, it only changes of hands
Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 3524 A Dollar Speaks
3524 A Dollar Speaks
Money talks, we have been told since childhood. Listen to this dollar speak: “You hold me in your hand and call me yours. Yet may I not as well call you mine. See how easily I rule you? To gain me, you would all but die. I am invaluable as rain, essential as water. Without me, men and institutions would die. Yet I do not hold the power of life for them; I am futile without the stamp of your desire. I go nowhere unless you send me. I keep strange company. For me, men mock, love, and scorn character. Yet, I am appointed to the service of saints, to give education to the growing mind and food to the starving bodies of the poor. My power is terrific. Handle me carefully and wisely, lest you become my servant, rather than I yours.”
Limited faith produces limited ministry.
Limited faith produces limited ministry.
And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits; and He instructed them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt— but to wear sandals; and He added, “Do not put on two tunics.”
Limited faith produces limited ministry because...
We must depend on Him for provision.
We must depend on Him for provision.
Missions, in all aspects, is an enterprise of faith.
Those who go and minister in the name of Jesus, go in dependence upon God. God must open doors. God must plan the journey and make the opportunity and supply the needs, whatever the preparation made in advance. It is God upon whom we must depend. This is what our Lord was teaching these disciples.
“When God guides, He provides.” God never fails to provide for those who do his work. He reminded the forgetful and doubting disciples:
And He said to them, “When I sent you out without money belt and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?” They said, “No, nothing.”
Limited faith produces limited ministry because...
We must minister in His power.
We must minister in His power.
If we try to do ministry in our own strength, we will not last too long.
Disciples were unable to cast out a demon. The reason: the littleness of their faith.
That’s why Jesus said,
but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”
They were clothed with authority, with power to bless, to strengthen, and to heal.
They were to share their power and their peace whenever they came into a house. Whenever they came to a house, they were commanded to let their peace come upon that household, and were to be a blessing to the family where they stayed.
They were to exercise the power of their ministry in that household, to heal the sick and to leave blessing behind. So, as they went, they were giving far more than they got. All in the power of Christ.
Limited faith = limited answers about Jesus.
Limited faith = limited lives or limited blessings.
Limited faith = limited ministry and power.
Our daily prayer should be, “Increase our faith!”