Growing Strong In Faith #2

Abraham Grew Strong In Faith

Abraham is a model for us, our “Father In The Faith”.

Explanation: 1 Corinthians 4:15

1 Corinthians 4:15 ESV

For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Illustration: Our earthly fathers; our fathers in the faith- Br Hagin, T L Osborn. Our Tutors: Rev Doug Jones, Smith Wigglesworth.

Explanation: Paul said, follow me as I follow Christ 1 Corinthians 11:1

1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Explanation: yet Abraham is given as a model of someone who found righteousness by faith and received promises by faith.

1. ‘Respect To The Word Of God’ Romans 4:20

The issue that Abraham considered was what God had promised.

Strong Faith, faith in God, is a conviction based on what God has said.

Explanation: God is commited to His Word- what He has said- not to what WE think He has said!

Illustration: Mark 7:13

Mark 7:13 ESV

thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”

The pharisees put their own spin on God’s Word, thereby making it void.

Illustration ‘Paul’s Thorn’ ...Did more harm for the church than it ever did for Paul. 2 Corinthians 12:7

2 Corinthians 12:7 ESV

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.

2. Seek Understanding

Abraham had questions that he needed answering. He ‘contemplated’, he becamse fully assured.

Explanation: Questions - Good; Unbelief - BAD

Illustration: Parable of The Sower -according to Jesus, understanding the Word is the key characteristic of ‘good soil’.

Matthew 13:23 ESV

As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

Explanation: Understand, in today’s venacular means, ‘join the dots’.

Illustration: