Faith of a mustard seed

Sermon

The topic of faith is discussed continually throughout scripture.

the word “faith” is mentioned 245 times in the new testament.

Jesus teaches on faith numerous times in the gospel accounts.

What do you think faith is?

If it is mentioned frequently throughout scripture, Jesus teaches on it often, and we hear sermons about it (like tonight) why do Christians have such a hard time understanding faith?

I believe it is because we complicate and misunderstand faith.

2 Questions I want to answer tonight.

Before we address these questions with verses 5-6. We need to understand what Jesus teaches in verses 1-4

Luke 17:1–4 ESV

1 And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. 3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, 4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

Have you ever forgave someone who asked for forgiveness?

Jesus teaches if someone sins against you seven times, and each time they come to you and ask for forgiveness. You are to forgive them each time.

This is Difficult!!

As difficult as it is to admit you are wrong and ask a person for forgiveness.

Our sinful nature has a difficult time trusting people, and therefore it can be hard for us to actually forgive, especially when that person continues to do us wrong.

Disciples response

Luke 17:5–6 ESV

5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.

1. As a Christian do you need a large amount of faith?

Disciples are asking Jesus to supersize their faith.

Disciples know how hard of a task this would be and come to the conclusion that they would need more faith in order to forgive this person 7 times.

Jesus responds in vrs 6, that it is not actually the amount of faith, or how large your faith is that enables you to forgive a person.

“size of a mustard seed” Jesus literally thinks of the smallest thing he can and tells the power of just that amount of faith.

2. What is faith?

Such faith can cause the impossible to happen.

Jesus is teaching his disciples (who are complicating faith) that we don’t require our faith to be increased. All we need is genuine faith in our incredible God.

And genuine faith is trust.

Faith is simply trusting in the Lord, trusting in His will, and trusting in the promises He has made us in His word.

In your life right now, Do you trust the Lord?