The Progression of Faith
Gods Word for Life • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Title: The Progression of Faith
There is a key formula or equation that must not be missed in this passage.
Just like in any scientific formula or mathematical equation, when the formula is properly is worked, it produces a specific result.
1 + 1 = 2 is a formula that is established and no matter what you do, will never change.
Language does not change this
Culture does not change this.
Circumstance does not change this.
What you think does not change this.
There is also a formula for pleasing God that is just as clear, just as unwavering as 1 + 1 = 2.
The text book of formulas is the Word of God.
To be a good person: Proverbs, Micah, Psalms, Matthew, Luke, James, Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, 1 John, 1 Corinthians - all deal with how to be a good person.
The Bible is full of formulas that all point to one thing: pleasing God.
Understanding God
Creation and humanity
Purpose
Sin and redemption
Promises
God’s love and faithfulness
Justice and Mercy
Faith and obedience
Salvation and deliverance
Worship and praise
Community and unity
Hope and restoration
All of these and MORE are in the pages of the Word of God.
Formulas, equations that if you will work, WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
Saying: It’s as easy as falling off a log…
F = GMm/R²
GRAVITY!
When you live the Word of God, It’s as easy as falling off a log!
Most key formula of the Bible is salvation…
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
Zeal: intense, positive interest in something - faith
Knowledge: recognition
They had zeal, passion for God but never recognized him Him for who is was.
They had zeal, passion for God but never built a relationship with him.
Salvation begins with an interest that leads to a recognition that there is something greater than me out there!
The belief that there is a God who can speak peace into my chaotic life!
To be saved, one must have faith and believe!
That faith and belief begins to produce righteousness.
Look at the story of the Rich Young ruler in Mark 10.
Step by step formula Jesus presented to him until the final step…
Jesus was drawing him along…
Through the process.
One think you lack….
He went away sorrowful because he was not willing to follow the formula!
KEY: hear the Word of God.
You cannot stop or change the formula or process!
Formula: James1.22
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Hear the voice of God + obey = Blessed and fulfilled (verse 25)
Faith mixed with the Word produces confession!
A recognition that you need help!
Faith + Word + Confession = Profession
Much used statement today… so watered down that it means nothing.
When the first century church made a profession of faith - Jesus is Lord - they were in the same sentence professing that Ceasar was NOT lord!
Why so many were killed!
If you will work the Biblical formulas, your life will be changed forever!
Things in our lives to help us figure out the formulas
House of God - Church attendance is critical to your spiritual survival
People of God - you that are spiritual strengthen the weak
Spirit of God - our teacher leading and guiding us
Man of God - leading and directing the Church of God
Word of God - Final authority
Conclusion:
Where/when does salvation begin?
When is a house painted and when does it begin?
Begins w a thought
Complete when paints purchased, paint applied, tools are cleaned up and in there proper place.
Jesus paid the price, you have to think the thought, apply the blood, get cleaned up and in your proper place!
