A Humble Faith

Introduction

Story/Illustration: Share an example of someone whose humility and trust in authority made a difference.

Big Idea: Humble faith recognizes Jesus’ authority, trusts His power, and pleases God.

Transition: In Luke 7:1-10, we find a Roman centurion whose humility and faith amazed even Jesus. Let’s explore what made his faith so remarkable.

1. Humble Faith Recognizes Jesus’ Authority (Luke 7:1-3)

A: The Centurion’s Compassion

Context: The centurion cared deeply for his servant, despite being a man of power and privilege (v.2). His request reveals a heart that values others.

Cross Reference: Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition... but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”

Life Application: True faith flows out of love and care for others. Are we compassionate in our prayers, lifting others to Jesus?

B: The Centurion’s Acknowledgment of Jesus

Historical Note: Centurions were typically Roman soldiers of significant rank, overseeing about 100 soldiers. They were often feared and powerful, but this man saw himself as unworthy before Jesus.

Cross Reference: Matthew 8:8 – The parallel account shows the centurion saying, “Lord, I am not worthy.”

Illustration: Compare to Zwingli, who believed that recognizing our unworthiness is the foundation of faith: "The gospel leads us to see that we are unworthy, but through Christ, we are made whole."

Life Application: Do we recognize Jesus' authority over all aspects of our lives, humbly submitting to Him?

2. Humble Faith Trusts Jesus’ Power (Luke 7:4-8)

Subpoint 1: A Faith That Seeks Help

Key Verse: “He is worthy to have you do this for him” (v.4). The Jewish elders spoke of the centurion's merit, but he himself sought Jesus on the basis of mercy, not works.

Cross Reference: Psalm 121:2 – “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

Historical Illustration: The Reformers, including Zwingli, understood that salvation and help come from God alone, not from human effort or worthiness.

Subpoint 2: A Faith That Understands Authority

Key Verse: “Say the word, and let my servant be healed” (v.7). The centurion compared Jesus' authority to his own over his soldiers, trusting fully in Jesus’ power to heal.

Illustration: In the military, orders are followed without question. Similarly, faith trusts Jesus’ Word completely.

Life Application: Do we trust Jesus’ Word, even when the outcome isn’t visible? True faith rests in His promises without needing to see proof.

3. Humble Faith Pleases God (Luke 7:9-10)

Subpoint 1: Jesus’ Amazement at Faith

Key Verse: “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith” (v.9). The centurion’s faith stood out because of its simplicity and humility.

Historical Note: Zwingli believed that faith that honors God is rooted in complete trust: "Faith rests in God’s Word as its sure foundation."

Cross Reference: Hebrews 11:6 – “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.”

Subpoint 2: The Servant is Healed

Key Verse: “And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well” (v.10). The centurion’s faith brought about tangible results.

Illustration: Share a testimony of someone whose faith in God led to a miraculous result.

Life Application: Faith that pleases God isn’t about great deeds but great dependence on Him. Are we living in such a way that our faith amazes Jesus?

Conclusion

Summary: Humble faith recognizes Jesus’ authority, trusts His power, and pleases God.

Illustration: Zwingli emphasized that faith is like an anchor that holds firm in the storm, trusting in God’s sovereignty and power.

Challenge: This week, let us approach Jesus with humble hearts, trusting Him in every area of our lives. How can we grow in faith that pleases God?