Flourishing Faith

Keep Faith Flourishing

A. Faith is important. Here are a few fascinating facts about faith.

1. Salvation is by faith alone (; )

2. Even faint faith (mustard seed type) can do great things ()

3. Foundational faith is vital for stable church growth ( )

4. Flourishing faith keeps on growing ()

B. We need to keep our faith flourishing.

1. Consistent living keeps faith flourishing.

2. Church involvement keeps faith flourishing.

3. Constant church-wide outreach keeps faith flourishing.

C. Let’s develop the principles of flourishing faith. Let’s read:

Psalm 92:12–15 NKJV

12 The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those who are planted in the house of the Lord Shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing, 15 To declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

So, let’s develop the principles of flourishing faith.

Consistent Living Keeps Faith Flourishing (v. 12)

1. “The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree”

a. The righteous are compared to the palm tree. The palm-tree is long-lived and which the winter does not change. It has been said of the palm-tree, —The more it is pressed down the more it grows; so the righteous flourish under their burdens; the more they are afflicted the more they multiply. The palm tree is also productive for many years. The fruit of which is very desirable.

2. Consider some heroes of the faith.

the palm-tree, which is long-lived and which the winter does not change. It has been said of the palm-tree, Sub pondere crescit—The more it is pressed down the more it grows; so the righteous flourish under their burdens; the more they are afflicted the more they multiply.

Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 879.

a. Joseph’s faith flourished, even in prison (-13)

b. Stephen’s faith flourished when martyrdom approached ()

c. Paul’s faith flourished under severe persecution ()

3. See for examples of flourishing faith during tough times.

4. Faith flourishes in proportion to our total dedication to Christ.

Church Involvement Keeps Faith Flourishing (v. 13)

ps.

Psalm 92:13 NKJV

13 Those who are planted in the house of the Lord Shall flourish in the courts of our God.

1. The house of the Lord can speak of the people of God. ()

2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV

14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

a. The gathering of God’s people speaks of fellowship and faith.

2. The house of the Lord speaks of prayer ()

a. “Shall humble themselves and pray”

b. People praying for one another builds faith.

3. The house of the Lord speaks of seeking God. ()

a. People who seek revival build faith.

b. Fellowshipping, praying, loving people cause faith to flourish.

Constant Church-Wide Outreach Causes Faith to Flourish (v. 14)

Psalm 92:14 NKJV

14 They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing,

1. Flourishing faith is the result of continuing vitality. We’re never too old that we become useless.

a. Those who constantly reach out and not only stay connected to the people of God, but reach out to touch others’ lives keep flourishing.

b. The thrill of touching others’ lives on a regular basis keeps faith flourishing. Being part of others’ faith stories keeps things alive.

Don’t slow down. Stay connected. Continue reaching out. Keep bearing fruit.

Conclusion:

A. Is your faith flourishing or fainting?

B. What will you do to get your faith flourishing again?