How Does God Use Our Faith?

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God”

Text: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” ().

God Has Pardoned Our Sins

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.”

1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

A. We are saved by faith. When we repent of our sins and believe, we are justified and forgiven.

B. Justification brings peace with God. We are released from the sin caused by the fall of Adam (and eve of course)

God Purifies Our Hearts

“Giving them the Holy Ghost … purifying their hearts by faith” ().

“8 God knows people’s hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith.”

8 God knows people’s hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith.

A. We are sanctified by our faith. When we have totally surrendered our hearts to God, He brings the cleansing and infilling of the Holy Spirit.

B. A changed heart brings the purity of God’s power, causing the Christian (US) to triumph in our testing and our witnessing. , Paul tells us: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

God Produces’ through our Faith a great Joy!

“Believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable …” ().

“8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.”

8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.

A. Some Christians lack joy because they dwell, focus, linger, hang onto, dive into........ on the gloomy side. Their testimony is unconvincing. Really? Do we know anyone like that?

B. The forgiven, heaven-bound Christian joyfully shares Christ with others.

“5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”

5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

God Provides us Wisdom, (Do We Ask God for Wisdom?)

“5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.”

5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.

A. Many Christians lack wisdom because they insist on depending on their own learning., their own choices, their own selfishness.

B. God wants His children to make Biblical decisions, but we must ask Him for wisdom and believe He gives it to us. “The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”

8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

God Performs Miracles

“Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.”

29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.”

A. Many people think the days of miracles are past. Their lack of faith brings defeat.

“Jerusalem, Idumea, from east of the Jordan River, and even from as far north as Tyre and Sidon. The news about his (Jesus’) miracles had spread far and wide, and vast numbers of people came to see him."

8 Jerusalem, Idumea, from east of the Jordan River, and even from as far north as Tyre and Sidon. The news about his miracles had spread far and wide, and vast numbers of people came to see him.

B. The Lord doesn’t change. He still performs miracles when we believe He can perform them, when we have the faith that we are instructed to have. We are to expect He will perform them, and recognize them when He does perform them. Do we doubt? Of course we doubt.

“22 The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” 23 “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” 24 The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

22 The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” 23 “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” 24 The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

Our God Promises Victory over the evil one

“This is the victory … even our faith” ().

“For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.”

4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.

A. Millions are deceived by Satan, bewitched and defeated by the love of sinful pleasures and possessions.

B. Jesus overcame the world. Through faith, we too can be victorious.

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.

15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.

16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.

17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Putting on God’s armor against Spiritual Warfare, The Apostle Paul tells us in , to be victorious we must:

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.

17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

AMEN