7 Ways to Develop Greater Faith

1 John 4:3–5 “3 But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here. 4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 5 Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them.”

I. With Your Mind—Believe, what is on your mind each day?

A. Many fail because of unbelief. They doubt God’s Word, will, and work.

B. Thinking about God’s goodness, mercy, power, and love increases our faith.

1 John 4:3–5 tells us: “3 But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here. 4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 5 Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them.

II. With Your Eyes, are you looking for ways to increase your faith and ways to love others?

A. Many lack faith because they look at the faults and failures of others. They see the bad, not the good.

B. We use our faith rightly when we keep our eyes on Jesus and seek the good in others.

Hebrews 12:2–3 “2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.”

III. With Your Ears—Hearing, what and who are you listening to?

A. Many are weak in faith because they listen to sensualism, smut, and slander.

B. We use our faith properly by listening to what God has to say.

John 5:23–25 “23 so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son is certainly not honoring the Father who sent him. 24 “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. 25 “And I assure you that the time is coming, indeed it’s here now, when the dead will hear my voice—the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live.”

IV. With Your Voice—Speak, what kind of conversations are you having with friends and family?

A. People talk about the weather, the news, and their neighbors.

B. We use our faith by talking about the goodness of God and by witnessing to the lost about Jesus Christ.

Psalm 105:1–3 “1 Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. 2 Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. 3 Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord.”

V. With Your Hands—are you looking for ways to love others and show them what Jesus is all about?

A. Many fail to develop their faith because they do so little for God. They live selfishly.

B. Just as work is important to our physical well-being, it is also necessary for our spiritual well-being.

James 2:17–19 “17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. 18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” 19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.”

VI. With Your Feet—Go do something......walk up to someone and be NICE.........

A. People are on the go—taking vacations, seeking pleasure far and near.

B. We use our faith by going for God—attending church, helping the needy, and winning souls to Him.

Matthew 28:19–20 “19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

VII. With Your Heart—Love, well, I preach on this each week.

1 John 4:6–8 “6 But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception. 7 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”

A. We live in a materialistic age. Many love pleasures and possessions more than God and their neighbor.

B. We reveal our faith by loving God and caring for others.

1 John 5:2 “2 We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments.”

AMEN