Amazing Faith

How to Fill Your Faith Tank

Matthew 8:5–8 NLT

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.” Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed.

Matthew 8:9–10 NLT

I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!

Jesus never marveled at anyone’s knowledge or obedience.

Mark 6:3 NLT

Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.

Mark 6:6 NLT

And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people.

Great Faith/Lack of Faith

Faith has an object

The object of faith is not a particular outcome

Jesus established himself as the object of faith.

John 14:1 NLT

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.

Jesus came to show us what God is like.

Matthew 5:43 NLT

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy.

Matthew 5:44–45 NLT

But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.

Matthew 5:45 NLT

In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.

Colossians 2:17 NLT

For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality.

Jesus was the perfect representation of the Father.

What is the currency of a relationship? Trust

God revealed himself through Jesus.

Jesus invited people to trust him.

God is most honored by our living, active, death-defying, in-spite-of trust in Him.

What would I do if I was confident God was with me?

When we see that kind of faith...

We want that kind of faith.

An enduring faith of their own

What fuels or facilitates the development of enduring faith?

What are the essential ingredients that when stirred together result in enduring confidence in God?

An active faith looks different in every season of life.

For Discussion