A picture of faith

Introduction

The scriptures-

define faith- Hebrews 11:1 “1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Object of faith- Acts 16:31 “31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.””

The result of faith- Romans 5:1 “1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,”

The source of faith Ephesians 2:8 “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,”

In our passage we have an example of faith- we see what faith looks like.

We learn from our passage a person with Great faith has a low view of themselves and a high view of Jesus Christ. True faith looks away from themselves and looks to Christ. True faith has no confidence in itself but in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Jesus gives forgiveness of sin, peace with God, redemption, eternal life.

What condition is there?

Faith. Ephesians 2:8, Rom 5:1

What is the kind of faith that Jesus requires?

The intent of this passage is to show the reader the way we should come to Christ and the response we can expect from Christ when we come.

Here we have an example of faith that we should follow. We also see Jesus’ response to faith that we can expect.

I. An example of faith v.3-8

Tell Narrative

True faith looks away from itself and looks to Christ. A person with God given faith places no confidence in themselves but in Christ alone.

a) Looks away from itself v.7

-He came humbly- He had a low view of himself- I am not worthy.

True biblical faith begins here and stays here.

Blessed are the poor in Spirit- True faith has a proper view of itself.

The tax collector- God be merciful to me a sinner, went home justified.

Illustration-

Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling; naked, come to thee for dress; helpless, look to thee for grace; foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me, Savior, or I die.

True faith has a grasp of biblical anthropology- an understand of human nature- fallen, sinful, undeserving.

b) Looks to Christ v.7-8

-He came believing Jesus had the power- Only say the word.

He had a high view of Jesus. He believed what he heard about him.

We are in a better position than this man with a fuller revelation.

True faith has a proper view of Christ

Of his person- Divine nature, second person of the Trinity, who became man.

Of his work- His perfect life, his substitutionary atonement, his resurrection, his ascension and heavenly session, his return.

Of his sufficiency- No need to add to his saving work.

App-

-Sinners must come humbly.

-Believers must remain humble- balance with justification- in ourselves we are unworthy but our worthiness is found in Christ.

-Have faith in the sufficiency of Christ- unbeliever trust his person and work to be sufficient for your salvation

-Believer trust Christ is able to keep you, provide for you, be all you need.

II. Jesus responds to faith v.9-10

a) Amazed at faith v.9

He marvelled at the man’s faith - note Jesus did not make mention of the good things the man did, but it was his faith that was important.- Justification by faith.

This man would have had an imperfect faith, he perhaps wouldn't have fully understood many things, but salvation does not depend on the strength of our faith but on where our faith is placed.

We trust in Jesus blood and righteous. We don't trust in the strength of our faith.

He was amazed- reminds us of the true human nature of Christ. Remind about the hypostatic union.

Jesus desires faith.

He was often grieved at unbelief- even among his disciples- Oh you of little faith.

One thing that stood out to Jesus was this man had more faith than those who should have out faithed him.

b) Responds to faith v.10

-He healed his servant

Jesus exceeded the man’s faith. We don’t even read of Jesus saying a word.

The one who comes to me, I will never turn away.

App- Non Christian believe and be saved. The miracles pointed to the trust of Christ claims and work. He doesn't promise to heal everyone but he does promise to forgive your sin and give you eternal life.

Christian- not found such faith in Israel- sometimes people who should have more faith are found to have less than those who should have less. Example of a new believer. Here is a gentle challenge.

How can we increase our faith?

Story of DL Moody - faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

Be careful not to depend upon the strength of our faith. But depend upon Christ.

Conclusion

It is by faith that we received all of the benefits Jesus Christ gives. Forgiveness of sins, peace with God, eternal life, the hope of the resurrection.

What is faith?

We see in our passage true faith looks away from itself and looks to Christ alone.

This is what Jesus calls great faith.