Scripture Reading: Luke 17:1-5

Lord, Increase Our Faith

Intro.

1. Meeting the moral requirements of being a Christian requires great faith, 1 Jno. 5:3-5.

2. The responsibility to not be a stumbling block (by not forgiving those who sin against us) is a true test of our faith, Lk. 17:1-4.

3. The apostles recognized this and asked Jesus to “increase their faith.”

4. We must grow in our personal faith in order to achieve the mind of Christ and to meet the moral challenges of discipleship.

a. Your faith can grow.

b. Nobody can increase your faith for you.

c. Christ gives us the tools we need to grow in faith.

d. Enlarging faith requires committing to the growth process.

e. Christ expects us to grow in our faith, Heb. 5:12.

5. When disciples asked Jesus to “increase our faith”, His answer blended the power of God with obedient faith, Phil. 2:12-13.

I. TRUST THE POWER OF FAITH, 17:6 (1 Jno. 5:4-5).

A. Trust the Power of God in Whom You Put Your Faith.

1. Mustard seed: Small, but accomplishes what God intends.

2. “No task assigned by the Lord, including even causing a mulberry tree to be uprooted and planted in the sea, would be impossible for you to accomplish, as long as you remain in trustful contact with God.” (Wm. Hendriksen, The Gospel of Luke, 795).

3. Faith to do whatever God wants you to do (17:6):

a. Example: Peter walking on the water, Matt. 14:27-32.

b. Apostles working miracles, Matt. 17:14-20.

4. All that He commands us to do (not a stumbling block, forgive,

B. Increase Your Faith by Doing Whatever God Says to Do, Lk. 17:6.

1. Complete reliance upon God in your life. Faith to…

a. Forgive those who sin against us, Lk. 17:3-4.

b. Not be a stumbling block to others, Lk. 17:1-2.

c. Withstand temptations, 1 Pet. 5:6-10.

d. Deny self, take up your cross and follow Jesus (Lk. 9:23).

II. GIVE THE SERVICE OF FAITH, Lk. 17:7-9 (Rom. 6:16, 19).

A. Watchful Obedience, Lk. 12:35-40.

-Be a servant of Christ who is watchful and ready at His bidding; the Master will reward you.

B. Careful Obedience, Lk. 12:41-46 (2 Tim. 3:10-12).

1. The faithful servant is careful to please his master, not himself (2 Cor. 5:9).

2. Servant doesn’t tell the Master what he will and won’t do.

C. Knowledgeable Obedience, Lk. 12:47-48.

-With knowledge comes responsibility (Matt. 11:29; Jno. 8:31-32).

D. Assurance of Reward (Eph. 2:8-10; 2 Tim. 4:6-8). 1 Jno. 5:13

III. OBEY THE DUTY OF FAITH, Lk. 17:10.

A. The Humble Dependence of Faith in God:

1. For salvation from sin and death (Heb. 2:14-15; 4:16; Psa. 23).

2. For guidance from word of truth (Psa. 119:105).

3. For protection from overwhelming trials (cf. Heb. 12:2-3).

4. For assurance of eternal rest (Rev. 14:13).

B. Do All the Lord Commands You, cf. Jas. 4:17 (2:10-12) 1:21-22.

1. Responsibly, being trustworthy, 1 Tim. 1:12.

2. Pure conscience, 2 Tim. 1:3.

3. Reverence and godly fear, Heb. 12:28.

Conclusion

1. Faith increases as we rely on our Master and obediently serve him.

2. Without faith it is impossible to please Him (Heb. 11:6).

3. Faith will grow when we trust the power of God in our lives, when we diligently serve Him and when we dutifully obey Him.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: December 15, 2016