Different Expressions Of Faith Lesson 2 Series

A. MANY PURPOSES FOR FAITH

1. Get more faith. “From faith to faith” (Rom. 1:17).

a. Intensity, you get more faith.

b. Variety, you get different kinds of faith.

2. When faith is not enough. “Oh you of little faith” (Matt. 14:31).

3. When faith is unable. “Weak in faith” (Rom. 14:1).

4. Most believers have faith for a few tasks, but not all faith for all tasks.

B. FAITH ACCORDING TO OUR SPIRITUAL GIFTEDNESS (ABILITIES)

1. We can grow our spiritual gifts. “Desire earnestly the best gifts” (I Cor. 12:31).

a. Intensity, to use gifts more effectively.

b. Variety, to manifest different gifts.

2. Each has an identifying gift. “Everyone has his proper gift” (I Cor. 7:7).

3. All have all gifts embryonically.

a. The gift is the Holy Spirit and all believers have Him (Rom. 8:4).

b. The Bible commands us to do all ministries. God wouldn’t give us a responsibility without the ability.

C. THE TASK OF FAITH

1. Evangelism.

a. Faith is obedience to God’s command.

b. Church outreach. “Go . . . make disciples of all ethnic groups” (Matt. 28:19, ELT).

c. Individuals. “He that winneth souls is wise” (Prov. 11:30).

d. Billy Graham and Brother Worley.

2. Serving or ministering to people (dikonia)

a. Faith to see God work in others.

b. “Or ministry, let us use it in our ministering” (Rom. 12:7). “God hath set in the church . . . helps” (I Cor. 12:28).

c. Ushers, deacons, women’s ministry.

3. Counseling or mercy showing.

a. Faith to see God work through sympathy, empathy, or mentoring.

b. “He that showeth mercy’ (Rom. 12:8).

c. Counselors, women’s ministry.

4. Teaching or Bible explanation

a. The passion to study to know and share truth from scripture.

b. “God hath dealt the measure of faith . . . on teaching” (Rom. 12:3, 7). “And He gave some . . . teachers” (Eph. 4:11). “Though I have the gift . . . and understand all knowledge and all mysteries and though I have all faith” (I Cor. 13:2).

c. Uses faith for spiritual illumination of scriptures, both to know and to share.

5. Exhortation and encouragement

a. Positive and practical. Faith to help people overcome difficulties and live for God.

b. “God hath dealt . . . the measure of faith . . . he that exhorteth” (Rom. 12:3, 8).

6. Prophecy, correction, warning rebuke, preaching.

a. To be jealous for God’s reputation and His law.

b. “Let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith” (Rom. 12:3, 6).

c. Emphasis drunkenness, abortion, drugs, cursing, etc.

7. Shepherding, pastoring, leading

a. Includes pastors, and those who do pastoring tasks.

b. “And he gave some . . . pastors and teachers” (Eph. 4:11).

c. Faith to see God’s work in a corporate congregation and individuals.

d. A Sunday school teacher is the extension of the pastor’s ministry into the life of the class.

8. Administrating, managing, directing.

a. Faith to use the right person in the right place at the right time, to do the right job, in the right way.

b. “God hath dealt the measure of faith . . . he that ruleth” (Rom. 12: 3, 8) “governments” (I Cor. 12:28).

9. Giving, supporting

a. Faith to give money to accomplish God’s purpose.

b. “God hath dealt the measure of faith . . . he that giveth” (Rom. 12:3, 8).

10. Overcome obstacles, money, property, things.

a. Faith to eliminate obstacles that hinder the work of God.

b. “Though I have all faith . . . to remove mountains

(I Cor. 13:2). “If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove . . . it shall remove” (Matt. 17:20).

11. Pain, suffering, affliction.

a. Faith to glorify God through suffering.

b. “The trial of your faith” (I Peter 1:7). “Trying of your faith” (James 1:3).

12. Martyrdom, persecution.

a. Faith to glorify God when persecuted.

b. “Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness sake . . . revile you . . . say all manner of evil against you falsely” (Matt. 5:11-12).

APPLICATION OF FAITH

13. To have a vision/dream of task.

14. To make life-changing decisions.

15. To become intimate with God.

16. To manage your time, talent and treasures for God.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.