Increase Our Faith Series

Series: Jesus- Son Of Man [#60]

INCREASE OUR FAITH

Luke 17:1-10

Introduction:

Through the years, I have watched many children learn how to walk. At first, they stumble and fall, unsure if they can stand or take a step; but with encouragement and patience from their family, they keep trying. Each step, no matter how wobbly, increases their confidence. Over time, they walk steadily, trusting that their parents will catch them if they fall.

Our faith works the same way. It’s a journey of small steps, (learning to forgive, serve humbly, and trust God's power) that gradually strengthen us. Just like the child’s confidence grows with each step, our faith grows as we practice these spiritual disciplines every day. The key is to keep moving forward, trusting that God is with us every step of the way, ready to strengthen our faith.

Luke 17:1-4

Increase your faith by…

1. Forgiving others.

Forgiving others is more than just letting go of resentment; it's an act of trusting that God's justice and mercy are bigger than anything we can handle on our own. When we choose to forgive someone who has hurt us, we’re saying, “I believe God’s plan is better than my desire for revenge or retribution.” It’s a step of faith that reminds us we don’t have to carry the weight of pain alone- God is in control, working to bring healing and restoration even when it’s hard to see. Forgiveness becomes a way to deepen our trust in His sovereignty, showing that we believe His love and justice will prevail.

At the same time, forgiving others requires vulnerability. It’s a risky move (opening ourselves up to the possibility of getting hurt again) but it’s also a sign that we believe God's grace is enough to sustain us through those difficult moments. When we forgive, we’re reaffirming our faith that God's power can transform even the most painful experiences into opportunities for growth and grace. It’s about trusting that God’s mercy can heal our deepest wounds and that, through forgiveness, we become more like Christ- Reflecting His unconditional love and extending it to others.

Finally, forgiveness is a continuous journey- An ongoing practice of faith. Jesus tells us to forgive not just once, but repeatedly, which shows that this isn’t a one-time event but a lifestyle of trusting God's grace daily. Each time we forgive, we’re building our faith muscles, proving that God's patience and mercy are enough to sustain us. When we forgive, we acknowledge our need for God's forgiveness too, becoming more humble and dependent on His love. Over time, this practice transforms us from the inside out, strengthening our relationship with God and helping us grow in faith, hope, and love.

Luke 17:5-10

Increase your faith by…

2. Serving humbly.

Increasing our faith isn’t about trying harder or seeking big moments of recognition; it’s about adopting a heart of humility and trusting that God is in control. When we serve others without expecting praise or reward, we show that we believe God's strength is enough for us. It’s in those quiet, unseen acts of kindness, (when we humble ourselves and put others first) that our trust in God's sovereignty grows stronger. Humble service becomes a practical way to live out our faith daily, reminding us that our worth isn’t based on what others see but on what God sees in us.

By serving in humility, we mirror the heart of Jesus Himself. He came to serve, not to be served, and His life was a perfect example of how true greatness is found in lowliness. When we imitate Him, (whether it’s helping a neighbor, listening to someone in need, or simply doing our part without seeking recognition) we align our hearts with His. This process shapes us into mature followers of Christ, teaching us patience, dependence on God's grace, and a deeper trust that God’s plans are better than ours. Over time, these acts of humble service transform our faith from a mere belief into a living, breathing relationship with God.

Ultimately, serving humbly is a pathway to experience God's power working through us. It’s only when we admit that we can’t do everything on our own and rely on His grace that our faith truly deepens. As we surrender our pride and ego, we open ourselves to God's transformative work- Changing us from the inside out. The more we serve with humility, the more our trust in God's goodness and faithfulness grows. In doing so, we participate in God's mission, discovering that real faith is built not on our achievements, but on our willingness to serve others just as Christ did.

Luke 17:10

Increase your faith by…

3. Trusting God’s power.

Trusting God's power means recognizing that we’re often limited and powerless on our own, but God is infinitely capable of doing more than we can imagine. When Jesus talks about being unworthy servants, He's reminding us that true faith starts with humility- Admitting that we can’t handle everything ourselves and that we need God's strength. Sometimes, we get caught up trying to fix everything through our own effort, but real trust requires us to let go and lean fully on God's unlimited power, even when things feel impossible or uncertain.