DEGREES OF FAITH!
The Bible shows us that there are degrees of faith. In this outline we list the Bible degrees of faith and the how we can increase our faith and in closing how that Jesus always had quick results in His Faith. The disciples said in Luke 17:5 (KJV) And the apostles said unto the Lord, 'Increase our faith.'
Text: Luke 17:4-6
I. Degree of 'NO FAITH!'
Mark 4:40 (KJV) And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?
A. A sinner has no faith. We receive faith we are saved. Romans 12:3 (KJV) For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
1. We are saved by faith. We hear, believe and then receive.
II. Degree of 'LITTLE FAITH.'
Matthew 6:30 (KJV) Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
A. It is not the size but the 'use.'
III. Degree called 'WEAK FAITH.'
Romans 4:19 (KJV) And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:
A. Abraham did not have weak faith.
IV. Degree of 'STRONG FAITH.'
Romans 4:20 (KJV) He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
A. Abraham had strong faith.
V. Degree of 'GREAT FAITH.'
Matthew 8:10 (KJV) When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
A. To have great faith you much take God at His Word like a child believe his father.
1. Not by sight!
2. Not by feeling!
3. By His Word.
VI. Degree of 'FULL FAITH.'
Acts 6:8 (KJV) And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
A. This is what I want.
1. We can have it only if we are living in His Word.
2. We walk by faith when we live in His Word.
VII. Degree of being 'RICH IN FAITH.'
James 2:5 (KJV) Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
A. We can be rich in faith and an heir to the kingdom.
1. This again in getting into His Word, hearing, meditating, believing and speaking His Word.
VIII. How can we fire up our faith from no or little faith to full faith?
A. As a sinner, come to Christ; receive Him as your personal Saviour.
B. To grow in faith we must look to the Lord.
Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
1. We must get our eyes on Him.
2. Then do what Rom 10:17 says Romans 10:17 (KJV) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
3. The word 'hearing' means to listen, attend, obey and observe what is commanded.
4. The Word of God is also the Word of Faith and the more we hear the Word of Faith the more our faith will increase.
IX. Jesus always had quick results. We see the word "immediately' many times as He ministered to the people. Matthew 8:3 (KJV) And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. - Matthew 14:31 (KJV) And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? - Matthew 20:34 (KJV) So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him. - Mark 1:31 (KJV) And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.
X. Jesus did answer the apostle's prayer to increase their faith.
Acts 3:7 (KJV) And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. - Acts 9:34 (KJV) And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
My prayer for you is that you would have your faith increased and you would be full of faith.
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