Note: This sermon Outline is from the notes of Dr. Paul Garrett (1908-1997) an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene and former District Superintendent of the Dallas District Church of the Nazarene. He pastored churches in Oklahoma and Texas. Dr. Paul was a second cousin to Raymond Williams.
Lack of Faith
The greatest hindrance to faith is the inward principle of unbelief implanted in the soul by our great enemy the devil.
Consider the results and working of this inward evil.
I. It produces fear. “Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith” Mark 4:40
1. Our Lord might have said, “COURAGE”, but he says no faith.
2. Fear hath torment. Most effective of evil’s weapons.
Fear of God
Fear of man
Fear of death
Fear of suffering
All are the fault of unbelief in the heart. The Christian cannot struggle with this inward fear – The root and source must be removed.
II. It causes reasonings. “O Ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves.” Matthew 16:8
1. Few evils are more destructive to simple faith, peace and joy in believing than reasonings of the carnal mind.
Jesus did not say, “Oh ye of little sense.” Much of reasoning arises through unbelief.
The Lord attributes these reasonings to unbelief.
III. It defeats the purpose of God. “He did not many mighty works because of their unbelief.” Matthew 13:58. “He could there do no mighty work … and He marveled because of their unbelief.” Mark 6:5-6
1. God’s work of grace is conditional on the faith of his children. John Wesley said, “God does nothing except in answer to believing prayer.”
2. God’s love gives blessing unsought, unrecognized and unacknowledged.
3. God is Good – expect to see it.
4. God is Love – rejoice therefore continually in Him.
5. God is Almighty – be surprised at nothing He can do.
6. God is Faithful – count on Him, reckon on certain fulfillment of His promise.
IV. It puts a veil upon our heart. “The veil is upon their heart.” 2 Corinthians 3:15.
1. The soul has various senses whereby it apprehends spiritual realities. The Word of God speaks of seeing, feeling, hearing and tasting.
2. The writer of Hebrews gives his definition of the perfect man: one whose senses are sharpened to discern good and evil.
3. Unbelief puts a veil upon the heart and dulls the spiritual sense. Paralysis our power of appropriating deep spiritual blessings for ourselves.
4. Unbelief is not synonymous with doubt. One may have no doubt but be full of unbelief. Doubt is a positive thing – Unbelief is a negative evil.
5. We may sit still with empty hands (a heart free of doubt) waiting for a blessing to reach us. But we shall weight in vain. We need to be up and laying hold of the precious promises.
V. It robs us of power. “Why could not we cast him out? Because of your unbelief.” Matthew 17:19-20
1. Unbelief not only robs us spiritual joy. It acts as a veil upon the hearts. It robs of power with God and man. No power to deal with the needs about us. Peter said, “Look on us – such as I have give I unto thee.” Peter was saying it was power, faith in the Name he possessed.
2. Unbelief robs us this most priceless thing, faith in the Name of the Lord Jesus. We don’t expect God to do impossibilities, We struggle, try, pray, preach and suffer. But the evil remains, revival traies, sinners are not getting awakened and converted. God is not being glorified.
VI. It causes us to depart from God. “…an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the Living God.” Hebrews 3:12
1. Few people ever deem it strange that it is the nature of man who are entirely dependent upon their Creator every moment for their very life and existence to turn from Him. To never inquire after Him. To even think of Him.
2. The Devil has planted the poison of unbelief
3. Invitation
