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.
Faith isn’t just about believing in God's existence; it’s about actively trusting Him with our lives. It’s a mindset shift from trying to control everything to surrendering to God's plan. Trusting God’s power means we’re okay with not always understanding His methods or timing because we believe that His ways are better than ours. It’s about stepping out in obedience, even when the path isn’t clear, knowing that His strength will carry us through. Each time we see God come through in our lives, our confidence in His power grows, and our faith expands.
Ultimately, trusting God's power transforms us from passive believers into active followers. It gives us courage to face challenges, take risks, and obey God's call- Even when it’s uncomfortable or scary. When we truly believe that He is able, fear begins to fade, and boldness takes its place. This kind of trust isn’t a one-time thing; it’s an ongoing journey of surrender and obedience, where we continually choose to rely on His strength rather than our own. As we do, our faith grows deeper, and we become more confident in His ability to do the impossible in and through us.
Conclusion:
Just as a child takes small, brave steps to learn how to walk, our journey of faith begins with simple acts of trust- Forgiving others, serving humbly, and trusting God's power. Each step we take, no matter how small, brings us closer to a deeper, stronger faith; but the truth is, none of us can do this alone. We need God's help- His grace to grow, His strength to serve, and His power to transform our lives. Today, I invite you to respond to God's invitation to increase your faith. If you feel that your faith is small, if you desire to forgive someone who has hurt you, or if you want to surrender your struggles to God's mighty power, come forward now. Let’s lay down our doubts, our burdens, and our fears at the altar. Allow God to rekindle your trust and strengthen your walk.
Remember, faith isn't about having it all together; it's about trusting that Jesus is with us every step of the way. As we come to Him today, He will fill us with His Spirit, renew our hearts, and increase our faith like never before. So, I invite you now, (whether you want to start your faith journey or deepen it) step out in faith and come to the altar. Let’s believe together that God’s power and grace are more than enough to carry us through. Come, and let God increase your faith.
