Growing Faith: Trusting in Jesus for Strength

Today, we gathered to remember that our hope, our strength, and our very identity are rooted in Jesus Christ, not in ourselves. We began by lifting up the needs of our world, our nation, and our community in prayer, entrusting every burden to the God who knows and loves us. We prayed for peace, for those in authority, for the sick and suffering, and for the church to be filled with the Holy Spirit and renewed in zeal for the gospel. We also remembered the importance of blessing and nurturing our children, asking God to give us wisdom and patience as we guide them in the way of Christ.

Reflecting on the lives of great leaders—whether in sports, the arts, or the church—we recognized that what sets apart the truly great is not their own strength, but their humility and their focus on something greater than themselves. Billy Graham’s example reminded us that the power of our lives is not in our fame or ability, but in the message of Jesus and the desire to point others to Him. The heart of our life with God is faith—faith that is not static, but can grow, waver, and be renewed.

Even the apostles, after walking with Jesus and witnessing His miracles, recognized their need for greater faith. They asked, “Lord, increase our faith.” Jesus responded by teaching that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains, but He also challenged them—and us—to recognize our need for growth. This humility is essential; if the apostles needed a boost, so do we.

Paul’s words to Timothy echo this call. Timothy, though gifted and called, needed encouragement to “fan into flame” the gift God had given him. Paul reminded him—and us—that God gives us not a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. We are called to remember what God has already done, to look to Jesus as the object of our faith, and to step out in obedience, trusting that God will meet us with His provision.

Faith grows as we remember God’s faithfulness, celebrate answered prayers, and act in obedience even when the outcome is uncertain. Our faith is not in our own faith, but in Jesus Himself. As we come to the table, as we pray, as we serve, we are invited to continually turn our eyes to Christ, asking Him to increase our faith and to use us for His glory.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Faith Is Dynamic and Can Grow Faith is not a static possession, but something that can increase or decrease over time. Even the apostles, after witnessing Jesus’ miracles and ministry firsthand, recognized their need for greater faith and asked Jesus to increase it. This humility is essential for spiritual growth; acknowledging our need is the first step toward renewal. We are invited to bring our weakness to God, trusting that He can strengthen and grow our faith. [36:17]
• 2. The Object of Faith Is Jesus, Not Ourselves It is easy to fall into the trap of measuring our spiritual life by the strength of our own faith, but the true foundation is not our faith itself, but the One in whom we trust. Jesus is the object of our faith, and our hope rests in His character, His work, and His promises—not in our own ability to believe. Turning our eyes to Christ, especially in times of doubt or weakness, re-centers us on the unchanging source of our hope. [48:16]
• 3. Remembering God’s Past Faithfulness Fuels Present Faith When we recall the ways God has provided, answered prayers, and carried us through trials, our faith is strengthened for the challenges ahead. Paul encouraged Timothy to remember the gospel and God’s work in his life as a way to “fan into flame” the gift within him. Keeping a record of God’s faithfulness—through prayer journals or simply recounting His deeds—helps us to trust Him more deeply in the present. [46:47]
• 4. Faith Grows Through Obedient Action Stepping out in obedience, even when the outcome is uncertain, is a catalyst for spiritual growth. As we act on what God has called us to do, we experience His provision and see His reality at work in our lives. Each act of faith, no matter how small, becomes a testimony that strengthens us and those around us, reminding us that God is real and active. [51:42]
• 5. Spiritual Gifts Must Be Nurtured and Fanned Into Flame God gives spiritual gifts through both ordinary and extraordinary means, but these gifts require intentional cultivation. Paul’s instruction to Timothy to “fan into flame” the gift of God is a call to active participation in our spiritual growth. Through prayer, remembrance, and stepping out in faith, we cooperate with the Spirit to see these gifts flourish for the good of others and the glory of God.
  
  ** [43:56]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [11:42] - Opening Prayer and Confession
• [13:12] - Prayers for the World and Church
• [14:28] - Prayers for Sister Churches and Persecuted Believers
• [16:01] - Intercessions for the Sick and Needy
• [17:42] - Prayers for the Departed and Blessing of Children
• [30:41] - Prayer for the Spirit’s Guidance
• [31:16] - Reflections on Greatness and Humility
• [33:02] - The Example of Billy Graham
• [34:46] - The Call to Live by Faith
• [36:17] - The Apostles’ Request: “Increase Our Faith”
• [39:45] - Paul’s Encouragement to Timothy
• [42:08] - The Power of Outward Signs and Sacraments
• [43:56] - Fanning Spiritual Gifts into Flame
• [46:47] - Remembering God’s Faithfulness
• [48:16] - Jesus as the Object of Our Faith
• [51:42] - Faith in Action and God’s Provision
• [54:21] - Steps to Grow in Faith
• [56:07] - Invitation to Prayer and Worship
• [1:00:53] - Affirming the Faith: The Nicene Creed
• [1:08:25] - The Great Thanksgiving and Communion
• [1:13:29] - Sending and Blessing

1. In Luke 17:5, what do the apostles ask Jesus for, and how does He respond to their request? [36:17]
2. According to 2 Timothy 1:6-7, what does Paul encourage Timothy to do with the gift God has given him? What kind of spirit does God give? [40:18]
3. The sermon mentioned that even the apostles, after seeing Jesus’ miracles, felt their faith was too small. What does this reveal about the nature of faith? [38:57]
4. What does Psalm 37:5 promise will happen when we commit our way to the Lord and trust in Him? [52:01]

1. Why do you think the apostles, who had already witnessed so much, still felt the need to ask Jesus to increase their faith? What does this say about the journey of faith? [36:17]
2. Paul tells Timothy to “fan into flame” the gift of God. What might it look like for someone today to actively nurture and grow their spiritual gifts? [43:56]
3. The sermon emphasized that the object of our faith is Jesus, not our own ability to believe. Why is it important to keep this distinction clear, especially during times of doubt or weakness? [48:16]
4. How does remembering God’s past faithfulness help us face current or future challenges? Can you think of a reason why Paul would remind Timothy of this? [46:47]

1. The apostles humbly admitted their need for more faith. Is there an area in your life right now where you feel your faith is “too small”? What would it look like to bring that honestly to Jesus in prayer this week? [36:17]
2. Paul encouraged Timothy to “fan into flame” his spiritual gift. Is there a gift or calling in your life that you have neglected or allowed to grow cold? What is one practical step you could take this week to nurture it? [43:56]
3. The sermon shared that faith grows as we remember God’s faithfulness. Do you keep any kind of record (journal, notes, etc.) of answered prayers or God’s provision? If not, what is one way you could start remembering and celebrating God’s work in your life? [46:47]
4. The message warned against putting faith in our own faith, rather than in Jesus Himself. Are there times when you measure your spiritual life by how “strong” you feel, instead of focusing on Christ? How can you re-center your hope on Jesus this week? [48:16]
5. Stepping out in obedience, even when the outcome is uncertain, was described as a catalyst for spiritual growth. Is there something you sense God is calling you to do, but you’re hesitant because you don’t know how it will turn out? What would it look like to take a small step of obedience? [51:42]
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of blessing and nurturing children in the way of Christ. If you have children or influence over young people, what is one way you can intentionally guide them in faith this week? [18:13]
7. When was the last time you saw your faith grow because you acted in obedience and saw God provide? Would you be willing to share that story with the group to encourage others? [54:10]