True Faith: Obedience, Gratitude, and Identity in Christ
Summary
Today, we embark on a journey of understanding what true faith is and how it manifests in our lives. We begin by acknowledging that faith is not about the quantity we possess but about the quality and the direction of our faith. We often hear the phrase "greater faith" and think it means we need to muster up more belief, more effort, or more spiritual energy. However, the essence of faith is much simpler and more profound.
We start by looking at Luke 17, where Jesus encounters ten men with leprosy. These men, standing at a distance, cry out, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" They don't curse their situation or blame God for their affliction. Instead, they recognize that sin brought death and suffering into the world, not God. They understand that God is the giver of life and that Jesus came to restore what sin had stolen. This understanding is crucial because it shifts our perspective from blaming God to seeking His mercy and grace.
Jesus responds to their plea by telling them to go and show themselves to the priests. This command is significant because, according to Levitical law, the priests were the ones who could declare a person clean or unclean. By sending them to the priests, Jesus is asking them to act in faith, to believe in their healing even before they see it. As they obey and go, they are cleansed of their leprosy. This act of obedience, even when it seems illogical, is a demonstration of faith.
One of the ten, a Samaritan, returns to Jesus, praising God in a loud voice and throwing himself at Jesus' feet in gratitude. Jesus acknowledges his faith and tells him that his faith has made him well. This man's return to give thanks highlights an essential aspect of faith: gratitude. True faith is not just about receiving a miracle; it's about recognizing the source of that miracle and responding with a heart full of gratitude.
We then explore the concept of faith further by examining the story of a man who received a Bible from an evangelist. The man initially wanted the Bible for its paper, which he intended to use for rolling cigarettes. The evangelist agreed to give him the Bible on the condition that he read each page before smoking it. Years later, the man returns, transformed by the Word of God. He had read through Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and by the time he reached John, the Word had smoked him, leading him to a life-changing encounter with Jesus. This story illustrates that even confusing or imperfect faith can lead to profound transformation when it is directed towards Jesus.
We also discuss the importance of understanding our identity in Christ. Many of us struggle with feelings of unworthiness, believing that we need to reach a certain level of faith or spiritual maturity before God will act on our behalf. However, the truth is that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross has already made us worthy. Our faith is not about our efforts or our righteousness; it's about believing in what Jesus has already done for us.
Faith is not about loud prayers, long words, or quoting scriptures. It's about approaching God's throne with confidence, knowing that His power is where our hope lies. Whether we pray loudly or quietly, the key is to pray and believe. Faith is not about the volume or the memorization of our prayers; it's about the sincerity and the direction of our faith.
In conclusion, faith is understanding that believing in Jesus is enough. Greater faith is living from a place of gratitude, continually returning to the One who is able. It's not about mustering up more effort or trying to reach a mysterious benchmark. It's about recognizing that Jesus' love and sacrifice have already made us worthy. As we live in this truth, our faith will naturally grow, and we will see God's miraculous work in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith is Obedience in Action: The ten lepers demonstrated faith by obeying Jesus' command to go and show themselves to the priests, even before they saw their healing. This act of obedience, despite the uncertainty, is a powerful example of faith in action. True faith often requires us to step out in obedience, trusting that God will fulfill His promises as we go. [44:11]
2. Gratitude is a Sign of Greater Faith: The one leper who returned to thank Jesus exemplifies greater faith. Gratitude draws us closer to God and keeps us in a posture of humility and dependence on Him. When we recognize the source of our blessings and respond with thankfulness, we demonstrate a deeper level of faith that goes beyond just receiving a miracle. [54:10]
3. Faith is Not About Quantity, But Quality: The story of the man who read the Bible before using its pages for rolling cigarettes shows that even confusing or imperfect faith can lead to transformation. It's not about how much faith we have but about where we direct it. When our faith, no matter how small or confused, is directed towards Jesus, it can lead to profound change. [01:00:19]
4. Our Identity in Christ Fuels Our Faith: Understanding who we are in Christ is crucial for developing true faith. Many of us struggle with feelings of unworthiness, believing we need to reach a certain level of faith before God will act. However, Jesus' sacrifice has already made us worthy. Our faith should be rooted in the finished work of Christ, not in our efforts or righteousness. [01:01:53]
5. Faith is Confidence in God's Power, Not Our Efforts: Faith is not about loud prayers, long words, or quoting scriptures. It's about approaching God's throne with confidence, knowing that His power is where our hope lies. Whether we pray loudly or quietly, the key is to pray and believe. True faith is about the sincerity and direction of our prayers, not the volume or memorization. [01:08:07]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[13:49] - Introduction and Prayer
[18:58] - New Series: Greater Faith
[20:13] - Understanding Greater Faith
[22:29] - Early Christian Life and Faith
[24:39] - Misconceptions About Faith
[29:42] - What Does Faith Look Like?
[31:13] - The Story of the Demon-Possessed Boy
[34:38] - The Love of God
[37:27] - The Goodness of God
[38:52] - True Faith and Greater Faith
[41:34] - Miracles and Faith
[44:11] - The Ten Lepers
[48:51] - The Role of the Priests
[49:59] - The Bible Story
[51:27] - Faith in Action
[52:09] - Personal Testimony
[54:10] - Gratitude and Faith
[57:13] - Misplaced Faith
[59:10] - The Power of Praise
[01:00:19] - The Bible Story Continued
[01:01:53] - Our Identity in Christ
[01:02:41] - Acknowledging God's Wonder
[01:04:28] - What is Faith?
[01:05:29] - Gratitude and Greater Faith
[01:07:21] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[01:08:07] - Responding to God's Call
[01:10:08] - The God Who Heals
[01:11:04] - Personal Testimony and Prayer
[01:11:31] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 17:11-19 - The story of the ten lepers and their healing by Jesus.
2. Mark 9:22-24 - The story of the demon-possessed boy and his father's plea for help.
3. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 - The new creation in Christ and the ministry of reconciliation.
### Observation Questions
1. In Luke 17:11-19, what did Jesus instruct the ten lepers to do after they cried out for mercy? How did their obedience demonstrate their faith? [49:59]
2. According to Mark 9:22-24, how did the father of the demon-possessed boy express his faith and his doubts to Jesus? What was Jesus' response? [31:13]
3. In 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, what does it mean to be a new creation in Christ? How does this passage describe our role as believers? [25:50]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus told the ten lepers to show themselves to the priests before they were healed? What does this teach us about the nature of faith and obedience? [49:59]
2. How does the father's statement, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief," reflect the complexity of faith? What can we learn from his honesty about his doubts? [31:13]
3. How does understanding our identity in Christ, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, impact our faith and our actions? Why is it important to see ourselves as new creations? [25:50]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to step out in faith before seeing the results. How did that experience shape your understanding of faith and obedience? [49:59]
2. The sermon emphasized that faith is not about the quantity but the quality and direction of our faith. How can you shift your focus from trying to "muster up" more faith to simply trusting in Jesus? [20:13]
3. Gratitude was highlighted as a sign of greater faith. How can you cultivate a habit of gratitude in your daily life? What are some practical ways to express thankfulness to God and others? [54:10]
4. The story of the man who read the Bible before using its pages for rolling cigarettes shows that even imperfect faith can lead to transformation. Is there an area in your life where you feel your faith is imperfect or confused? How can you direct that faith towards Jesus? [01:00:19]
5. Understanding our identity in Christ is crucial for developing true faith. Do you struggle with feelings of unworthiness? How can you remind yourself of your worth in Christ and live from that truth? [25:50]
6. Faith is about confidence in God's power, not our efforts. How can you approach God with confidence in your prayers this week, regardless of the volume or memorization of your words? [40:22]
7. Think of a specific situation where you need to trust God more. What steps can you take this week to act in faith, even if the outcome is uncertain? [49:59]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith is Obedience in Action
Faith is demonstrated through our actions, even when the outcome is uncertain. In Luke 17, ten lepers cried out to Jesus for mercy. Instead of healing them immediately, Jesus instructed them to go and show themselves to the priests. This command required them to act in faith, believing in their healing before it was visible. Their obedience, despite the uncertainty, led to their cleansing. True faith often requires us to step out in obedience, trusting that God will fulfill His promises as we go. This act of obedience, even when it seems illogical, is a powerful example of faith in action. [44:11]
Luke 17:14 (ESV): "When he saw them he said to them, 'Go and show yourselves to the priests.' And as they went they were cleansed."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you need to step out in faith. What is one specific action you can take today to demonstrate your trust in God's promises?
Day 2: Gratitude is a Sign of Greater Faith
Gratitude is a profound expression of faith. In the story of the ten lepers, only one returned to thank Jesus after being healed. This Samaritan's act of gratitude highlighted a deeper level of faith, recognizing the source of his blessing and responding with thankfulness. Gratitude draws us closer to God and keeps us in a posture of humility and dependence on Him. When we acknowledge the source of our blessings and respond with a heart full of gratitude, we demonstrate a faith that goes beyond just receiving a miracle. [54:10]
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV): "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent blessing in your life. How can you express your gratitude to God today in a tangible way?
Day 3: Faith is Not About Quantity, But Quality
The story of the man who read the Bible before using its pages for rolling cigarettes illustrates that even confusing or imperfect faith can lead to transformation. It's not about how much faith we have but about where we direct it. When our faith, no matter how small or confused, is directed towards Jesus, it can lead to profound change. This man's life was transformed by the Word of God, showing that the quality and direction of our faith are what truly matter. [01:00:19]
Matthew 17:20 (ESV): "He said to them, 'For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.'"
Reflection: Consider an area in your life where your faith feels small or imperfect. How can you redirect that faith towards Jesus today?
Day 4: Our Identity in Christ Fuels Our Faith
Understanding who we are in Christ is crucial for developing true faith. Many of us struggle with feelings of unworthiness, believing we need to reach a certain level of faith before God will act. However, Jesus' sacrifice has already made us worthy. Our faith should be rooted in the finished work of Christ, not in our efforts or righteousness. Recognizing our identity in Christ helps us approach God's throne with confidence, knowing that His power is where our hope lies. [01:01:53]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Reflect on your identity in Christ. How does knowing that you are already made worthy by Jesus' sacrifice change the way you approach God in prayer?
Day 5: Faith is Confidence in God's Power, Not Our Efforts
Faith is not about loud prayers, long words, or quoting scriptures. It's about approaching God's throne with confidence, knowing that His power is where our hope lies. Whether we pray loudly or quietly, the key is to pray and believe. True faith is about the sincerity and direction of our prayers, not the volume or memorization. This understanding helps us to focus on the quality of our relationship with God rather than the quantity of our religious activities. [01:08:07]
Hebrews 4:16 (ESV): "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: Think about your prayer life. How can you approach God with more confidence, focusing on the sincerity and direction of your prayers rather than their length or volume?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If today is your first time, you know what, first time alone time, welcome. If it's your first time since Wednesday, welcome. Wherever the flow may be, you know what, you are welcome to family. Welcome home. We believe you're not here on accident. You're here on purpose. Just like the rain comes with intentionality for God to cause things to grow, He sent you here as well for something He wants to do, a work in your spirit." [18:58]
2. "If the wine is good for you, invite others to come and drink with you. That's what I'm going to say. So the wine of the Holy Spirit. So praise God." [16:22]
3. "We must acknowledge the wonder of God because, you know what, and not be focused on the pity of ourselves. Notice the wonder of what God has done. If the Lord has done something in your life, if you're in a place that you should not be, you're in a place that you said you would never be, if you're in a church today and you said you would never go to church today in your life, and those people were hypocrites and you were burned and turned and you didn't have it, you didn't believe in it, it was fictitious and false and it wasn't in your family and it wasn't for you, but you're here today, can I just say this? Quit putting all those words in it and living by that identity and just do what the scripture says. It says arise and shine and just recognize your light has already come. Jesus has been drawing you. He's doing the work in you." [01:03:21]
4. "Gratitude draws us. What is greater faith? Greater faith is simply operating. It's not mustering up. It's not grunting. It's not yelling. It's not calling it humility by not saying anything. It's just returning back to the one who is able. Faith is believing. Greater faith is living from gratitude towards Him." [01:07:21]
5. "You know why? Because even confusing faith is not that hard to have, and it's quite enough. And to be fair, in that time frame, man, the world was so brutal. Maybe the man was not crazy, but somebody was out to get him, and they put him away, but yet he never lost the sight of the love of God and who he is. Nobody knows who the man was. His name was never recorded, but truly, you know what? We cannot justify or reason the goodness of God. It's too great. So why try to portray him as not good?" [37:27]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Today, we kick off a brand new series called Greater Faith. I'm going to be honest. Up here, it sounds different than it does down there, and I know air conditions are loud, so if I drop down like this a little bit, just go, huh? Like, interrupt anybody. It doesn't matter. It really doesn't. Say, what? And I will remember, and I will bring this microphone back here. I'm getting used still to holding a microphone because it just, the sound quality is a little bit better than what we were doing, but today, we kick off a brand new series called, I don't know if you've ever heard of this word or this phrase, Greater Faith." [20:13]
2. "If God could also do that, then he could meet any other need that came up just the same. You see, until we understand who we are in Christ and who he is, we will always want a miracle but not able to believe. We don't believe that we are worth the miracle. So therefore, we don't have the smallest of faith in Jesus who is able because we keep trying to have better faith in ourselves, which is really what greater faith is all about. I've got to have greater faith. I've got to have greater faith when I get to know better, when I have more. Who is the main subject of all of that? I." [57:13]
3. "And we know he heals in the moment, and he also heals as we go. And we don't put the restriction on God. We just celebrate everything he does. You know what? As we stand, let's stand together. You know what? There's a miracle. There's a miracle, and you sense faith rising up in you. You come in with a need, and you sense faith is rising up to believe it right now. And you believe in the Lord who heals you. And there's a need that needs to be healed. You know what? We would love to join you in prayer right now. We would love to pray, and you know what? See the work of the Lord come forth. He says, lay your hands. He says, you will lay your hands on the sick, and they will recover. The blind will see. The deaf will hear. The dead will rise." [01:10:36]
4. "You can never be seen in society again. Nobody will let you around. And so they went. Verse 14 says, and as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. Let me ask you this. Was faith crying out to Jesus for mercy? Or was faith going as he said? Think about it. Was faith crying out for mercy? They didn't cry out to be healed. Or was faith, whenever Jesus said, go, they said, okay. I wonder sometimes, you know what, I've seen it before. I've seen, I've seen people, I've seen both occasions, people come forward for a prayer, whether it's here, whether it's in Walmart, whether it's in a house, whether it's in a hotel room, wherever it may be, it, in any case and fashion, and if it does not happen exactly in that moment, walk away and then go back and, you know what, have no more belief that God can do anything. All that faith was in that moment and if it did not happen in that moment, then all faith went out the door. And it's like, well, okay, now I go back. That was my, my plan B. Now I'm going back to plan A and C and doing everything I can." [51:27]
5. "And then he's a little further back. And he catches a pinch. So we pray again. And we pray again. And it wasn't a whole lot better, honestly, after that. So we just consider it an as-you-go kind of prayer after that point. And went on. And I don't know. He was rocking out pretty good. So I assume he's OK. You know what? You feel the things is what I'm saying. You know what? That's what Jesus was doing, basically. Like, go show yourself to the priest. They had a, oh, let's see what this feels like kind of movement to go on. And they found out something happened along the way. Verse 15. One of them, one of them, when he saw that he was healed, he came back to Jesus. This is the loud one. Shouting. See, if you're loud, be loud. It's fine. Praise God. Let me get my scriptures caught up here. Praise God. And he fell to the ground at Jesus' feet. And he's thanking him for what he had done. The scripture tells this man was a Samaritan. And Jesus asked, didn't I heal 10 men? Where are the other nine? Had no one returned, has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner? And Jesus said to him, stand up and go. You're free. Your faith has healed you. He said his faith to heal him. But actually, Jesus also said that everyone else had been healed too. Evidently, they all had a faith, but only one of them had a returning faith. I ask again, what is faith and what is greater faith? And is faith really all that hard?" [54:10]
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