Identifying Your Level of Faith
Scripture Focus: Hebrews 11:1; Romans 1:16–17
Identifying Your Level of Faith
Self-Examination: Where do you stand today?
The Definition of Faith
Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
Romans 1:16–17 "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The nightmare will live by faith.'"
1. NO Faith
The Description: Believes God WON’T because God CAN’T.
The Heart: Believing in God but not believing He is capable of doing anything for you specifically.
Scripture Reference: Mark 4:35–40
2. LITTLE Faith
The Description: Believes God CAN, but He WON’T.
The Heart: Taking the first steps of obedience but sinking when the "winds" of life (illness, job loss, worry) take your eyes off the prize.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 14:29–31; Matthew 6:30
3. GREAT Faith
The Description: Believes God CAN, and He WILL.
The Heart: A quiet, humble confidence that God actively participates in the dreams and needs of His children.
Scripture Reference: Luke 7:6–9
4. PERFECT Faith
The Description: Believes God CAN, He WILL, & He already HAS.
The Heart: When faith and actions work together so perfectly that you believe the provision is already there before you see it.
Scripture Reference: James 2:20–22; Genesis 22:2–5
How Do I Get "More Faith" ?
The Prayer: "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
The Key to More Faith
Mark 9:14–17 "When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 'What are you arguing with them about?' he asked. A man in the crowd answered, 'Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech.'"
Mark 9:18–22 "Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not. 'O unbelieving generation,' Jesus replied, 'how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.' So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy’s father, 'How long has he been like this?' 'From childhood,' he answered. 'It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.'"
Mark 9:23 "'“If you can”?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for him who believes.'"
Mark 9:24 "Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'"