web analytics
Skip to main content
Real Life Resources

But I Tell You… Week 8

But I Tell You… Week 8

Watch
Listen
Notes

Review 

  • This is a series about worldviews
  • For those who call themselves Christians, the only worldview we should hold is the biblical worldview – one that causes us to have a lifestyle based on God’s Word.

Today’s topic is FAITH.

Matthew 8:5-10 (NIV) When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” 7 Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?” 8The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.

  • The Roman centurion was an important man and had unique qualities
    • Most centurions earned their command over 15-20 years of proving themselves in battle.
    • Luke 7 tells us he loved the Jewish people and built them a synagogue
    • He actually cared about his young servant who is suffering horribly.
  • But these things aren’t the only unique things about this Roman, he has faith in Jesus! In fact, so much faith that Jesus is amazed by it.
  • Jesus uses this faith as an opportunity to talk about who will become a part of the Kingdom of Heaven – those who put their faith in Jesus (Matthew 8:11-13)
  • The Bible tells us that God wishes everyone to be a part of the kingdom. (2 Peter 3:9)

What is Faith?

  • The Bible talks about THE Faith and PERSONAL Faith
  • “The Faith” – our belief in God that makes us a part of the Kingdom. Our general beliefs and doctrines about who God is and our relationship with him
  • “Personal faith” – Our ongoing personal belief in what God desires for us
  • Faith in God goes beyond just Intellectual Acknowledgement
  • Genuine faith doesn’t just believe God exists, but causes us to order our life in a way that makes Jesus our Savior and Lord
  • Faith is essential to salvation (Hebrews 11:6)
  • The Roman soldier exhibited attributes of genuine faith
  • Making Christ Lord of our life brings about a radical change in us. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Struggling with our faith

  • Many struggle when difficult times come. We lose faith that God sovereign is and good.
  • The Bible tells us trials will come (1 Peter 1:6-7)
  • Despite this, many have bought into the lie that if we serve God, hard things won’t happen. When trials come it causes them to be disillusioned.
  • Why trials? They prove our faith is genuine, not counterfeit.
  • The Bible teaches us to embrace our trials because they are ultimately for our good! (Romans 5:3-4)
    • Athletes and combat soldiers understand the importance of intense training that build us up before we have to prove ourselves.
    • The only way GENUINE faith is verified is through trials and adversity
  • Going through hard things gives us perspective. Oftentimes the fear of going through something is worse than going through it – especially if God is with us.
  • Having genuine faith doesn’t mean perfect faith. All of us doubt and stumble.
  • How do we know if our faith is genuine? Only by going through trials and remaining faithful to Christ. It’s the only way.
  • God desires our faith to grow. (2 Corinthians 10:15)
  • Our genuine faith not only affects us, it effects those around us

Our part in allowing God to grow our faith:

  1. Remember God’s promises and his faithfulness, which requires knowing his Word
  2. Be around people that encourage us when we struggle with faith (Romans 1:11-12)

 

For Small Group Discussion:

Opening Question: What stood out to you the most from the sermon this week?

Main Point: Humility and serving others is what it takes to be Christ-like.

Read/Tell the Story: Matthew 20:20-28

Questions:

  1. Who has been a good example to you in your own life of someone with a servant’s heart?
  2. Why do you think the mother in this story asked for her sons to sit at the right and left hand of the Lord?
  3. Why is it sometimes difficult to exercise humility with the people you live and work with?
  4. Has someone else ever gotten something that you felt like you deserved? Good or bad?
  5. When have you had the opportunity to serve someone else that felt rewarding to you?
  6. Who is God asking you to serve in this season of your life?

Supporting Scripture: • Luke 14:7-11, Psalm 100:2, 1 Peter 4:8-10