Receiving a Gift of Faith

Introduction

• Originally planned a different topic
• Importance of faith
• Misunderstanding of faith's relation to works
• Reference to Matthew 17:14-20 (disciples unable to cast out a demon)

Understanding Faith

• Common struggle with Jesus' teachings
• Misinterpretations of biblical verses
• Jesus' frustration with faithless and perverse generation
  • Possibly directed at the man whose son was demon-possessed
  • Reflects need for personal faith cultivation

Faith and Works

• Faith misunderstood as merely belief (Western philosophy from Plato)
• In Hebrew thought, faith is linked with action
• Reference to James - faith without works is dead
  • Belief intertwined with action
• Example from Mark 5:25-34
  • Woman with the issue of blood expressing faith through action
• Cultural differences in understanding faith (Greek vs. Hebrew)

Greek vs Hebrew Faith

• Greek: faith as internal psychological state
• Hebrew: faith as external action and commitment
• Measuring faith through actions and commitments, not just internal state

Faith as a Relationship

• Discipleship as an ongoing relationship
• Learning faith through everyday challenges and reliance on God's promises

Practicing Faith

• Engaging in a lifestyle of prayer
• Fasting and prayer as consistent practices (not just one-time acts)
• Cultivating prayer life to prepare for spiritual battles

Biblical Examples

• Disciples being sent out with nothing
  • Learning dependence on God
  • Jesus' method of teaching faith
• Abraham’s faith tested with Isaac
  • Faith expressed through willingness to act on God's commands

Lessons in Faith

• Daily reliance on God (e.g., Israelites gathering manna)
  • Faith grows through daily dependence
• Jesus’ teachings emphasize faith tested through action

Concluding Thoughts

• Faith as a gift from God
  • Cultivated through prayer, Scripture, and action
• Importance of obeying the teachings and promptings of Jesus
• Developing faith through a relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit

Prayer and Reflection

• Seek clarity on what God has called you to focus on
• Measuring faith by commitment to actions aligned with God's word