[Biblemat] A: Lord - Increase Our Faith!

[Jack Wise]

LORD - INCREASE OUR FAITH!

 

            This statement came from Jesus disciples in Luke 17:5. Within
the context, we should be able to discern the message/ answer Jesus gave
them. 

" And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord
said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this
sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the
sea; and it should obey you. But which of you, having a servant plowing or
feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field,
Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready
wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and
drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant
because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise
ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say,
We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do."
(Luke 17:5-10)

            There are at least things to learn:

*      JESUS INFORMS THEM THEIR POTENTIAL FAITH would be powerful enough to
uproot trees and cast them into the sea!

*      WITH THIS FAITH THEY MUST REMAIN HUMBLE, saying to themselves they
are only doing what the Lord wills, they are unprofitable servants!

*      INCREASED FAITH MEANS TAKING RESPONSIBILITY AND PRACTICING WHAT YOU
KNOW!

It is this last statement we will seek further insight too.

OUR POTENTIAL IN THE KINGDOM CAN BE HIDDEN

BY LACK OF "SPIRITUAL FIGHTING"!

We are made stronger the more active we become. The more active we become
the more resistance there will be! Notice what the apostle Paul had to say:
"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in
persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I
strong." (2 Cor  12:10) How could Paul have known that? It is because he was
in the battle, teaching and standing up for Jesus and fighting against
satan. Paul didn't make excuses and then place his salvation and faith into
those excuses. In 2 Cor 12:8 we know Paul asked God to remove an infirmity.
God refuses and Paul  accepted His decision and continues forward.

WORKING OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION 

INCREASES YOUR FAITH! 

            'Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my
presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation
with fear and trembling.' (Phil 2:12 ) Notice Paul said "much more in my
absence." It is easy to sit on the sidelines and find courage in someone
else. But to place yourself in the lions den (Dan 6:7-24), fire furnace (Dan
3:6-26), your neck at the edge of a sword (Mark 6:14-29), having deadly
stones cast at  you (Acts 7), have your back beaten with a rod (2 Cor
11:25), be in the deepest part of the dungeon (Acts 12:1-7), or hanging upon
a cross! 

            A man whose son was a lunatic and often times fell into the fire
told Jesus his disciples could not cast out the demon. When the disciples
asked Jesus why they could not cast the demon out, Jesus said it was because
their faith was weak. He then informs them that with faith nothing will be
impossible but this type required fasting and prayer. Jesus then informs
them He will betrayed and be killed. (Matt 17:14-23) The disciples will soon
need to practice more fasting and prayers for Jesus will be put to death.
They will be on their own! The time of their faith being tried without Him
is at hand. 

            When Jesus was upon the earth, His disciples were murmured
against because they didn't fast like John's disciples and the Pharisees.
Jesus said they will when the bridegroom departs, speaking of Himself. (Luke
5:34-35) They'll soon learn what they are made of!

CHRISTIANS FAITH MUST BE TRIED! 

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that
perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and
honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:" (1 Pet 1:7) 

"Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire,
wanting nothing." (James 1:3-4)

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall
receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love
him." (James 1:12)

INCREASNG YOUR FAITH MUST START SOMEWHERE!

            "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in
much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much." (Luke
17:10) Begin your journey by being faithful in small things and soon your
faith will be able to move "mountains" while growing in grace, and knowledge
of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (2 Pet 3:18)

 

 

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