Scripture Reading: John 12:44-48
All Faith is Not the Same
(What Kind is Yours?)
Intro.
1. We are saved by faith, Eph. 2:8; Rom. 5:1-2.
2. Yet, not every kind of faith will save. In fact, most kinds of faith we will see in the Scriptures contribute to being lost. cf. Jno. 12:37-48
3. We must choose to have faith that follows the light of the world, Jno. 12:46-48 (8:12).
I. DIFFERENT KINDS OF FAITH.
A. No Faith, Jno. 12:37-40.
1. Rejects or ignores credible evidence, 12:37 (Rom. 1:20-21).
2. The result of hardened hearts, 12:39-40 (Rom. 1:21-22, 28).
B. Little Faith, Matt. 6:30.
1. Doubts God’s planning, power and presence to bless, Matt. 6:31-32.
2. Doubts that we are protected by the power of God, Matt. 14:31.
3. It is expressed by fear, Matt. 8:26.
4. Shows lack of spiritual depth and understanding, Matt. 16:5-12.
C. Weak Faith, 1 Ths. 5:14.
1. To be without strength, hope, endurance and full conviction, Rom. 4:17-22.
2. Pay attention to the weak in faith and hold on to him.
D. Hidden Faith, Jno. 12:42-43.
1. Will not confess Christ (Matt. 10:32-33).
2. Wrong, misguided values and priorities.
3. Does not hear and obey words of Christ, Jno. 12:46-48.
E. Only Faith (without works, not obedient to God), Jas. 2:17-26.
1. No spiritual profit, 2:14-16.
2. Dead (lifeless), 2:17, 20, 26.
3. Unseen (not on godly display), 2:18.
4. Like the demons, 2:19.
5. Barren (fruitless), 2:20.
6. Does not (cannot) justify, 2:21-24.
F. Great Faith, Matt. 8:10.
1. Implicitly trusts the word of Christ; what the Lord says will come to pass, 8:8.
2. Does not question the authority of Christ, but submits to it, 8:9.
3. God is amazed by this kind of faith, Lk. 7:9.
4. God greatly blesses this kind of faith, Matt. 8:13 (cf. 8:11-12).
II. WHAT KIND OF FAITH SAVES? Eph. 2:8-9; Heb. 10:39
A. Not: Little, Weak, Hidden, Solitary or Non-existent Faith, Heb. 11:6.
B. Faith that Obeys God, Jno. 3:14-17 (cf. Num. 21:4-9); Jas. 2:24.
1. Obedient, working, active faith, Jas. 2:21, 23, 24; cf. Gal. 5:6-7.
-This person has a relationship with God, Jas. 2:23; 1 Jno. 1:6-7; Gal. 2:20.
2. Enduring faith, Heb. 10:36-39.
3. Having this kind of faith:
a. How to be saved, Acts 2:36-41; 16:30-34.
b. How to be a disciple, Lk. 6:40 (Matt. 7:21, 24).
Conclusion
1. We must ask ourselves:
a. What kind of faith do I have? Does my faith please God? Matt. 7:21; Lk. 6:46
b. What kind of faith will I choose to have from this day forward? 1 Jno. 5:1-5
2. “When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Lk. 18:8)
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: January 21, 2014