Scripture Reading: Luke 17:5-10
"Lord, Increase Our Faith"
Intro.
1. Meeting the moral requirements of being a Christian requires great faith, 1 Jno. 5:4.
2. The responsibility to not be a stumbling block by forgiving those who sin against us is a true test of faith, Lk. 17:1-4.
3. The apostles recognized this and asked Jesus to “increase their faith”.
4. For us to achieve the mind of Christ and meet the moral challenges of discipleship requires us to grow in our faith (2 Ths. 1:3).
5. How did Jesus answer their plea, “Lord, increase our faith!”? His answer blends the power of God with obedient faith, Phil. 2:12-13.
I. THE POWER OF FAITH, 17:6 (1 Jno. 5:4-5).
A. Trust the Power of God in Whom You Put Your Faith.
1. Mustard seed: Small, but accomplishes what God intends (cf. Heb. 11:34).
2. “No task assigned by the Lord, including even causing a mulberry tree to be uprooted and planted in the sea, would be impossible for you to accomplish, as long as you remain in trustful contact with God.” (Wm. Hendriksen, The Gospel of Luke, 795).
3. Faith to do whatever God wants you to do (17:6):
a. Example: Peter walking on the water, Matt. 14:27-32.
b. Apostles working miracles, Matt. 17:14-20.
B. Increase Your Faith by doing whatever God says to Do, Lk. 17:6.
1. Paul could do all things through Christ who strengthened him, Phil. 4:13. How? By the power of faith, Gal. 2:20.
2. Complete reliance upon God in you life…Faith to…
a. Withstand temptations, 1 Pet. 5:6-10.
b. Forgive those who sin against us, Lk. 17:3-4.
c. Not be a stumbling block to others, Lk. 17:1-2.
d. Deny self, take up your cross and follow Jesus (Lk. 9:23).
II. THE SERVICE OF FAITH, Lk. 17:7-9 (Rom. 6:16, 19).
A. Watchful Obedience, Lk. 12:35-40.
-Be a servant of Christ who is watchful and ready at his bidding; the Master will reward you.
B. Careful Obedience, Lk. 12:41-46. 2 Tim. 3:10-12.
-A faithful servant is careful to please his master, not himself (2 Cor. 5:9).
C. Knowledgeable Obedience, Lk. 12:47-48.
-With knowledge comes responsibility (Matt. 11:29; Jno. 8:31-32).
D. Assurance of Reward (Eph. 2:8-10; 2 Tim. 4:6-8).
III. THE DUTY OF FAITH, Lk. 17:10.
A. The Humble Dependence of Faith in God:
1. For salvation from sin and death (Heb. 2:14-15; 4:16; Psa. 23).
2. For guidance from word of truth (Psa. 119:105).
3. For protection from overwhelming trials (cf. Heb. 12:2-3).
4. For assurance of eternal rest (Rev. 14:13).
B. Do All the Lord Commands You, cf. Jas. 4:17 (2:10-12) 1:21-22.
1. Faithfully, 1 Tim. 1:12.
2. Pure conscience, 2 Tim. 1:3.
3. Reverence and godly fear, Heb. 12:28.
Conclusion
1. Faith increases as we rely on our Master and obediently serve him.
2. Without faith it is impossible to please Him (Heb. 11:6).
3. Faith will grow when we trust His power in our lives, when we diligently serve him and when we dutifully obey him.