Faith that impresses the Almighty
Matthew 8:10 (English Standard Version) 10When Jesus heard this,(A) he marveled and said to those who followed him, ”Truly, I tell you, with(B) no one in Israel[a] have I found such faith.
Did you know that you can exhibit faith that impresses the Almighty? The quick answer is, yes, as a matter of fact it not that hard to have impressive faith. Faith has been characterized by some, as a mystical force. Especially when we read a verse like the one found in Hebrews eleven; “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” In our modern age we have seen biblical faith slowly replaced with hyper-spirituality and emotionalism. To prove my point take a quick scan through the television and you will find an evangelist saying “reach deep within yourself and feel the miraculous power of your miracle”, “lay your hands on the TV right now and allow your faith to flow….. grab your financial miracle”. Now go over to your credit card and send us a love offering of $100.00 or more and we will send you this miracle anointing oil that will stir up your faith. I realize there will be a few who will hear this message and be shocked when they learn that Faith is not an emotion nor is it a mystical epiphany. If this message shakes your world of post modern religion, I apologize in advance for assaulting your ideas of faith. Please be patient with me until I deliver this lesson. At the conclusion of this lesson you will find that “Amazing Faith” is obtainable. You can have faith that amazes the Almighty. Without rubbing your television at 2:00am, or sending some “Jacked Up” televangelist your credit card number, you can cause the great God of the universe to marvel at your faith. This morning we will examine true Biblical faith and how you can have amazing faith.
Luke 7:1-10 (English Standard Version) 1After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people,(A) he entered Capernaum. 2Now a centurion had a servant[a] who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. 3When the centurion[b] heard about Jesus,(B) he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying,(C) “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us(D) our synagogue.” 6And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord,(E) do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 7Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But(F) say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9When Jesus heard these things,(G) he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, ”I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such(H) faith.” 10And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.
I. Having compassion and respect for others
Luke 7:2-3 (English Standard) 2Now a centurion had a servant[a] who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. 3When the centurion[b] heard about Jesus,(B) he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant.
a. By your compassion.
- Those in need
- Who was highly valued by him (Greek: ἔντιμος = entimos held in honor)
Hebrews 10:34-35 (English Standard Version) 34For(A) you had compassion on those in prison, and(B) you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had(C) a better possession and an abiding one. 35Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which as(D) a great reward.
b. By your respect.
- He sent to him elders of the Jews
Romans 13:1 (English Standard Version) 1Let every person(A) be subject to the governing authorities. For(B) there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
II. Love for the Kingdom of God
Luke 7:4-5 (English Standard) 4And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying,(C) “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us(D) our synagogue.”
a. A love for the people of God.
Genesis 12:3 (English Standard Version) 3(A) I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and(B) in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”[a]
- “Loves our nation”
- The people of Israel
- The body of believers
b. Love for the things of God.
- “the one who built us our synagogue”
- Our giving reflects our faith
Matthew 6:21 (English Standard Version) 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
III. Recognize Gods creative order and authority.
Luke 7:6-8 (English Standard) “Lord,(E) do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 7Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But(F) say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.
a. In humility before God
James 4:10 (English Standard Version) 10(A) Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
b. In submission to authority
Ephesians 5:20-22 (English Standard Version) 20(A) giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father(B) in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21(C)submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
c. In Honor of Gods sovereignty
Exodus 33:19 (English Standard Version) 19And he said,(A) “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The LORD.’ And(B) I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
Conclusion:
9When Jesus heard these things,(G) he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, ”I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such(H) faith.” 10And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.