CONVINCED: Marvelous Faith
Luke 7:1–10 (ESV) After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For 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.” When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.
Miracles Require 3 Things:
Declared Need
People are to proud to ask or reveal weakness
Relationships
Relationship with God
Relationship with people
Effective Faith
James 5:16 (NASB) The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
Live “People Before _______________ ”
Luke 7:2 (ESV) Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him.
See yourself on MISSION in all things.
There has always been and will always be sticky times, sticky politics, sticky social situations
Jews, Centurions, Servants…
Democrats, Republicans, Democrats, Liberals
Refuse titles
See People “Worthy Of His Help” - Luke 7:3–5 (ESV) When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.”
Recognize The “I Need Your Jesus” Moment
Luke 7:2 (ESV) Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him.
This may require discernment
This may require reading the hints
This may require seeing people in spite of task.
But it will come.
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
Grow Your Faith
Luke 7:9–10 (ESV) When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.
Grow In Faith
Put yourself in situations to grow your faith
Lean into authority
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.