WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD

 WITHOUT FAITH

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD

 

The definition of Faith means:

1.      Complete trust or confidence in someone or something. (Oxford dictionary)

2.     Firm belief in something for which there is no proof. (Merriam-webster)

Paul warned in Hebrews 11:6 – Without faith it is impossible to please Him.

Faith is important to God:

1.      We must believe in Him

2.     and believe in His ability to do anything, even the impossible, even when there is no proof.

FAITH PLEASES GOD

Jesus instructed that we need to Have faith in God.  (Mark 11:22)

We find many Scriptures in the Bible where various ones were commended for their faith.…

The woman who had been sick with an issue of blood for 12 years believed that if she could just touch the lower part of Jesus’ garment, she would be made whole.  She was considered unclean and not supposed to be near anyone.  This may be why she was trying to secretly touch His robe so no one knew or saw. But Jesus knew.

Matt 9:22 – But Jesus turned Him about, and when He saw her, He said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.  (Mark 5:34 + Luke 8:48)

Blind Bartamaeus was so excited when he heard that Jesus was going to pass by where he was.  He didn’t want Jesus to pass him by so he began to cry out loudly, “Thou Son of David, have mercy upon me!”  People told him to be quiet, but the Bible said he cried out a great deal more.  Jesus heard his cry and healed him.

Mark 10:52 – And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way. (Luke 18:42)

Jesus hears our silent cries, but there are times when we need to cry out more and more to God.  Bartamaeus was not crying out for lack of faith.  He was crying out because he believed and would not be denied. He received his sight because of it.

Ten lepers standing far away that cried out pleading with Jesus to have mercy on them.  Jesus told them to go show theirselves to the Priest who would declare if they were now clean or still unclean. They were not clean (YET) as they began their journey to where the Priest was, but the Bible says it was AS THEY WENT (they headed there in faith) that they were cleansed.

While everyone else was rejoicing and hurrying to find the Priest, one man thanked God loudly as he hurried back to where Jesus was, falling at His feet in gratitude.  While the others received their healing, this man was healed AND made whole.

Luke 17:19 – And He said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

A crippled man in Lystra heard Paul preaching and was healed because he believed that Jesus was able to heal him. 

Acts 14:9-10 – The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, “Stand upright on thy feet.” And he leaped and walked.

Sometimes, our faith can touch God and make a difference for someone else…

A woman from Canaan had heard about all Jesus was doing.  She was desperate for her daughter to be delivered from devil possession.  She was considered a heathen and endured being called a dog by the One she was desperately pleading help from.  Many would have turned away after being insulted like that, but she believed and would not be denied. She humbled herself acknowledging what Jesus said was true, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the Master’s table.  She was asking for just a crumb and Jesus gave her more…

Matt 15:28 – Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, GREAT IS THY FAITH: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Thankfully, we are children of the King and can receive if we ask in faith believing. We can stand and claim the Promises in Scripture.  

But I have to ask myself: Would I be able to humble myself and take what many would call ‘verbal abuse’ in order to see my loved one receive a miracle or deliverance? Or would I walk away indignant and embarrassed? 

Many are bound, oppressed, and even possessed yet most don’t recognize it. It’s labeled as something else. Don’t give up praying and interceding and fasting and believing we WILL see our loved ones delivered and set free from the devil’s hold!

Jesus marvelled at the faith of the Centurion who believed that Jesus did not have to come to his home in order to heal his servant who was tormented from palsy.  Jesus was willing to go, but the Centurion felt unworthy to have Jesus enter his home. He told Jesus he knew that if Jesus would just speak the word only, his servant would be healed.

Matt 8:10 – When Jesus heard it, He marvelled and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.  (Luke 7:9)

That is great faith!

Another man who was sick with Palsy could not get to Jesus so his friends brought him to Jesus.  Their faith touched Jesus’ heart and the man was made whole.

Matt 9:2 – And behold, they brought to Him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

I’m unsure if this is the same man as mentioned in Matthew 9:2, but Mark records this man’s friends as tearing the roof off to get him to Jesus. 

Mark 2:5 – When Jesus saw their faith, He said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.  (Luke 5:20)

All these things were recorded for our learning.  We, too, can tear the roof off through our prayers to get others to Jesus.  We do this by quoting God’s promises in Scripture: “God, Your Word PROMISES_____________!”  “God, You said in Your Word____________!”  “You did it before; I believe You’ll do it again!” 

A blind man received his sight because of Peter’s had faith for his healing….

Acts 3:16 – And His name through FAITH in His name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the FAITH which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Jesus wants us to believe!  He wants us to take Him at His Word!  Whether for ourselves or for others.

OUR FAITH WILL SOMETIMES BE TRIED

It’s easy to believe when we can see evidence or a glimpse of the possibility of something happening, but sometimes our faith is tried. 

Peter wrote in 1 Peter 1:7…

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.

Our faith can be tried when a situation or sickness arises where the outcome looks bleak and hopeless or we’re expected to believe for the impossible.

Abraham had to believe for the impossible.  He was 75 years old (his wife, Sarai, was 65 years old) when God told him that unto his seed (his descendants) God would give the land of Canaan. (Gen 12:1-7) 

Abraham had no idea how that was going to be possible since they did not have any children and were well up in age, but Abraham trusted that what God had promised would come to pass somehow and someway.

Time passed and Abraham and Sarah still didn’t have a child. The Bible does not say how much later, but Abraham, Sarah, and Lot had spent time in Egypt because of a famine then departed; Abraham and Lot’s herds were growing and causing strife so they parted ways; Lot moved toward Sodom and over time moved into Sodom; a war took place and Lot and his family were taken captive; Abraham fought and defeated several kings and their armies to free Lot and everyone taken captive (pretty commendable for a man his age); he met with Melchizedek; then returned back home.  

God appeared again to confirm His promise to Abraham.  Abraham still believed God but questioned whether the promise would be fulfilled through his servant Eliezer since they were childless and well up in age. God again affirmed that he would have a child of his own.  Abraham believed God and the Lord counted it to him for righteousness. (Gen 15:6)

Abraham and Sarah began to question God’s method. He was now 85 and Sarah was 75. At 65, there may have been a glimmer of hope that perhaps she could have a child, but the age of 75 seemed beyond all probability for Sarah.

They had picked up a servant for Sarah while in Egypt. Sarah began to ponder if perhaps the promise of a child would come through her servant, Hagar. So, Sarah vocalized her thoughts to Abraham.  They tried to make God’s promise come to pass in their own way and ended up with Ishmael. (Gen 16) 

Sometimes, we can create more problems when we try to take matters into our own hands and bring God’s promises to pass in the way they think they should. 

At 90 and 100 years of age, God fulfilled His promise to Abraham and Sarah blessing them with Isaac. Sometimes, God is waiting until it is completely impossible to man before He moves so that He can get the full glory out of it.  

Romans 4:9, 19-20 - …for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. ….And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb.  He STAGGERED NOT AT THE PROMISE OF GOD THROUGH UNBELIEF; but was STRONG IN FAITH, giving glory to God.

Abraham never wavered at the Promise of God.  He faltered in HOW it would come about. God was merciful and still fulfilled His covenant to Abraham.  If God gave you a promise, stand on it, be still, and wait patiently on Him. 

SOME WERE REBUKED FOR LACK OF FAITH…

Jesus grieved over lack of faith as He asked, “… Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)

Jesus taught that we do not have to worry about what we will eat or drink or wear.  He PROMISED: Wherefore if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? (Matt 6:30 + Luke 12:28)

Jesus acknowledged they had a little faith, but there were times and areas where their faith lacked.  God knows what we have need of.  When we’ve done our part and yet it is not enough, pray in faith then trust God to provide. (Mt 6:31-32)

However, Jesus added a clause to that promise (for every promise, God requires something from us first).  He instructed, “SEEK YE FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Mt 6:33)

If we’re putting God FIRST, then we can be assured God is taking care of the rest.  He knows and He sees.

Jesus and His disciples entered a ship.  Jesus went to sleep and appeared to be sleeping through a great storm that everyone thought was about to take the ship under. Franticly, they woke Jesus up.  They had not learned to trust Him fully.

Jesus rebuked them as He asked, “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. (Matt 8:26) Mark 4:40 – And He said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?  Luke 8:25 says He asked them, “Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! For He commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey Him.”

We worry about so many things when Jesus wants us to learn to trust Him. 

Sometimes Jesus will allow storms to come our way – He’ll even send us in the direction of a storm to teach us to trust Him fully.

He sent the Disciples out on a boat while He went into a mountain to pray alone.  Jesus knew the storm was coming their way.  He SAW them toiling and rowing. (Mk 6:48)  Jesus knew the storm was difficult for them.

In HIS time, Jesus came walking toward them on the water and was going to keep walking on by. The Disciples became more afraid thinking it was a ghost.  Jesus calmly told them, “Be of good cheer: It is I; be not afraid.” Jesus was still trying to teach them to trust.

Peter’s faith soared.  They had just witnessed the miracle of the loaves and fishes and now see Jesus walking on water.  Peter believed he could to if Jesus bid him to come.  As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to walk on water, too, but the moment he took his eyes off Jesus and began focusing on the storm and the impossibility of what he was doing, fear set in and he began to sink.

Jesus didn’t let him drown, but He did rebuke him for doubting….

Matt 14:31 – And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Jesus often rebuked His disciples because they would forget the miracles and would doubt in their hearts….

Matt 16:8 – Which when Jesus perceived, He said unto them, O ye of little faith…

A man brought his lunatic (crazy) son to the Disciples, but they were unable to cure him.  The young man would sometimes fall into the fire and other times into the water.  The dad knew this was a life or death situation as he pleaded with Jesus for mercy.  Jesus rebuked the Disciples for lack of faith….

Matt 17:17 – Then Jesus answered and said, O FAITHLESS and perverse (morally corrupt) generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him hither to Me. (Mark 9:19 + Luke 9:41)

Going back to the story of the woman whom Jesus called a dog – could we handle it humbly and receive correction if Jesus rebuked us and called us faithless and morally corrupt?

When our faith waivers, we need to cry out, “Lord, increase my faith!” as the Apostles did. (Luke 17:5) But know that can come through more testing of our faith.

Paul wrote to encourage the Corinthian church, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Cor 5:7)

Our walk with Jesus will more often than not be based on what we believe is possible than what we visibly see with our eyes.

Jesus explained that sometimes prayers are not answered and we do not see miracles as we should BECAUSE OF OUR UNBELIEF.  But if we have even a little mustard seed faith, we can see the impossible become the possible….

Matt 17:20 – And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as the grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Matt 21:21 – Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

Luke 17:6 – 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.

Even a little seed of faith, can allow us to see the miraculous!

In some instances, Jesus will answer according to how much we believe for it – “According to your faith be it unto you.” (Matt 9:29) 

That’s why we need to pray daily as the apostles asked of Jesus, “Lord, Increase our faith.” (Luke 17:5)

Sometimes we may have faith and yet the prayer is not answered. We question why??? We need to pray in faith.  We need to believe. But in the end submit our will to God as we pray, “Thy will be done.” (1 John 5:14 + Rom 8:27)

 

Stephen is remembered as being a man FULL of two things: FAITH and the HOLY GHOST.  Because of it, God was able to work many wonders and miracles through him.

Act 6:5,8 – And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and thy chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost…And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

Acts 11:24 – For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

We need both.  The more we pray and stay FULL of the Holy Ghost, the more faith we will have and the more we will see the miraculous.

Faith is a fruit of the Spirit and a gift of the Spirit, but the Bible also lets us know that God has given each of us a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3 + 1 Cor 12:9 + Gal 5:22) It’s up to us to build on it and allow our faith to increase.

How can we build our faith?

Romans 10:17 teaches – So then FAITH cometh by HEARING, and hearing by the WORD OF GOD.

Our faith is built when we hear miracles recorded in the Word of God.  Hearing the preached Word is important.  It is also built as we listen to testimonies from others of what God has done for them and through them as well as recalling all that God has done for us.

Faith is an important piece of the Armor of God.

Eph 6:16 – Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Paul wrote ABOVE ALL take up the shield of Faith.  It is FAITH, believing God IN ALL things and FOR ALL things, that will quench the fiery darts of the wicked.

And it is FAITH that helps us to please God – for without FAITH it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God.