Formula for Faith
Matthew 21:18-22 NLT
In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up. The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
1st Recognize it is God’s desire that we be people of faith
Hebrews 11:6a NIV
And without faith it is impossible to please God…
2nd Recognize faith requires you to believe two truths
1. You have to believe God exists
The nature of faith and the vitality of faith is rooted in what God is like, not what we are like. You don't find out what Christian faith is by consulting your felt needs. You find out by consulting the nature of God. Therefore, if you would have your faith be strong, and your soul be strong and your family be strong family be strong and your church be strong and your denomination and schools be strong, know your God. Know your God!
~ John Piper
2. You have to believe God rewards those who seek Him
Isaiah 30:18 NIV
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
Psalms 31:19 ESV
Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you…
Psalm 62:11-12 NIV
One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and, “You reward everyone according to what they have done.”
