FOCUS on FAITH
Text: Mark 4:35-41
Faith is described in Hebrews 11:1 as being “certain of what we do not see.” It is an absolute belief that God is constantly working behind the scenes in every area of our lives, even when there is no tangible evidence to support that fact.
35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? —Mark 4:35-41 (KJV)
1.
The Bible says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17).
Adversity is God’s most effective tool to develop a strong faith.
When David volunteered to fight against Goliath, he said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37).
2. THE
OF OUR FAITH
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. —Hebrews 12:1-2 (KJV)
Focus on the object of your FAITH!
When we look at our text and see Jesus scolding the disciples for their lack of faith, you might be wondering… Why is Jesus so hard on them?
3. FAITH IN
WORD
YOUR FAITH IS BEING TESTED
TAKE GOD AT HIS WORD!!
Philippians 4:19 tells us, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:31, “If God is for us who can be against us!”
With God’s Word, we can know a calm peace through every situation, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding” which He has promised will “guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” (Psalm 46:1-2).
2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
4. DOUBLE FOR OUR
He Said It, I Believe It!
5. FAITH TO BE
19 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.
20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
21 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! —Psalms 107:19-21 (KJV)5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. —Isaiah 53:5 (KJV)
6.
FOR THE SPIRIT AND EVERY OTHER GOOD THING
16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God,I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: —Acts 2:16-18 (KJV)
What is your FOCUS? Are you focused on FAITH IN THE WORD OF GOD?
The centurion to Jesus….Just SPEAK THE WORD!
Peter to Jesus…Nevertheless AT THY WORD
If You Have GOD’S WORD, put your FAITH IN IT – It Will Happen, God’s Word will Not Fail, It will Not return void, It will accomplish His purpose!