OH! YOU OF LITTLE FAITH

 

Theme: - OH! YOU OF LITTLE FAITH

READINGS:

GENESIS 37:1-4

ROMANS 10:5-15

MATTHEW 14:22-33

By: Rev. Immanuel A. Wiafe

 

 

INTRODUCTION

According to the passages Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28; Romans 10:5-15, and Matthew 14:22-33, faith can be understood as follows:

 

Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28: In this story, faith is not explicitly mentioned, but it is implied. Joseph, despite facing trials and adversity, holds onto his dreams and trusts that God's plan will prevail. His unwavering belief in God's ultimate purpose in his life can be seen as an expression of faith.

 

Romans 10:5-15: In this passage, faith is presented as the means of salvation. It emphasizes that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ and that everyone who believes in him will be saved. It implies that faith involves trust and reliance on Jesus as the Savior.

 

Matthew 14:22-33: This story recounts the episode where Jesus walks on water, and Peter, in a display of faith, asks Jesus to allow him to walk on the water as well. Initially, Peter steps out of the boat in faith, but when he becomes afraid and doubts, he starts to sink. Jesus then rescues him, highlighting that faith requires trust and not allowing doubt to overshadow it.

 

Overall, faith, as depicted in these passages, involves a deep trust and belief in God, His plans, and the saving power of Jesus Christ. It is the conviction that God will fulfill His promises and that by placing our trust in Him, we can receive salvation and experience His intervention in our lives.

WHAT THEN IS BIBLICAL FAITH?

 

Biblical faith can be defined as a complete trust and confidence in God, His character, His promises, and His Word. It is an active and living faith that is demonstrated through obedience and reliance on God.

Here are additional scripture texts that provide insights into biblical faith:

Hebrews 11:1-3 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith, we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible."

Hebrews 11:6 - "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."

James 2:14-26 - This entire passage emphasizes the importance of active faith, stating that faith without works is dead. It highlights that genuine faith is evidenced by works of obedience and that faith and action go hand in hand.

Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage emphasizes that salvation is received through faith in God's grace and not through our own works or efforts.

Mark 11:22-24 - "Have faith in God... Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." This verse teaches that faith involves believing in God's power and confidently trusting in His ability to answer prayer.

In summary, biblical faith involves trust and confidence in God, His promises, and His Word. It is demonstrated through obedience, reliance, and active belief in His power and goodness.

 

WHAT FAITH DOES? According to Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28; Romans 10:5-15 and Matthew 14:22-33

Faith, as depicted in these passages, involves belief, trust, and taking action based on one's beliefs. In Genesis 37:1-4, Joseph's dreams reflect his faith in God's plan for his future. In Romans 10:5-15, faith is emphasized as the basis for salvation, prompting believers to share the message. In Matthew 14:22-33, Peter's steps on water demonstrate his faith in Jesus, though doubt briefly falters his confidence.

 

WHAT CAUSES OUR FAITH TO FALL?

There can be various reasons for a person's faith to weaken or fall. It could be due to doubt, personal struggles, external influences, or life challenges. Here are a few relevant scripture texts:

Doubt and Uncertainty: Matthew 14:31 - "Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?'"

Trials and Tribulations: James 1:2-3 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

Deception and False Teachings: 2 Peter 2:1 - "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them bringing swift destruction on themselves."

Worldly Temptations: 1 John 2:15-16 - "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life comes not from the Father but from the world."

Lack of Spiritual Nourishment: Hebrews 5:12-14 - "In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!"

Sin and Unconfessed Wrongdoing: 1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

Falling Away from God's Presence: Revelation 2:4-5 - "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first."

Remember, the journey of faith involves both highs and lows, and seeking guidance, prayer, and seeking spiritual support can help in times of doubt or struggle.

WHAT MAKES OUR FAITH GROW?

 

Faith can grow through studying and reflecting on scripture, prayer, community, and experiencing God's faithfulness.

In Romans 10:17 - "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."

James 1:3-4 - "For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Hebrews 11:6 - "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."

Matthew 17:20 - "For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you."

Galatians 5:6 - "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love."

Remember, nurturing faith is a personal journey, and these elements can help foster its growth.

 

What prevents us from having faith? according to Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28; Romans 10:5-15 and Matthew 14:22-33

 

In those passages, various factors that could prevent faith include jealousy and disbelief (Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28), misunderstanding and lack of hearing the word (Romans 10:5-15), and doubt or fear (Matthew 14:22-33). These factors can hinder one's ability to fully trust and have faith.

CONCLUSION

 

In Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, the story highlights the jealousy and betrayal experienced by Joseph when his brothers sell him into slavery. Romans 10:5-15 emphasizes the importance of faith and the role of messengers in spreading the message of salvation. In Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus walks on water, teaching Peter to have faith and not doubt. These passages collectively emphasize themes of faith, trust, and the challenges believers face.

Dear friends, the threads of faith woven through these passages remind us that faith is not the absence of doubt, but the triumph over it. We are challenged to embrace unwavering faith, just as Joseph did, to spread the message of salvation like Paul, and to step out courageously like Peter. Let us cultivate a faith that shines brightly amidst life's storms, illuminating our path and drawing others closer to God's love. As we navigate the waters of life, may we hold fast to the truth that with faith, all things are possible. Amen.