To Strengthen Faith

This week's sermon focuses on Faith. Specifically, it focuses on the expected faith of the Messiah. Faithfulness was one of the expectations of the Messiah. For instance, Isaiah 11:5 states: "Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins."

Here are some key points from today's sermon:

1. King Ahaz serves as an example of an unfaithful King.

2. Isaiah's promise of a child who would grow up to be faithful helped shape hopes and expectations for a faithful Messiah.

3. As the Messiah, Jesus is not only perfectly faithful to God, but his perfect faith strengthens our faith.

GROWTH GROUP / PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS

What exactly is Faith, though?

The dictionary defines Faith as: "Complete trust or confidence in someone or something."

Hebrews 11:1 Gives us this definition: "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (NRSV) Or, as the NIV translates it, Faith is "being sure of things we hope for and certain of things we do not see."

Sometimes, it's easier to point to examples of Faith than it is to define it with words.

Question 1: What are some examples of Faith that have helped you understand what the Bible means when it talks about Faith?

Question 2: What is a definition of Faith that you have found particularly helpful?

Hebrews 12:2 refers to Jesus as the "pioneer and perfecter of our faith." Different Bible translations translate that first word in various ways. Some possibilities are: champion who initiates our faith, founder, author, source, and beginner. According to the Book of Hebrews, Jesus is the one who initiates our faith and brings it to perfection or completion.

We can all too easily fall into the trap of thinking that Faith is something we do. But Jesus is the one who initiates our faith and perfects it. 2 Peter 1:1 also makes it clear that we "receive" faith "through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ."

One of the main points of the sermon is that, in those moments where it seems like our faith is faltering, Jesus strengthens our faith. His perfect faith sustains ours.

Question 3: What is your typical response to doubts or questions or uncertainty?

Question 4: Have you ever had a time when your faith was faltering? How did you see Jesus initiate or perfect your faith?

Spend some time praying that Jesus would strengthen your faith.

Next step:
Spend some time each morning asking Jesus to strengthen your faith.

Questions for Parents with Children

1. Having faith in someone means trusting that he or she is telling the truth and then doing what they ask. Who are some people you have faith in?

2. Do you think it's difficult to have faith in Jesus in the same way that you have faith in the people you just mentioned?

3. Does it encourage you to know that your parents have faith in Jesus?