Faith Through Crisis
Notes
Transcript
A Crisis of Faith (vv 46-49)
A Crisis of Faith (vv 46-49)
A desperate father came to Jesus because of his dying son.
Crisis takes many different forms, but it is assured that we will all face a crisis of faith.
It may be due to a family relationship.
It may be due to economic struggle.
It may be due to a health crisis.
Whatever the cause we know that crisis will hit us all at some point.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Jesus’ response to the man is a correction of both his own motives and the people’s curiosity. They were seeking for a sign.
This man was desperate for his son. His only hope was to go to Jesus (doctors apparently didn’t help).
Application: Do not be troubled when crisis comes into your life. Go to Jesus!
The Confidence of Faith (50)
The Confidence of Faith (50)
Faith is based upon the Word of Christ.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
The Samaritans believed first because of the woman’s testimony, but ultimately their confidence rested in the fact the word of Christ.
And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. And many more believed because of His own word. Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.”
Faith is based upon hearing the Word of God.
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
The father heard the word of Jesus and believed! He believed based upon the promise of God, not by sight. He believed without any other reassurance, only based on the command of the Lord.
When you encounter a real crisis, what you need is the Word of Christ. The testimony of others may bring some encouragement, but the only real source of comfort and confidence is the Word of God itself. You must go forward upon the word of God! To know the word of God, you must hear the Word of God!
The Confirmation of Faith (51-54)
The Confirmation of Faith (51-54)
Confirmation only comes after we go forward in faith upon the Word of God. A day passed for the man. He goes through the darkness of night, supported only by the word. Watch him descend into the valley supported only by the word of God. See the dawn of a new day break with him depending upon the word of Jesus.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
The man’s son lived, just as Jesus said!
The servants met him on the road with the news! Same time, different place!
When all other hope is lost, cling to the word of Christ.
The Two signs:
The first sign caused Jesus’ followers to believe, the second sign brought a family to faith.
The first sign revealed Christ as Creator, the second sign revealed Christ as Restorer.
The first sign revealed Jesus’ omnipotence, the second sign revealed the omnipresence of his power.
Application: Tell of God’s goodness!