Faith is weak

Luke 12:22-31

Then Jesus said to his disciples: 'Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

27 'Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

John 14:13,14

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Hebrews 11

1. Definition of Faith (Hebrews 11:1): Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

2. Examples of Faith:

Abel: Offered a better sacrifice by faith.

Enoch: Walked faithfully with God and was taken away, escaping death.

Noah: Built an ark in obedience to God's warning about the coming flood.

Abraham and Sarah: Responded in faith to God's call, even though they were old, and became the parents of many nations.

Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph: Blessed their descendants in faith.

Moses: Chose to be mistreated with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He led the Israelites out of Egypt.

3. Faith in Action:

Israelites: Crossed the Red Sea by faith.

Jericho: Walls fell after the Israelites marched around the city in faith.

Rahab: Hid the spies and was saved by faith.

4. Perseverance of Faith:

Many unnamed individuals: Faced trials, persecution, and hardships but held onto their faith.

5. The Reward of Faith:

These faithful individuals did not receive the full realization of God's promises during their lifetimes, but they looked forward to a heavenly city prepared by God.

6. Endurance through Faith:

The chapter concludes by encouraging believers to endure hardships with faith, looking to Jesus, the author, and perfecter of faith.

Hebrews 11 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith in the lives of believers and highlights the faithfulness of those who have gone before us.

Matthew 8:5-13

When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 'Lord,' he said, 'my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.'

7 Jesus said to him, 'Shall I come and heal him?'

8 The centurion replied, 'Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, "Go," and he goes; and that one, "Come," and he comes. I say to my servant, "Do this," and he does it.'

10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, 'Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, 'Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.' And his servant was healed at that moment.