A Growing Faith; Part II John 4:43-54

A Growing Faith I.An Ignorant, False Faith II.A Growing Faith III.A True Faith

John 2:23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing.

A Growing Faith I.An Ignorant, False Faith

Campbell Jesus is more than equal to either occasion. He has a place in all circumstances. If we invite him to our times of innocent happiness, he will increase our joy. If we call on him in our times of sorrow, anxiety, or bereavement, he can bring consolation, comfort, and a joy that is not of this world.

Maclaren Miracles are rather a hindrance than a help to the reception of Christianity in many quarters.

A Growing Faith I.An Ignorant, False Faith II.A Growing Faith

Boice There are some noted similarities, so much so that some scholars have imagined these to be two versions of the same incident. Yet they are not the same, and the greatest of all differences is to be found in the attitudes of the two men involved. The centurion had the greatest faith. He said to Jesus, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed” Matt 8:8.

Boice Jesus praised his faith, saying, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith” (v.10). Still the centurion had this faith from the beginning, while the nobleman who sought out Jesus in Cana came to the same level of faith in a very short time through Jesus’ teaching.

John 20:27-29 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

A Growing Faith I.An Ignorant, False Faith II.A Growing Faith III.A True Faith

Hall How sweetly does He correct our prayers; and while He does not give us what we asked, gives us better than we asked.

John 4:42 [Now,] I believe, for I have heard for myself, and I know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.

John 20:29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Boice 1.As He was in the life of this man, Jesus is the answer to our own anxieties too. 2.Seeing the results of our prayer may be postponed. 3.These truths are for everyone.

Piper The quickest way to the heart is through a wound.

Ryle Affliction is one of God’s medicines. By it He often teaches lessons which would be learned in no other way. By it He often draws souls away from sin and the world, which would otherwise have perished everlastingly. Health is a great blessing, but sanctified disease is a greater. Prosperity and worldly comfort, are what all naturally desire; but losses and crosses are far better for us, if they lead us to Christ.

Psalm 119:71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.

Landry The job of a coach is to make men do what they don't want to do, in order to achieve what they really want.

Hebrews 12:11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Ryle The resurrection morning will prove, that many losses of God’s people were in reality eternal gains.