1. The Power of Faith

2. What is faith? The assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen Trusting in God to keep his promises Christian faith, not religious faith Not a leap of faith – rationally founded on God’s character and the evidence of history (Luke 1:1-5; John 20:30-31) Not just intellectual – comes through the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 2:1-5)

3. Power of faith for righteousness Through faith we receive a commendation of righteousness We receive justification, righteousness through Jesus’ death, through faith Romans 3:21-26, Ephesians 2:8

4. Faith or works? Or both?

5. Faith to let God be the architect and builder Faith is concerned with what God will do and has promised to do and our response Faith to let God be the architect and builder (Heb 11:10) “Faith trusts God to construct a future for us which is vastly to be preferred to the one we could make for ourselves” – John Piper Trust God to keep his promise: in all things God works for the good of those who love him (Rom 8:32) All things – including hard things + things we don’t understand Promises are not always answered in ways we expect

6. How were the heroes of faith heroes of faith? Heb 11:13-16 Longed for a better country What’s your faith in? Ready to go – Do you have your belt fastened and your sandals on? Faith leads to irrational actions from a worldly perspective Looks irrational from a faithless position

7. Failing to trust God is to deny his perfect character Insulting to God to say we don’t trust him Rom 14:23 + Heb 11:6 Everything that does not come from faith is sin

8. The Centurion’s (and Abraham’s) faith Faith from a position of humility: Centurion’s faith amazed Jesus – Centurion recognised Jesus’ authority and dependability Trusting despite apparent irrationality brings glory to God Shows God to be powerful and trustworthy

9. Joy and peace Romans 15:13 Joy – because we can trust Him to keep his promises, which are amazing Peace – because He will never let us down; He is always dependable (But should not be just insurance)

10. Costly faith Faith leads to Kingdom greatness which may be very different to worldly greatness Prepared to deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Rebuilding a house to live in

11. Therefore… Be encouraged by examples of faith Deal with sin Fix eyes on Jesus – not on anything else – kingdom perspective not worldly perspective Persevere in light of Jesus’ example – endured the cross for us Know God’s promises and character Be filled with the spirit Ask for more faith