INCREASE YOUR FAITH – 4

The apostles said to the Lord, Increase our faith (that trust and confidence that spring from our belief in God). Luke 17:5 (AMP)

It is possible to live a moral life without knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord. But when the Holy Spirit dwells in you through your faith commitment to Christ a moral life is one of the natural outcomes.

Take this admonition for example:

“Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.” Romans 13:4-5

·        To keep your conscience clear means that there is no offense to hide before God or man.

Or this one:

“The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” 1Timothy 1:5-6

·        A pure heart is one that is cleansed, or sanctified, by cooperating with the Holy Spirit.

·        Sincere faith means a faith that has no secrets, there is nothing to hide or fake.

“They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.” 1Timothy 3:9-10

·        Deep truths are revealed by the Holy Spirit to a clear conscience or spirit.

·        Leaders are held to this high standard, but all believers should walk with a clear conscience.

MORAL FAITH (Your Conscience)

1. Live by God’s wisdom and commandments.

2. Don’t give in to legalism, the belief that following Christ means following rules.

3. Let your love for God increase so that nothing comes between your heart and His.

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 

1 Peter 3:15-17

 

INCREASE YOUR FAITH – 3

The apostles said to the Lord, Increase our faith (that trust and confidence that spring from our belief in God). Luke 17:5 (AMP)

Do you want an idea of what Jesus would do? Take a look at Luke 19. Jesus is heading to Jerusalem to begin the final stages of his life on earth. He speaks prophetically about a colt that will carry him into the city. People are shouting and rejoicing because he is entering the city. Upon seeing a view of the city he begins to weep and prophesies the spiritual condition and consequences of the city for their lack of receiving from God. He then goes to the Temple and clears out the money changers who represent the spirit of corruption that was infecting the whole nation spiritually. Shortly after that the religious leaders were plotting to kill him. That can be considered emotional stress.

Jesus came to save people who hated him, denied him, and rejected him. His heart was broken for them and he forgave them. He even paid the price for their hateful, murderous, and corrupt sins.

Following Jesus is overwhelming if you try to do it in your own strength. You can expect to fail. The only possibility of success is to be filled with his Holy Spirit and allow your emotions to come into order with him. You can increase your emotional faith.

EMOTIONAL FAITH (Your Feelings)

1. Develop compassion, pity, sorrow, relational understanding, peace, and joy. (Gal. 6:2).

2. Feel as Jesus felt; pity for the lost, compassion for the poor and sick, anger at the self-righteous, frustration with the lack of faith. (Mark 6:6).

3. Be expressive with emotions in praise, worship and repentance. (Ps. 145).

4. Using self-control on emotions such as rage, jealousy, lust, or hysteria. (Gal. 5:22-23).

5. Be honest with your own feelings, not in denial or self-deception. (Gal. 6:7-10).

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. 1 Thess 5:23-24