The sermon titled "O Ye of Little Faith," preached by Paul Mahan, delves into the theme of faith, particularly the struggles of believers with doubts and fears. Mahan examines several passages from Matthew, where Jesus rebukes His disciples for their lack of faith, emphasizing that the admonition "O ye of little faith" was directed towards those already in a relationship with Him, highlighting that even the chosen followers struggled spiritually. He supports his arguments with numerous Scripture references, noting how God's providence is evident throughout the biblical narrative, including instances where God provides for both His children and for creation itself. The significance of the sermon lies in its encouragement for believers to grow in their faith, acknowledging that little faith, though it is saving faith, often leads to worries and anxieties that undermine peace and joy in a Christian's life. Mahan calls for a deeper trust in God as the provider and sustainer of all things, urging the congregation not to be overwhelmed by fears but to rest in their Father’s care.
Key Quotes
“Little faith is a gift of God. It’s not of yourselves, it’s a gift of God.”
“We need to be rid of our fears, don’t we? We need to have less fear... Unbelief dishonors our Lord, and it makes us miserable.”
“If you wish to be encouraged and never be disappointed, look to your Lord.”
“Fear not, take no anxious thought for what you shall eat and drink. Don’t do it. Don’t be like the world.”
The Bible teaches that faith is a gift from God and is essential for salvation.
Scripture highlights faith as a precious gift from God, not something we can conjure up on our own. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, 'For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.' Despite the struggles and little faith often displayed by the disciples, the message of encouragement remains that even little faith can be saving faith, as noted in Psalm 103:13, which shows God’s compassionate care for those who trust in Him.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Psalm 103:13
The Bible teaches that faith is a gift from God and is essential for salvation.
Faith is described in Scripture as a gift from God, not something that we generate ourselves (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is through faith that we are united with Christ and receive His righteousness. Romans 10:17 emphasizes that faith comes by hearing the Word of God, suggesting that a believer's ability to trust in God's promises stems from engagement with His truth. Faith is also portrayed as having varying degrees; even little faith is saving faith, but greater faith yields more assurance and joy.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:17
God's provision for His people is emphasized throughout Scripture, affirming His role as our Provider.
In Matthew 6, Jesus reassures His disciples of God's provision, detailing how God cares for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, insisting that we are of much more value. He states in Matthew 6:32-33 that our Heavenly Father knows our needs and encourages us to seek first His Kingdom. This underscores the profound truth that God, as our loving Father, provides everything necessary for our lives, thus we can trust Him without anxiety.
Matthew 6:32-33, Psalm 23
Scripture repeatedly assures that God provides for His children, just as He cares for the birds of the air.
In Matthew 6, Jesus reassures His disciples that if God cares for the grass of the field and the birds of the air, He will certainly care for them (Matthew 6:30-32). This passage reminds believers that God's provision is driven by His love and faithfulness. Verses like Psalm 23 affirm that the Lord is our shepherd who supplies all our needs. If God has provided the ultimate gift of salvation through Christ, we can trust Him for our daily provisions and needs as well.
Matthew 6:30-32, Psalm 23
Faith is crucial because it pleases God and assures us of His promises.
Hebrews 11:6 states that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Faith not only assures us of the hope we have in Christ but also empowers us to live righteously and to serve others. It emboldens us to face life's trials by trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty. As believers, our faith connects us to Christ, who is the object of our trust, and through His faithfulness, we can overcome our fears and doubts.
Hebrews 11:6, Romans 5:1-5
Faith is crucial for Christians as it honors God and ensures their spiritual wellbeing.
Having faith is essential for Christians not only because it is the means through which they receive salvation, but also because it reflects a proper relationship with God. Unbelief dishonors God and can lead to spiritual stagnation and discontent. Throughout the Bible, faith is depicted as an anchor for the soul, providing assurance amidst life's uncertainties. Romans 5 teaches that through faith, we have peace with God, and this trust in Him fosters hope that does not disappoint, ensuring that believers live with joy and confidence in God's promises.
Romans 5:1-5, Hebrews 11:1
'Little faith' refers to a faith that is genuine but often struggles with doubt and fear.
The term 'little faith' appears multiple times in the Gospels, particularly in Matthew, where Jesus gently rebukes His disciples for their lack of trust during challenging circumstances. While they possessed faith, it was often overshadowed by fear, showing us that even small amounts of faith can connect us to God's grace. Romans 10:17 explains that faith comes from hearing the Word of Christ, suggesting that our faith can grow as we immerse ourselves in His teachings.
Matthew 6:30, Romans 10:17
Christians should turn to God's Word and seek to strengthen their faith in Him.
When doubts arise, Christians are encouraged to engage with Scripture, as faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). It's important to remember that little faith can be saving faith; believers are called to bring their doubts to the Lord in prayer, seeking His strength to overcome them. In moments of doubt, reflecting on God's past faithfulness can encourage believers and serve as a reminder of His caring nature. Hebrews 4:16 invites believers to approach the throne of grace with confidence, appealing to God's mercy and grace to help in their times of need.
Romans 10:17, Hebrews 4:16
Faith can be strengthened by hearing and meditating on Scripture.
Building faith involves a continuous engagement with God's Word. Romans 10:17 indicates that faith comes by hearing, and the more we expose ourselves to the truth of Scripture, the sturdier our faith becomes. Additionally, prayer and fellowship with other believers provide encouragement and support, which are essential for nurturing our spiritual growth. This building process underscores the importance of community in the faith journey.
Romans 10:17, Hebrews 10:24-25
God demonstrates care through provision, protection, and assurance of His presence.
God's care and provision are evident throughout Scripture, from the daily provisions granted to the Israelites in the wilderness to Jesus' assurances in the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 6 emphasizes not being anxious about tomorrow because God knows our needs. Additionally, Psalm 103 reminds us that the Lord is compassionate, and He understands our frailty. His provisions are not just material but encompass spiritual, emotional, and physical needs, reinforcing that believers can rest in His providential care.
Matthew 6:25-34, Psalm 103:13-14
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