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This morning we continue our series “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing to teach on “Minimizing Your Humanity and Maximizing Your Divinity.” Yesterday I introduced you to four levels of faith. I had many good responses to yesterday’s message and today I feel led to share more about these levels. Let’s get to it.
Levels of faith:
1. Faith in the works (what you see). I told you that this is the lowest form form of faith. Jesus expected some of His followers to believe solely because of “the evidence of the works” He was doing. After Jesus rose from the dead and presented Himself to a group of the disciples, Thomas, who was not there when it happened, said, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” Many Christians are like Thomas. They need to see something before they believe. It is a good thing God is gracious enough to provide them what they need to see in order to grow, which is what Jesus did. Eight days later the disciples were in a room with the door locked and Jesus walked through the walls and said, “Peace be with you.” Jesus then wasted no time and said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” Thomas cried out, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, and this is the key, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me” (see John 20:24-29).
2. Faith in the Word (what you read). The Father expects us to read His Word daily, to meditate it day and night (Josh 1:8, Psalm 1), and to stand on His Word. The Word of God is extremely powerful. John McArthur said this about the Bible: “This book contains: the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrine is holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be saved, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here heaven is open, and the gates of hell are disclosed. Christ is the grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, health to the soul, and a river of pleasure. It is given to you here in this life, will be opened at the judgment, and is established forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and condemn all who trifle with its contents.” Without a doubt, we are supposed to have faith in, and live by, God’s written Word.
3. Faith in the rhema Word (what you hear). The written Word of God contains what God said, and Jesus Himself did study the scriptures. However, Jesus did not just live by what He read. Jesus lived by what He heard. Jesus did not just live by what God said in the past. Jesus was living by what God was saying in the present. And God expects us to live the same way. Many Christians never get past level 2. You can live a great life by simply basing your decisions on the written Word of God. But I personally believe that the only way you will ever maximize your purpose and potential, is by hearing and obeying what God is saying to you daily.
*** God wants to use you by His grace, but you must grow your faith in order to fully tap into the Grace of God.
I will stop here for today. Tomorrow I will talk more about level 3 and also discuss level 4.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me how to grow my faith. You have given me the measure of faith, and You now expect me to do my part to help grow and develop it. This is critical because while You bless me by Your undeserved grace, I access your grace with my faith. So if my faith is not developed, there will be things You have freely prepared for me, by Your grace, that I fail to access, experience, or enjoy. I want to maximize my purpose and potential in life, therefore, I am committed to growing my faith. I appreciate all You allow me to see. As I see the supernatural happen right before my eyes, my faith is ignited and strengthened. I also love reading Your Word. Your Word is Your will documented. As I read Your Word my faith is developed. Your Word is incorruptible seed that is sown in my heart and it brings forth a supernatural harvest. Your Word is the ruler by which I base my decisions. However, I don’t just live by what You said in the past, I live my life by what You are saying to me everyday. You speak to me, lead me, guide me, direct me, and freely operate through me as I seek to cooperate with You and Your Kingdom plans and purposes for my life. I minimize my humanity, I maximize the divinity You have placed in me, and I experience my best life NOW! 2014 is the best year of my life, because I am allowing You to live through me! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
