(Pastor Tim P Blaisure) 10/23/16 Morning Message
Intro: Consistent Faith
Meaning of Consistent -
: always acting or behaving in the same way
: of the same quality; especially : good each time
: continuing to happen or develop in the same way
Meaning of Faith – Complete trust or confidence in God.
“So, faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ.”
I have found that we use our faith most of the time when we are in a desperate situation; most of us haven’t come to the place where our Faith is consistent.
Example: Cracked Skin – we find a cream that restores and relieves pain in our cracked skin. We keep applying it until the pain goes away and the cracks can’t be seen, then we begin only applying it when we feel pain again.
It is only when we become consistent in applying it does the cracked skin heal and the pain stays away.
So, it is only when we become consistent in using our faith that we can walk in a life of victories instead of defeats.
Consistent Faith – Is completely trusting God and behaving in the same way with the same quality in a continual development in one’s life.
Foundation Scriptures:
2 Corinthians 5:6-7 (AMP)
“So then, being always filled with good courage and confident hope, and knowing that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord—
7 for we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises]”
1 Timothy 3:9 (AMP)
But upholding and fully understanding the mystery [that is, the true doctrine] of the [Christian] faith with a clear conscience [resulting from behavior consistent with spiritual maturity].
I. HAVING CONSISTENT FAITH IS RIGHT ACTING & BEHAVING FAITH:
1 John 3:22 (AMP)
And we receive from Him whatever we ask because we [carefully and consistently] keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight [habitually seeking to follow His plan for us].
2 Timothy 3:16 (AMP)
All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage];
John 15:4 (AMP)
Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me.
2 Peter 1:10 (AMP)
Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you [be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God]; for by doing these things [actively developing these virtues], you will never stumble [in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads others away from sin];
II. HAVING CONSISTENT FAITH IS QUALITY (PRODUCING) FAITH:
1 Corinthians 3:12-14 (AMP)
But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
13 each one’s work will be clearly shown [for what it is]; for the day [of judgment] will disclose it, because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality and character and worth of each person’s work. 14 If any person’s work which he has built [on this foundation, that is, any outcome of his effort] remains [and survives this test], he will receive a reward.
1 Peter 3:4 (AMP)
But let it be [the inner beauty of] the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, [one that is calm and self-controlled, not overanxious, but serene and spiritually mature] which is very precious in the sight of God.
1 Peter 4:12 (AMP)
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test you [that is, to test the quality of your faith], as though something strange or unusual were happening to you.
2 Corinthians 9:10-12 (AMP)
Now He who provides seed for the Sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed for sowing [that is, your resources] and increase the harvest of your righteousness [which shows itself in active goodness, kindness, and love].
11 You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous, and this [generosity, administered] through us is producing thanksgiving to God [from those who benefit].
12 For the ministry of this service (offering) is not only supplying the needs of the saints (God’s people), but is also overflowing through many expressions of thanksgiving to God.
III. HAVING CONSISTENT FAITH IS DEVELOPING (MATURING) FAITH:
Romans 4:19 (AMP)
Without becoming weak in faith, he considered his own body, now as good as dead [for producing children] since he was about a hundred years old, and [he considered] the deadness of Sarah’s womb.
James 3:2 (AMP)
For we all stumble and sin in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says [never saying the wrong thing], he is a perfect man [fully developed in character, without serious flaws], able to bridle his whole body and rein in his entire nature [taming his human faults and weaknesses].
2 Peter 1:5 (AMP)
For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding),
2 Peter 1:6-8 (AMP)
And in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, steadfastness, and in your steadfastness, godliness,
7 and in your godliness, brotherly affection, and in your brotherly affection, [develop Christian] love [that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit].
8 For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Conclusion:
Consistent Faith –
Is Faith that is acting, behaving in the same way with the same quality in a continual development in one’s life?
We can choose to have a child’s like Faith, which works great when you are a child but are you ready to grow up in the Lord Jesus and have your faith grow with you?
This Consistent Faith is a choice we make each and every day and throughout the day. It is not a onetime choice and effort. It is a lifetime of making the right choices according to the Word of God, and pursuing it with all that is in you.