Building up your faith

Sermon preached by Apostle Andre Pelser on the 15th of November 2015 at the 10am service in Bellville.

Jesus prayed for Peter that his faith would not fail. Then he gave him a commandment: ‘when your faith is tested and renewed go and strengthen the faith of your brothers.’ (Luke 22:31) Faith is not faith until it is tested. A trial of faith is a long test. But be assured that Jesus is praying that your faith will not fail, just like He did for Peter. He ever lives to intercede on our behalf before the throne of God.

Privileges of your position in Christ

1. Your faith may falter, but will not be destroyed. Satan cannot crush you.
2. Jesus authorized your faith and He will develop it. (Heb 12:1)
3. Be honest with God and express your true feelings in prayer, but always re-affirm your commitment to finish your mission.
4. Do not be surprised at the fiery trials of your faith. Your faith is on a collision course with the values of this world. But Jesus is with you and will never forsake you. (Mat 28:20)
5. Genuine faith transforms lives. It will transform your life and the lives of others. You will face challenges to overcome things, but remember nothing is impossible with God. Keep on serving God and worshipping Him in spite of tests and trials.
6. When your faith is strengthened strengthen the weak faith of others. Help people to overcome pride that resists God and also bitterness that defiles all things. Rahab was saved by her faith by helping God’s sent ones. (Josh 2/ Heb 11:31, 32)
7. Faith comes by hearing what God has to say about the situation. (Rom 10:17) The Holy Spirit confirms what God thinks about the situation so you can be sure it is God’s will. (John 16:13/ Rom 12:2) By spending time in the Word and attending church you build your faith up. By praying in the Spirit you build up your most holy faith. (Jude 20-22)
8. Once the Spirit of Faith enters your heart it illuminates your whole being and you operate according to the mind of Christ. Other believers can also confirm.
9. Speak what you really believe: I believe therefore I speak: ‘Let there be light!’ and there was light. ‘Your daughter is healed of her disease.’ ‘Stretch forth your hand!’ ‘Receive your sight!’
10. The words you speak take on the form of what you are believing for. The Spirit hovers over it and gives it life. God is at work within you to will and to work according to His purpose. (Phil 2:13)

There are definite reasons why we don’t believe

1. We do not understand God’s ways and God’s thoughts. (Mat 23:13)
2. We do not wait on God for confirmation. We lack patience. (James 1:5)
3. We are scared by what we see – visible giants: our limited supply, only 5 loaves and 2 fish, ‘what are they among so many?’ Illusion of failure – it hasn’t happened yet!

Let us speak some words of faith together

1. We are doing a great work for God!
2. We are establishing a circuit of preaching.
3. My God will provide. He is Jehovah Jireh.
4. God is Ebenezer: He has helped us thus far.
5. We have come thus far by faith; He’s never failed us yet.