(Part 6: Oh You of Little Faith: A Call to Deeper Trust)
Introduction: A Faith That Endures
Faith is not just about moments of belief; it’s about creating a legacy that inspires others and glorifies God. Jesus often rebuked His disciples for their “little faith,” but He also saw their potential to grow into pillars of trust and commitment.
Hebrews 11, often called the “Hall of Faith,” provides a blueprint for leaving a legacy of trust in God. From Abraham to Moses, these individuals demonstrated that faith, when nurtured and sustained, has the power to impact generations.
This final post in our series will explore how to move beyond “little faith” to establish a faith that endures, grows, and leaves a lasting imprint on those who follow.
Faith That Grows
- Faith as a Journey
Faith is not static; it grows through experiences, challenges, and the deepening of our relationship with God. The disciples started with little faith, but by the time of Acts, they were bold witnesses for Christ.- Key Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5-7 – “Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”
- Faith Through Obedience
Obedience is a critical step in growing faith. As we act on God’s Word, we witness His faithfulness, which strengthens our trust in Him.- Illustration: Noah’s obedience to build the ark despite ridicule demonstrated faith in action (Genesis 6:22).
- Faith Refined by Trials
Challenges refine our faith, removing doubt and strengthening our reliance on God. Trials are not meant to destroy our faith but to purify and perfect it.- Key Scripture: 1 Peter 1:7 – “These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
Faith That Impacts Others
- Faith is Contagious
The faith we demonstrate in our lives can inspire and encourage others to trust God. Paul commended Timothy’s sincere faith, which was passed down from his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice.- Key Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:5 – “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”
- Faith as a Legacy
Leaving a legacy of faith involves teaching the next generation to love and trust God. This requires intentional discipleship and modeling a life of faith.- Key Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
- Faith That Honors God
Ultimately, a legacy of faith points others to God’s greatness. It’s not about glorifying ourselves but magnifying His power and love.- Key Scripture: Matthew 5:16 – “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Building a Legacy of Trust
- Invest in Scripture
A legacy of faith begins with a deep understanding of God’s Word. Regular Bible study equips us to trust His promises and share them with others. - Live by Example
Actions speak louder than words. Demonstrate your faith through love, service, and integrity, showing others what it means to trust God.- Key Action: Reflect on how your daily actions align with your faith and adjust where necessary.
- Disciple Others
Pour into the lives of those around you—whether family, friends, or community members. Share your testimony and encourage them to trust God in their own lives. - Celebrate God’s Faithfulness
Keep a record of answered prayers and God’s interventions. Share these testimonies to inspire others and remind yourself of His faithfulness.
Debate: Can Faith Alone Leave a Legacy?
- Faith Alone:
Some argue that faith alone is enough to inspire others, as God can use even silent witnesses like Hannah’s prayerful faith. - Faith and Works:
Others contend that faith must be accompanied by works to leave a meaningful legacy. Acts of love and service provide tangible evidence of our faith. - Conclusion:
Faith and works together create a legacy that endures. Faith inspires action, and action amplifies the message of faith.
Conclusion: Faith That Endures
Building a legacy of trust in God is a lifelong journey. It requires us to grow in faith, act in obedience, and invest in the lives of others. As we move beyond “little faith,” we position ourselves to leave a lasting impact for God’s kingdom.
- Closing Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
What kind of faith legacy are you building? The seeds you plant today can grow into a harvest that glorifies God for generations to come.
This concludes the series: Oh You of Little Faith: A Call to Deeper Trust.