I'd rather see a sermon
than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me
than merely tell the way.
The eye's a better pupil
and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing,
but example's always clear;
And the best of all preachers
are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action
is what everybody needs.
I soon can learn to do it
if you'll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action,
but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver
may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lessons
by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you
and the high advice you give,
But there's no misunderstanding
how you act and how you live.
The faith of the mustard seed is enough.
5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 And the Lord said, “If you [a]had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea’; and it would [b]obey you.
7 “Which of you, having a slave plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come immediately and [c]sit down to eat’? 8 But will he not say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat, and properly [d]clothe yourself and serve me while I eat and drink; and [e]afterward you [f]may eat and drink’? 9 He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he? 10 So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.’” Luke 17:5-10
You just need a little faith.
So many times we focus on big events. It's not the #s that count. It's the faith of the every day.
When did your faith affect your life this week?
What would my days be like without faith?
What we do because of our faith is that servant part of the above passage in Luke.
Your everyday faith must be a life of servanthood.
We cannot do more than what is expected of us.
God's grace is a gift.
We don't get extra praise for doiing what we'resupposed to do.
Salvation is assured. It is an act of God.
God's blessing and face is grace, not something earned.
So many times we want recognition for what we do.
The work itself should be enough.
27 "And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27
Am I fulfilling this daily?
Faith is service on display.
Sanctification is living and growing to be more like Christ.
The real challenge is that we strive to be disciples.
All you need is consistent faith -- that little bit that never goes away. Don't try to be a superhero.
Faith is like a muscle. When you use it it gets stronger. If you don't use it it will shrink.
When you take time off you have to work your way back to where you were.
The challenge is to constantly be trying. Be consistent.
Be the sermon for others to seee. Let them see you working towards living more and more in God's love. We are being watched all the time. Our everyday life is watched.
15 "but [a]speaking the truth in love, [b]we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ," Ephesians 4:15
We should be maturing.
He took care of things everyday.
It's not the things we do, but the things we leave undone that cause the greatest heartache.
How Do We Do That?
1. Spend time in the Word. It's not a visit. It's a lifestyle.
2. Spend time in Fellowship, listening and sharing your faith. Who/what you spend your time with you will reflect.
3. Live everyday immersed in the grace you have been given.
4. Live everyday as the servant we are meant to be.