Evidences of True Faith
Introduction
60 year anniversary of becoming a Christian
I had a lot to learn
From the earliest time – I desired to be real, genuine and free of hypocrisy
Example of Eric Hebborn
He forged over 1000 Master paintings and fooled the art world for 20 years
Being true and genuine – is so important in our spiritual lives
In this passage – Jesus is privately speaking to his disciples
He addresses some vital issues of what it means to be a believer
Speaking about ‘Evidences of True Faith’
The genuineness of true faith is of the utmost important
Not to have a sentimental reflection
Not to have a superficial or nominal way
Luke 8:13
This passage is an analysis of what it means to have true faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
We should all aspire to this
What are the evidences of true faith?
Six points
A living personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ
To know Jesus
To walk with Him
To have a growing, loving relationship with Him
Faith is only true if it is centred and fixed on the Lord Jesus with a growing, loving relationship with Him
We should not be tired to hear the message
‘Oh for a closer walk with Thee’
Jesus asks His disciples a question (v18)
This is a genuine question
He is preparing the disciples for the ‘Messianic secret’
He is drawing out the disciples belief
Jesus requires the same answer of us
Jesus is making it personal
We should make it personal too – who do ‘you’ say I am? (v20)
Peter answered – the Christ of God
A correct view of the Lord Jesus Christ
There are correct views to hold of the Lord Jesus Christ
Peter says the Christ of God (v20)
Example of Open Air Ministry – some strange views
Jesus is anointed of God – He is the God man, the Christ, the Messiah, the Saviour of sinners
Those who do not want to be taught about Jesus – are they true believers?
Matt 16:17 – Spiritual truth is revealed to us by God and the Holy Spirit
Has this happened to you as you study the Bible?
Example of ex-Jehovah’s Witness
Have you heard the call of Jesus? – it is a challenge to us
Luke 5:27 – Have you followed Jesus?
A focussing by faith on the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus
There had been hints as to why the Messiah had come
Now there is development of His mission
The disciples are staggered to hear this (v21-22)
Our faith must be in the death and resurrection of Jesus
The people did not want to hear this
But this is the way to life – through Calvary
There was an adverse reaction to this when He made it publicly know
John 6:65-66 – many turned aside from Jesus
If you have turned away from Jesus – turn back
You cannot keep people in a church – but they can always come back
Gal 6:14
Daily self-denial
This is where the ‘rubber hits the road’ (v23)
This is not self-optional
We do not come to Christ for what we can get
The salvation that God offers is two handed: Jesus is Saviour and Jesus is Lord
Quote from Matthew Henry
We receive Jesus as our Saviour and we give ourselves to Him as Lord
Example
This must be always the case
What is the profit if we gain the whole world but lose our soul? (v25)
Example of William Somerset Maugham
What do we value above everything else?
This is a challenging message
We must value the soul above everything else
There is only one that can satisfy spiritual hunger – the Lord Jesus
John 6:35
Have you come to Jesus?
Have you valued Him?
No shame in confessing the Lord Jesus
We are to confess the Lord Jesus Christ without embarrassment or shame
v26-27
Do not be a hidden secret disciple – Acts 26:26
Closing Remarks
Do we have a genuine faith?
Jesus requires these proofs from us