Evidences of True Faith

August 6, 2023

Preacher: Geoff Gobbett

Series: Visiting Preachers

Passage: Luke 9:18–27

Service Type: Sunday Morning

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

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

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?

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

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?

We are to confess the Lord Jesus Christ without embarrassment or shame
- v26-27
- Do not be a hidden secret disciple - Acts 26:26