Luke 17:5 (NLT)
One day the apostles said to the Lord, “We need more faith; tell us how to get it.”
Small talk is discussing superficial things, such as the weather, or petrol prices. Like a fuel tank, we want our faith to be topped up. But this can be dangerous for its indulgence. Church isn’t just to service Christians!
Have you ever thought, “If only I had more faith, I could…”?
In Lk 16, Jesus told about compassion for all people, then in Lk 17:1-4, he warns of the seriousness and consequences of sin, and causing others to sin. He’s saying we need to watch ourselves (as opposed to other people, but then also in addition to keeping fellow believers accountable).
Grace & mercy are the hallmarks of a Christian. God gave us Jesus, full of grace, mercy & compassion.
Sometimes we feel unable to do what Jesus is asking, likewise the disciples asked for more faith. “Even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed,” the Lord answered, “you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May God uproot you and throw you into the sea,’ and it would obey you!” (Luke 17:6)
Jesus was saying to the disciples, and us, “You already have faith, you just aren’t using it. You need to increase your faithFULNESS!”
We like to make excuses, such as the limiting factors in us/our lives. Show your faithfulness by stepping out and relying on His strength.
Luke 17:7-10 (NLT)
“In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are not worthy of praise. We are servants who have simply done our duty.’”
Faithfulness is merely a part of our job description. It’s something that’s expected of us, to serve.
It’s only when you start using your faith you realize you’ll never run out! Mark 8:35, “If you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will find true life.” Matthew 5:12, “Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.”
Read 1 Samuel 30:1-25:
[23] But David said, “No, my brothers! Don’t be selfish with what the LORD has given us. He has kept us safe and helped us defeat the enemy. [24] Do you think anyone will listen to you when you talk like this? We share and share alike—those who go to battle and those who guard the equipment.”
It’s not a matter of faith, for some have more strength than others. It’s about faithfulness.
