What Faith Needs

WHAT FAITH NEEDS

Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.

• As a Christian you are a citizen of TWO worlds.
• Faith is the BRIDGE between the two worlds.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

• Faith takes the blessings of heaven and gives substance to them on earth.
• The period of time between your believing and receiving is when the enemy attacks.

THREE THINGS FAITH NEEDS

1. Faith requires patience to protect against circumstances.

Hebrews 6:11-12 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Romans 5:1-3 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this

grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance.

Luke 8:15 But the ones [seeds] that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.

• Patience comes from the power of God’s presence.
• Patience comes from the strength of God’s Word.
• Patience gives faith its strength.

2. Faith needs longsuffering.

Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.

Ephesians 4:2 …with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love.

• Longsuffering does with people what patience does with circumstances.
• Longsuffering is the thermostat of the soul. Your emotions are not beyond your control.
• Longsuffering retaliates in love.

3. Faith needs joy.

1 Peter 1:8…whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.

Psalm 126:5-6 Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

• For faith to sustain, joy must prevail.

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

• Joy is having heaven’s attitude towards life.