Faith Is Vital To Intimacy With God - Part 2 - Pursuing Intimacy With God

Faith Is Vital to Intimacy With God

In Part 1 of this series we looked at what the Bible says about faith. We learned that faith and trust in God is vital to our relationship and fellowship with Him. We also learned what faith really is. And that everything that Jesus says is trustworthy and true, because He is Truth. Everything He promises in His word will come about because of His perfect faithfulness. And because He is Truth.

Since faith is vital to walk closely with God, we need to look deeper into faith. In Part 2 of this series we will look at the 3 types of faith. We will also see where faith comes from. And we will look at Paul, who is a good example for us to follow of someone who completely followed Jesus by faith.

Faith Is Vital To Intimacy With God

There Are 3 Types Of Faith

Little Faith – “I believe God can do it, but I am not sure He will”

Strong Faith – “I believe God can do it, and I believe that He will”

Perfect Faith – “It is already done” (Supernatural Faith)

Perfect Faith is not naturally in us. By nature we are doubters. It is difficult for us to fully and totally believe. Perfect “It is already done” Faith is placed into us by the Holy Spirit. It is a supernatural faith only the Holy Spirit can give us.

We Have No Faith Of Ourselves – It Is From God

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” – Ephesians 2:8

“The apostles said to the LORD, “Increase our faith!”. – Luke 17:5

“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2

Faith Is Vital To Intimacy With God

Paul Had Supernatural Faith, Love, Devotion, And Passion For God

Paul was one of the most passionate followers and servants of God ever. He was completely devoted to Jesus. Even to the point of suffering a great deal for proclaiming the Gospel and serving Jesus. Paul eventually died because of his love and passion and faith in Jesus.

Where did Paul get his faith ? Where did his love and passion and devotion for Jesus come from ? He tells us in his first letter to Timothy.

The grace of our LORD was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus”. – 1 Timothy 1:14

The same faith and love and devotion for God that Jesus displayed in His life on earth and death was poured into Paul. Paul fully acknowledged that his faith and devotion for Jesus did not come from within.

It Is The Object Of Our Faith (Jesus) That Brings Power To Our Prayers & Life

It is not the amount of faith that is important. It is the object of our faith that matters.

Jesus said “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, Be uprooted and planted in the sea, and it will obey you”- Luke 17:6

“Have faith in God.” – Mark 11:22

“Then Job replied to the LORD: “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” – Job 42:1-2

Jesus needs to be the object of your faith. You can fully trust in Him and rely on Him. God is constantly at work in your heart and life, wanting you to become more like Jesus (see Romans 8:28-29).

God is also at times testing and “exercising” your faith, so that it will grow. He wants to bring you to the point where your faith goes from “Little Faith” to “Strong Faith” and then to “Perfect Faith”. The kind of faith that not only says “I believe God can and will do it”, but says “It is already done.” This kind offaith is vital to walk closely with God.

Faith Is Vital To Intimacy With God

Faith Is Knowing That Jesus Has Power & Authority Over Everything

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” – Matthew 28:18

“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” -Psalm 24:1

Everything in heaven and on earth belongs to God. He has full power and authority over everything. Even over demons and the enemy.

“Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.” – 1 Chronicles 29:11-13

“When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. “LORD,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?” The centurion replied, “LORD, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” – Matthew 8:5-10

Jesus Has Power & Authority Over All Things In Heaven & On Earth

“Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “LORD save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” – Matthew 8:23-27

“In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, “Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!” – Luke 4:33-36

In Part 3, the final part of this series, we will look at the great possibilities of having “perfect faith” and living by faith.

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