Title: Faith that overcomes tests
Contents
2011. 1. 9 Sunday Sermon
Luke 8:40-42,49-56 “Faith that overcomes temptation”
(Hymns-546 (Unification 399) Verses 1, 2, 3 above the word of the Lord)
Gyodokmun-No. 24 (continued for Q1)
1. The work of faith always comes with tests.
For those who try to live by faith, there will always be testing and spiritual obstacles.
Some tests come from circumstances, some tests come from people, and some times it's a weakness in oneself. Moreover, behind all that temptation are spiritual forces that try to knock us out of the faith.
Therefore, if you encounter a trial while walking on the path of faith, you should not be surprised at it. Rather, we must take it for granted and fight the spiritual battle of faith by waking up.
2. The Lord helps us in our weak faith.
As we fight the fight of faith, we must know that we are not alone. Wherever we fight the spiritual battle to overcome temptation, the Lord is always with us. Therefore, our spiritual battle is a battle with the Lord. Although we are weak, the Lord is strong, and though we are lacking, the Lord is the almighty Lord of hosts and King of kings. If the Lord is with us, we can always win the battle of faith.
3. When we are tempted, let us rely on the word of the Lord's promise.
There are things we need to remember and rely on when we face the test of faith. These are the words of the Lord's promise to those who follow and depend on him. In today's text, the Lord said, "Do not be afraid, just believe, and your daughter will be saved." Jarus believed and depended on the word of the Lord to the end, and his daughter was saved. Whenever we are tempted, we must also remember the words of the Lord and claim them with our lips and rely on them.
4. Believe in God's sovereignty and give thanks for everything.
Every circumstance we face, every person we encounter, every event is within the sovereignty of God.
There is nothing that God does not know, and there is no realm beyond the scope of God's sovereignty. God allows only tests we can bear in His plan and will for us. God allows us to be tempted in order to make us more holy and perfect. Therefore, we should give thanks for everything, believe in the goodness of the Lord, and live a life of awake and prayer. Then the Lord will keep our hearts and minds with peace and will make us into the most beautiful image.