Sermon notes: Luke 7:1-12 v.9..…he (Jesus) said, ”I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” The Faith of the Centurion Most of the time Jesus talked about the lack of faith of people but this time Jesus was amazed at the faith of the Centurion. The Centurion’s actions were unusual because he treated his servant with love and respect and he had a good friendly relationship with the Jews. During this time and culture a servant/slave was considered by law a living tool of his owner, yet here the Centurion showed his concern and care for his servant. Also Jews didn’t mingle with Gentiles but because the Centurion had built them a synagogue the Jews pleaded with Jesus to come and heal his servant. Even though the Centurion didn’t think he was worthy the Jews did. The Centurion had faith the all Jesus had to do was say the words and his servant would be healed. What was special about the Centurion’s faith was that it had changed him on the inside. We tend to pray for something specific and focus our faith on the things of the world. Our faith and prayers are more about what happens to us on the inside instead of the outside results. Isaiah 43:18-19 How does God change us? The Centurion was changed by his faith. 1. Faith made him kind—The Centurion was a man of God and cared about his servant and the Jews. We learn to be kind when we come to God through our prayers and faith. We learn to love others as Jesus commanded in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Faith changes us. 2. Faith made him humble—The Centurion felt he was not worthy for Jesus to come into his house but he knew Jesus could heal his servant by just saying the words. The world is not humble. It is all about ME, ME, ME. Pride goes before the destruction. In our faith and prayer walk we should be like the Centurion and know God can handle any situation. Let us say, “Lord, I believe you are much more competent than me to handle this situation and I trust you will.” 3. Faith made him generous—The Centurion saw the need and built the Jews a synagogue. He was giving to others. When we turn it over to God and pray for others we become generous. Faith teaches us to focus less on ourselves and more on others, and be generous. This doesn’t mean only with money but also with a helping hand and a listening ear. The process of prayer and faith is more important than what we pray for and the results. James 1:2-4, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” In your prayer and faith walk you are asking God to work in your life to change the wilderness of your heart. This change can be seen in your kindness and love, your humbleness, and your generosity.
Posted on: Sun, 29 Sep 2013 19:16:00 +0000
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