Sunday Morning Series - Victory for Doubters - Faith or Flesh

Text: Mark 11:23,24 & Various

What is Flesh Faith?

Flesh faith can be recognized in many ways:

1) We focus on what I have done. I prayed. I read my Bible. I confessed the scripture.

2) We've done it correctly.

3) Look at how much we've endured. Elijah is mad at God (I Kings 19:10). If this great prophet can get into the flesh, don't we think we can?

4) We start complaining about God coming up short. The Israelites longed for the food of Egypt, bemoaned the lack of water, etc. God supplied their every need, but they still didn't trust Him.

Martha told Jesus if He'd only arrived sooner her brother would not have died. (John 11:2)

5) Flesh faith has natural tendencies. It relies on what we see, hear, and feel in the natural realm. Thomas refused to believe Jesus was risen until he saw the nail prints in His hands and put his hand in His side. Jesus said Thomas believed because he saw, but blessed are those who believe without seeing.

What is Spirit Faith?

1) Spirit Faith focuses on Jesus and not on ourselves. Don't go from receiving by faith to doing something to earn His favor. When we start thinking we might get our prayers answered if we pray more, read the Bible more, or listen to more tapes, we're situated firmly in the flesh. All those things are good and help our faith to grow, but we receive by trusting Jesus not by our works.

2) Think about Jesus and what He's done, provided for, given... Spirit Faith looks to receive instruction instead of defending itself. Examples: Peter (Luke 5:4-9), Paul (Acts 9).

3) Looks at what Christ endured instead of our hard times. Flesh faith wants to look at what a difficult time we've had. Spirit Faith focuses on the joy awaiting us in heaven. (Hebrews 12:1-4, Romans 8:18)

4) Looks to God's greatness and unending supply instead of supposed limits and restrictions. (Philippians 4:4, Philippians 4:18-19)

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If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we invite you to join us for our Sunday Morning Service at 10:00 A.M. Zoe Christian Fellowship is located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Rte. 611), Warrington, PA. The church telephone number is (215) 343-7686. Directions are available on the website.