GREAT FAITH REWARDS

Rev Ing Albert Annan & Family

READINGS:   Genesis 45:1 – 15; Romans 11:29 – 32; Matthew 15:21 – 28.

SERMON OUTLINE:

I. INTRODUCTION

We all have faith in something or someone. Even the atheist believe in something. You have faith that the chair that you are sitting on will not break for you to fall down. Every human being have faith and faith comes in certain measure. Last week, our theme was on “Oh! You of little faith”.

Our theme for today’s Service is “Great Faith Rewards”. We will explore the following from the passages that we have read:
The need of human beings (or the woman)
Where to find fulfilment for that need and
The test of our faith and reward we get from faith or believe in Jesus

  

II. LESSONS FROM THE PASSAGES

A.    The need of the woman and her action

The woman’s daughter was demon possessed and was suffering terribly.

Difficulties are part of life and these will at one point or the other will buffet our lives. Just like the woman, many at one point or the other have fallen into various life challenges. Many have gone to places seeking help. But the help that we need is found in Jesus, “the Son of David”. In using the term “Son of David”, the woman recognized and accepted the fact that Jesus is the Messiah whom the Jews are expecting. What the Jewish leaders and majority of the people rejected, this Gentile woman recognized and believed (c.f. Romans 11: 29 – 32).

B.    The woman sought help from Jesus.

Where do we go when we are in difficult situations or in troubled waters? Many people go to various places seeking help that only comes from God. There many people who have visited every shrine in the country, seeking solution to one challenge in life or another. But true help comes from God. He may seem quite and slow to us at some point in our lives and especially when we need Him the most. His seeming quietness and slowness isn’t rejection. When our prayers seems to be hitting walls, let’s not just give up hope. Let us keep on praying, trusting and waiting on the Lord.

C.    The test of faith, her great faith and the reward for her “great faith”.

Jesus’ response to the woman was a test of her faith in Him. She passed the test and Jesus recommended her as He always does with most Gentiles. He said her faith was great and at the very moment her daughter was healed.

Beloved in the Lord, the time of testing will be over soon when we persist in faith and keep on trusting in Jesus. He will come through for us. Our faith will be rewarded. Difficult situations and challenges require great faith in the Lord. The assurances of God is there for us. (c.f. Romans 11:29)

III. APPLICATION

Faith in God sees things from God’s perspective and not that of man. Joseph's perspective on the action of his brothers in selling him into slavery is an indication of his faith in God and his plans for his life. The brothers’ sinful intent was used by God for accomplishing His own plans and purposes in the life of Joseph. To the brothers they meant destruction but God used this to bring to pass what he has planned for the boy and revealed to him in dreams of the night. Out of destruction and death meant by jealous brother God brought life and salvation to an entire nation and tribe (Israel).

Sufferings, troubles and other difficult moments that come into our lives can be moments that God can use to bring out his purposes in our lives. Have faith in Him that His plans and purposes for your life cannot be thwarted even in the midst of difficulties. The purposes and plans of God cannot be thwarted by human evils and intents of destruction. Because of this don't lose faith in God. This should build up your confidence in Him and walk faithfully with Him no matter what is happening in your life. This is a wonderful and practical truth in Romans 11:29.  We can be rest assured that when the Lord makes a promise to us, there is nothing that can change that promise.  While the world is full of broken promises, we can rest assured that the Lord never breaks a promise that He makes to us.  We read in Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised.)”

IV. CONCLUSION

Who or where do you run to when the storms of life are ranging in your life? Who is your anchor in life? Where is your faith and in whom have you placed your faith? Like the Canaanite woman, that we will run to and cling to Jesus for help. That we will kneel before Him and say “Lord, help me.” Because God is faithful and His promises sure, we can put all our faith and confidence in Him. Jesus is willing and ready to help you. Believe in Him and run to Him.