Good Things - Discerning Faith Series
*See video at the end*
Ok so we are finally ready to move on. I am going to begin debunking certain beliefs out there. Let's start out by throwing a question out there. What is your perspective of faith? What is it for? What is the need for it? Many believe that faith is the power given to the son of God that they may garner the things of this world. They believe, that God being their father, owns all things, and hence can grant them anything they desire. The scripture below is often used to support this.
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? - Matthew 7:11
God is a good Father that knows how to give good gifts! However, what are the good things He is speaking of here? Well, most of us have surmised that the good things are whatever we determine it to be. Is the good thing a house, a car, a husband, a wife? Maybe money in the bank, maybe deliverance from a situation or a promotion at work? The truth is the scripture above is speaking about none of these things.
One thing that you will learn when studying the Bible is that it is written from the heart of God. If God says He knows how to give good things, these things are good in His eyes. What is a house, car, or promotion to God? Absolutely nothing. Rightly dividing the word will cause us to see the good thing that He is speaking of in the scripture above.
This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. - 2 Corinthians 13:1
The above scripture is a major principle of rightly dividing the word. If something is ministered somewhere in the Bible, the same thing is also mentioned at least 2 or 3 other places. Using this, we can search for the other time this message was ministered and rightly divide what the word is teaching us.
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? - Luke 11:13
Notice that the two scriptures are saying the same things, Luke, however explains what the "good thing" in Matthew was. The good thing is the Holy Spirit. God will give the Holy Spirit to those that seek His face.
Our faith is not a tool to fulfil our lusts, but true faith is manifested in the scripture below.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. - Romans 8:14
The sons of God do not lead the Spirit, rather they are led by the Spirit of God. They do not call the shots and demand that God works in their behalf, rather the will of God is revealed in them, and they pray accordingly. Faith is always in line with the will of God.
Stay with us as we continue to piecemeal the mystery of faith!
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Activity: Have you ever prayed for something you knew God would not have granted you? Share the experience with with friends.
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This series is based on the book "Discerning Faith", by Mary Banks. Get your copy on Amazon at the link below