1. Faltering Faith
Luke 22:31-34

2. “That your faith should not fail”
FAIL, Luke 22:32 (34)
“Cease,” to be absent, to die; “to disappoint, prove undependable to; to have a state or process cease”
In Peter’s denial of Jesus, his faith faltered, but it did not cease (die)
Jesus is our relief and redemption when our faith falters, 1 John 2:1-2

3. Faith Falters when FOCUS is Misplaced
Past: “Good old days” Eccl. 7:10
Good old days were not always so good, 1 Timothy 1:13
Remember the past sins in order to repent, Revelation 2:5
Remember how you received and heard...hold fast and repent, Revelation 3:2-3

4. Faith Falters when FOCUS is Misplaced
Focus on Future, Philippians 3:12-15
Staying in our past sins and failings immobilizes us in doubt, fear and failure
Past may seem comfortable, but it is spiritually debilitating, Heb. 5:11,14; 6:11-12
Change our focus from self to salvation, from sin to soberness, from darkness to light, from the flesh to the Savior, Romans 13:11-14

5. Faith Falters when Faith is WEAK
When we begin to doubt the presence and power of God, Psalm 42:1-3
Listen to wrong counselors, Job 2:9-10
Lord is always available, Psalm 6:1-3
Forgiveness and restoration, 1 John 1:9
Press onward, Luke 22:32

6. Faith Falters when Faith is WEAK
Use God’s ways for strengthening our personal faith
Increase using God’s word, Hebrews 5:13-14
Set spiritual priorities, Matthew 6:31-34
Replace fear with confidence God’s care, Mark 4:37-41
Replace depression, doubt and anxiety with hope in God and contented prayers, Psalm 42: 5-8, 9-11; Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 13:5-6

7. Faith Falters When We NEGLECT Responsibilities and Accountability
We are given opportunities we must not neglect
Opportunity + Ability = Responsibility Matthew 25:14-18
Opportunities to work now, John 9:4
Opportunities to do good now, Gal. 6:10
Opportunities to grow in faith now, Peter 1:5-8

8. Faith Falters When We NEGLECT Responsibilities and Accountability
Present gives us opportunities we must not neglect
To improve as a spouse, 1 Peter 3:7
To improve as a parent, Ephesians 6:3-4
To improve as a Christian, Romans 12:1-2
Future accountability motivates us to be diligent in faith, Matthew 25:19-21,23,26; Timothy 2:15

9. Faltering Faith
Confidence in the promise of God helps strengthen and assure our faith
cf. Abraham, Romans 4:19-22
If your faith falters, all is not lost!
Turn back to God so that your faith does not fail (cease), Isaiah 55:6-7