1. Faith: A Lesson from the Mustard Seed Matthew 17:18-20

2. Power of Faith Mustard seed about a millimeter in diameter Mustard seed about a millimeter in diameter Grows to size of a tree – Matthew 13:31 Grows to size of a tree – Matthew 13:31 Small amount of faith = great results Small amount of faith = great results Best example of this is the apostle Paul Best example of this is the apostle Paul The story of Paul shows the power of faith The story of Paul shows the power of faith

3. Power Behind the Faith What is behind this faith? What is behind this faith? Based on Jesus being the Son of God Based on Jesus being the Son of God Matthew 16:13-18 Matthew 16:13-18

4. Power Behind the Faith Matthew 16:13-18 Matthew 16:13-18 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am? So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

5. Power Behind the Faith What is behind this faith? What is behind this faith? Based on Jesus being the Son of God Based on Jesus being the Son of God Matthew 16:13-18 Matthew 16:13-18 That rock = confession of Jesus as Christ and Son of God That rock = confession of Jesus as Christ and Son of God Idea also conveyed in 1 Corinthians 3:11 & John 14:6 Idea also conveyed in 1 Corinthians 3:11 & John 14:6

6. Application of the Lesson Strong faith gives ability to deal with difficult ordeals Strong faith gives ability to deal with difficult ordeals Philippians 4:6-7 and 1 Peter 5:7 Philippians 4:6-7 and 1 Peter 5:7 Hebrews 11 list people with a strong faith Hebrews 11 list people with a strong faith –Noah built the ark, even though he had never seen rain (vs 7) –Abraham offered Isaac, even though he wasn’t told why (vs 17-19) –Walls of Jericho fell down, even though no logical reason to march around them (vs 30)

7. Application of the Lesson Strong faith helps to follow hard commands of God Strong faith helps to follow hard commands of God Ananias had a hard command to follow Ananias had a hard command to follow –Acts 9:10-18 Hard command – marriage/ divorce/ remarriage issue Hard command – marriage/ divorce/ remarriage issue Easy command for one = hard command for another Easy command for one = hard command for another All commands of God can be followed All commands of God can be followed

8. Application of the Lesson Homosexual can overcome if they have faith Homosexual can overcome if they have faith An alcoholic can overcome if they have faith An alcoholic can overcome if they have faith 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” Overcame sins through faith Overcame sins through faith

9. Application of the Lesson Can not move mountains, but still can accomplish great things with our faith Can not move mountains, but still can accomplish great things with our faith Save our own souls Save our own souls –Obeying God’s command –Serving Him all of our lives –Matthew 7:21 & 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Help save the souls of others Help save the souls of others –Living our faith – James 2:14-16 –Motivating to teach others – 1 Peter 3:15

10. Conclusion Do you have a little faith? Do you have a little faith? Why not build on that faith? Why not build on that faith? Plan of salvation Plan of salvation –Hear - Romans 10:17 –Believe - John 3:18 –Repent - Acts 17:30 –Confess - Matthew 10:32-33 –Baptized - Acts 22:16 –Live faithfully - Revelation 2:10