026 - The Unlimited Possibilities of Faith

We have spent the last few sessions unpacking the three key truths that must be believed in order to receive the Higher Christian Life. By now, these should be second nature to you. But there are two aspects to these three truths. One, naturally, is the truths themselves. And the other, of equal importance, is that these truths must be believed. In a word, faith. It is the fact you must believe by faith what these truths state. This brings us to the topic for today, and that is faith. Abundant faith, achieving faith, overcoming faith, non-wavering faith. Faith. So let’s begin with a simple question: What are the unlimited possibilities of faith?

Let’s begin by looking at a few statements from Christ and see if we truly believe what they say.

But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” – Matthew 19:26.

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes” – Mark 9:23.

Note, the Greek word translated “all” is pás and means “each, every, any, in totality, the whole, without exception.” So, for us, all means all. Literally. And the second word to consider is dunatós which is translated as “possible” and means “to be able, to have strength, to be strong or powerful.” This is a form of dúnamis which is primarily translated in the New Testament as power, notably “miraculous” power. In essence, Jesus is saying with faith or to one who believes, all things, without exception, are possible, or have the power, strength, and ability to be done, even miraculously, in Christ.

Do you believe these words of Jesus? I hope so. For “without faith, it is impossible to please Him” (Heb. 11:6).

But there is something more here that needs to be understood about these promises. The first statement is a blanket truth about God. There is nothing impossible with Him, or all things are possible. But with the second statement, there is a condition. Jesus begins with a condition “if” and states, “If you can believe, (then) all things are possible to him (condition again) who believes” (Mark 9:23). So faith or belief is the condition that opens up the floodgates of blessings from the Lord and is the key, not only to our salvation (Eph. 2:8-9), but also the Higher Christian Life.

And if that wasn’t enough, we find in Hebrews intimacy and becoming well-pleasing to the Lord is intricately tied to faith. So much so, the Scripture says “without faith, it is impossible to please Him” (Heb. 11:6), which is the point of seeking the Higher Christian Life.

So if the words of Jesus are true and faith is the substance that brings blessings and intimacy with the Lord, then what are the possibilities in Him, by faith, in this life we now lead? Or, is there anything God cannot do to those who believe?

What are the Unlimited Possibilities of Faith?

Over the next few sessions, we are going to dig into the infinite possibilities of faith and try to expand our understanding of how powerful and majestic, and good is our Lord. After all, there is nothing greater than Him. Nothing. And for some reason, He has chosen to prove Himself sovereign to the lost world of fallen men and angels (Eph. 3:10) by allowing us to personally and intimately experience Him in our daily lives, as sinful as we are. And the pathway to the Higher Christian Life is by faith, and nothing more. Just like it was with our salvation (Eph. 2:8-9).

So what are some of the possibilities of faith, according to the Scriptures and not necessarily our current experience:

• Salvation is possible because of our faith.

• Sanctification, or the Higher Christian Life, is possible because of faith.

• All power for service and ministry is possible because of faith.

• All victory in prayer is possible because of faith.

• All peace and joy during trials in this world are grounded and possible because of faith.

• Excitement in the Lord’s soon return is possible because of faith.

• All things are possible to him to believe, to him who has faith. All things.

This is our inheritance in Him. It is a birthright to be believed. And the choice is always ours to make.

One final thought, consider the faith possibilities in this doxology found in the third chapter of Ephesians. And remember, the word “able” in this verse is a derivative of the same Greek word translated “possible” in the verses above. After all, our God is able, and all things are possible with Him.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works (present tense) in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen – Ephesians 3:20-21.

In my favorite movie, Facing the Giants, Coach Grant Taylor, after winning the State Championship, asks his players this probing question: “What is impossible with God?” And to a player, they all answered, “Nothing Coach.”

So how about you? What is impossible with God?

Until He Comes,

Steve

For more on the Higher Christian Life, visit www.higherchristianlife.com or www.leavinglaodicea.com.