Attaining Faith
Alan Martin teaches that true faith is attained and strengthened through the knowledge of Jesus Christ, leading to multiplied grace, peace, and divine power for godly living.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of diligently seeking God and growing in the knowledge of Him to experience His grace, peace, and power for life and godliness. It highlights the need for repentance, godly sorrow, and a desire for diligence to bear fruit and be effective in the Christian walk.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Foundation of Like Precious Faith
- Faith is obtained through the knowledge of Jesus Christ
- Grace and peace are multiplied by growing in this knowledge
- Strive not with those who deny godliness and the power of grace
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II. The Divine Power for Life and Godliness
- God’s divine power grants all things pertaining to life and godliness
- This power is accessed through the knowledge of Christ
- True godliness results from the demonstration of the Spirit’s power
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III. The Necessity of Growing in Knowledge
- Grace and peace increase as we deepen our understanding of God
- Capacity to receive spiritual treasures depends on knowledge of Christ
- Faith must be active and obedient, not just hearing the Word
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IV. Attaining Full Assurance and Maturity
- Paul’s goal was to present believers perfect in Christ
- Full assurance comes from the convergence of God’s and our thoughts
- Maturity leads to steadfastness and fruitfulness in the Christian life
Key Quotes
“Lord, your word says that we have ceased from our works and we have entered into your rest.” — Alan Martin
“Grace and peace is going to be multiplied to us in or by the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.” — Alan Martin
“If you claim to know Him and that's not the manifestation of knowing Him, you've deceived yourself.” — Alan Martin
Application Points
- Seek to deepen your knowledge of Jesus Christ daily to experience multiplied grace and peace.
- Trust in God's power rather than your own efforts to live a godly life and enter His rest.
- Practice obedience to God's Word actively, not just listening, to grow in faith and maturity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'like precious faith'?
It refers to the genuine, valuable faith believers obtain through knowing Jesus Christ, which leads to spiritual growth and godliness.
How is grace and peace multiplied in a believer's life?
Grace and peace increase through the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, as believers grow deeper in their relationship with Him.
Why is knowledge of Christ essential for godliness?
Because divine power for life and godliness is given through the knowledge of Christ, enabling believers to live victoriously.
What does it mean to cease from our own works and enter God's rest?
It means trusting fully in God's completed work and living in the freedom and peace that comes from His grace, rather than striving in our own strength.
How can believers increase their capacity to receive spiritual blessings?
By growing in the knowledge of Christ, believers expand their spiritual capacity to receive and experience the treasures God has for them.