THE AWESOME POWER OF FAITH
Adding Power to Your Purpose - Part 3
January 23-27, 2006

Jesus did not do many miracles of power in his hometown, because of their lack of faith.

Matthew 13:58 (Amp)

Abraham's faith did not leave him, and he did not doubt God's promise; instead his faith filled him with power...

Romans 4:20 (GN)

A common denominator of people who God uses effectively is they are not afraid to trust Him completely. They are people that have a high "faith factor." Are you aware that you have a faith factor? Your faith factor is simply the correlation between your faith and God moving in your life. The more faith you have, the more you will see God move in your life. And of course, the less faith you have, the less you will see God move in your life. If your faith factor is low, there is no need to despair. The remedy is simply to trust God and to continue to grow your faith. This study will provide you with four time-tested principles that will help you to grow your faith and experience more of God's power in your life. So don't wait another moment to put your faith into high gear. God has big plans for you!

MONDAY

FAITH IS CHOOSING GOD'S DREAM FOR YOUR LIFE.
[Your Objective: Understand success in life mean's choosing God's dream, so you may glorify Him.]

According to Proverbs 29:19, what happens to people with no vision?

  • What are some negative consequences when we lack dreams or goals?
  • How does having a dream give your life meaning and purpose?

What does Ephesians 3:20 tell you God can do through His power working within you?

  • You may have your own dreams, but what can you expect when you pursue God's dream?
  • What are some ways that God can demonstrate His power within you?

What do you learn about God in Jeremiah 32:27?

  • In what ways does your own thinking limit God?
  • What happens when you change your thinking from impossibility to possibility?

Read Psalm 2:8. What can you expect of God if you ask Him?

  • Why are you often afraid to ask big things of God?
  • What happens when your dreams are too small?

Worship (Magnification) - Your life can be an expression of worship to God, and a testimony of His power and grace in your life. He has given you the talents and gifts necessary to carry out the dream He has for you, but it is up to you to choose His dream. When you choose God's dream, you can tap into His power and enjoy the success He has planned for you and glorify Him in the process. What step can you take this week to move toward God's dream for your life, so that you may better glorify Him? Make yourself accountable a spiritual partner to help you stay on track. Worship and magnify God right now.

TUESDAY

FAITH IS BEING WILLING TO RISK FAILURE.
[Your Objective: Recognize that risk is the pathway to faith.]

What were the apostles willing to risk for Christ, according to Acts 15:26?

  • Why is it important to be ready to take risks for God?
  • What are you saying when you are unwilling to take risks?

In Daniel 3:17-18, where was Daniel placing his confidence?

  • Based on Daniel's bold statement in verse 18, what do you think Daniel and his companions were ready to do?
  • When you become a Christian, are you guaranteed the answers to prayer you expect?
  • What does God promise? See Romans 8:28-30 for help with this answer.

What causes you to fail, according to Proverbs 29:25?

  • It's said that one way to overcome failure is to redefine it: Failure is not missing the target; it's not having a target. Why do you think fear is a favorite tool of the enemy?
  • What should you really be afraid of: Failing - or disappointing God?

Describe the specific instruction Paul delivers in Galatians 6:4.

  • Why are we to do this?
  • How do we get tripped up by comparison?

Evangelism (Mission) - When you reach out to others with your message of hope in Christ, you have an opportunity to bring someone else to Heaven with you. Considering the potential reward, why is sharing your personal story of redemption a risk you are sometimes unwilling to take? How can you apply the principles in this point to 1) overcome your fear, 2) succeed for Christ, and 3) grow in your faith? Make a decision to take a faith risk this week and make it your priority to bring a family to Lighthouse with you next Sunday.

WEDNESDAY

FAITH IS EXPECTING GOD TO BLESS AND USE ME.
[Your Objective: Understand how belief, faith, and trust in God fuels your expectations and reduces your fear of failure.]

According to Philippians 1:20 what should you hope for and realize in your life?

  • How does this Scripture change our attitudes about fear?
  • According to Psalm 27:13 and Matthew 9:29, what causes you to enjoy the Lord's goodness?
  • What specific ways can you ask God to bless you?
  • Why would God want to use other people to help you?

Reflect on Hebrews 11:1.

  • What does faith do for you and in you?
  • How can understanding the meaning and power of faith help you with your perceived problems?

Ministry - God wants to use you to bless others in the body of Christ. When you initiate your dreams, you can expect to make mistakes, experience discouragement, and receive unjust criticism. Rather than fearing failure, you should trust in God. You should also expect others to help you. What specific aspects of your dream will you commit to prayer, and how can you begin to develop an attitude of expectation? Who will you share your enthusiasm with about it? In what ways can you help others realize their dreams?

THURSDAY

FAITH IS NEVER GIVING UP.
[Your Objective: Realize that you demonstrate your faith in God through an attitude of persistence.]

Who does God preserve, according to Psalm 31:23-24?

  • What does being faithful mean to you?
  • How does being faithful make you a better person?
  • Reflect on a time that God preserved you through a difficult period.

According to Psalm 119:109-110, who does the Psalmist say "lays a snare for him"?

  • What is your daily challenge to remembering God's law?
  • Living to please God does not always happen naturally. In what ways does God's Word help you?
  • How should you respond to people who oppose you?

How many times must we rise up again, according to Proverbs 24:16?

  • Rising up is a choice you must make again and again. Why are you tempted to give up?
  • What are some good motivations for choosing God's way?

In Galatians 6:9, what is the reason for not growing weary?

  • What discourages and keeps some from wanting to continue in their faith?
  • How can you show others your faith in hard times?
  • Where can you turn when you get weary?

Read Mark 9:24. Who did the father ask to help with his unbelief?

  • Why do you struggle sometimes thinking you don't deserve God's blessings?
  • How do you define success?
  • How do you think God defines success?
  • Discouragement can lead to giving up. How can you keep going even when everything around you says "quit"?

Discipleship (Maturity) - You demonstrate Christ-like character when you persevere in the face of struggle. Giving up is tempting, but in the long run, it only makes life harder. God's way can seem like the wrong way, but when you are faithful and follow His way, He rewards you. You also need to encourage others to turn to God for strength during tough times. This week share a scripture from the Bible or pray for someone experiencing trials.

FRIDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:
[Your Objective: Grasp the necessary connection between faith and achieving your life purpose.]

Through this lesson, the Pastors at Lighthouse hope you see that lack of faith is always linked to the lack of power in your life. So how do you grow in faith? You do it by dreaming big dreams for God and by being willing to risk failure. You grow when you expect God to bless you and use you. And you grow in faith when you refuse to give up. What do you need from God? Do you want power? Ask Him to guide you. Ask Him to show you the unique gifts He has given you, and then ask Him to use you for His kingdom. In Mark 9, Jesus healed a young boy who'd been possessed by demons. When his father saw what Jesus had done, he cried out, "Lord, I believe! Help me with my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24 KJV) Ask God to help your unbelief. Give Him control and know the power of a life of purpose. Will you apply these four principles of faith to your life? Pray and trust God to add the power of faith to your life purpose.