TLDR;
This video discusses the importance of faith and how to cultivate it, emphasizing that faith is not merely mental agreement, presumption, natural belief, or self-confidence. It highlights the necessity of relying on the spirit rather than external signs, and trusting in God's promises and nature. The video also outlines ten levels of faith, from no faith to strong faith, providing guidance on how to grow in faith and overcome obstacles such as fear, doubt, and excessive reasoning.
- Faith is not mental assent, presumption, natural belief, or self-confidence.
- True faith involves reposing confidence and trust in God, waiting for His intervention.
- There are ten levels of faith, ranging from no faith to strong faith.
Introduction: The Essence of Faith [0:15]
The speaker opens by emphasizing the importance of seeking the sign of the spirit rather than relying on external facts, which can be misleading. He asserts that the devil, as the god of this world, has the power to manipulate the natural realm. Therefore, believers should focus on the unseen and eternal, as faith originates from the spirit. Sensing even a small "strand" in the spirit can indicate significant spiritual movement. In the New Testament, God resides within believers, so they should seek signs in their spirit rather than external manifestations.
Faith vs. Natural Belief [2:37]
The speaker contrasts internal and external signs, noting that while God may provide external signs, their value lies in first aligning with an internal sense. Missing the internal sign leads to "natural beliefism," which is living by senses and facts that are subject to manipulation. The speaker stresses that if the world does not comply with God's standard, it remains flawed. Faith is essential for receiving answers, and its presence naturally leads to solutions. God has prescribed faith as the way for the justified to live, and failing to walk by faith results in failure.
Prayer and the Move of the Spirit [5:47]
The speaker discusses prayer, distinguishing between praying to God and praying to the congregation. He advises ascending to a higher level of understanding, where prayer is about communing with God and allowing the congregation to receive the byproduct of that communion. Speaking in tongues should be a move of the spirit, not just shouting, with the goal of touching God. He cautions against reprogramming people's mindsets and emphasizes the importance of following the spirit's move, which can manifest in various ways, such as weeping, communication, or warfare.
The Law God Gave Him [9:27]
The speaker encourages listeners to keep their hearts open and learn, avoiding the corruption of assuming that every teaching is directed at someone specific. He explains that ministers operate under the specific laws God has given them, which can vary from kneeling in prayer to dancing. The teaching here focuses on the general counsel of God rather than specific tribal consecrations.
Why Faith Is a Must [11:52]
Faith is essential for pleasing God, overcoming the world, receiving answers to prayers, and living as the justified. The speaker then identifies four things that faith is not: mental assent, presumptions, natural beliefism, and self-confidence. Mental assent is merely believing historical facts or doctrinal persuasions without corresponding action. Presumption involves assuming something without a factual basis or coherent understanding. Natural beliefism relies on facts and senses, which can be manipulated.
Faith Is Not Mental Assent [12:37]
Faith is more than just believing in historical facts or doctrinal persuasions; it requires corresponding action. Many people agree with religious concepts mentally but fail to apply them in their lives. This lack of action reveals a lack of true faith.
Faith Is Not Presumptions [14:52]
Faith is not based on assumptions or presuppositions without a solid foundation. Many people claim to believe in prayer or God's blessings but lack a clear understanding or scriptural basis for their beliefs. This becomes evident in times of trouble when a deeper understanding is required.
Faith Is Not Natural Belieism [19:37]
Faith is not merely trusting in facts or tangible evidence. The speaker shares a personal experience where he expected a powerful service based on external signs but was disappointed. He learned that true faith involves looking for the sign of the spirit rather than relying on natural observations, which can be deceptive.
Faith Is Not Self-Confidence [27:40]
Faith is distinct from self-confidence or charisma. Relying on natural abilities or physical attributes is an insult to God's grace. The speaker illustrates this with examples of intelligent individuals who struggle despite their qualifications, highlighting that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Defining Faith [33:55]
Faith, derived from the word "pistice," means reposing confidence and trust in another, waiting for their intervention for victory. Walking by faith ensures that only God is glorified. For faith to be genuine, there must be someone in whom trust is placed, a basis for that trust (God's promises, nature, and possibilities), and corresponding action.
Three Requirements for Faith [35:48]
For faith to be effective, three elements must be present: a clear object of trust (God), a solid basis for trust (God's promises and nature), and corresponding action. The speaker emphasizes that actions must align with faith, and the basis for those actions must be rooted in God's character and word.
Levels of Faith: Introduction [43:24]
The speaker introduces ten levels of faith, noting that the journey of faith is a life, not an act. The first five levels are unproductive, while the latter five produce results.
Levels of Faith: No Faith [43:42]
The first level is "no faith," characterized by a twisted, controversial, and difficult-to-persuade mind. People at this level argue against everything and struggle to believe.
Levels of Faith: Little Faith [46:34]
The second level is "little faith," where the mind is open to learning but is challenged by fear and doubt. Fear paralyzes action, preventing individuals from fully exercising their faith.
Levels of Faith: Weak Faith [49:43]
The third level is "weak faith," characterized by excessive consideration and logical calculation. People at this level struggle to take action because they are too focused on potential obstacles and outcomes.
Levels of Faith: Dead Faith [55:30]
The fourth level is "dead faith," which occurs when one succumbs to arguments and fails to take action. Faith without works is dead, and those who claim to believe without acting accordingly do not have true faith.
Levels of Faith: Vain Faith [56:07]
The fifth level is "vain faith," which is a baseless faith not substantiated by a promise, nature, or action of God. It lacks a solid foundation and is therefore unproductive.
Levels of Faith: Steadfast Faith [57:00]
The sixth level is "steadfast faith," which endures even when answers do not come. It is a refusal to back down and a commitment to stand one's ground, even in the face of adversity.
Levels of Faith: Strong Faith [58:20]
The seventh level is "strong faith," which rejoices in the midst of circumstances. At this level, faith is valued more than the answer itself, and believers understand that their faith produces answers.
