Episode #17: Faith and Confidence in God 1. Different Kinds of Faith

Faith is not one-size-fits-all—Jesus spoke of various levels of faith:

1. Strong Faith – A faith that stands firm regardless of circumstances.
2. Weak/Little Faith – Matthew 14:31
   • Jesus said to Peter, "Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
   • Peter started strong but doubted when he saw the storm.
   • Lesson: Fear weakens faith—trust in God despite the storm.
3. Great Faith
   • Matthew 8:10 – Jesus said the Centurion had great faith because he understood authority.
   • Matthew 15:28 – The Canaanite woman persistently believed in Jesus' ability to heal her daughter.
   • Lesson: Great faith trusts in God's authority and does not give up.
4. No Faith – Mark 4:40
   • In the storm, Jesus asked the disciples, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?"
   • Lesson: Fear and faith cannot operate together.
5. Unbelief – Matthew 13:58
   • Jesus could do no mighty works in His hometown because of their unbelief.
   • Lesson: Faith is necessary for the supernatural to manifest.

2. The Holy Spirit is Still Hovering Over the Earth

• Genesis 1:2 – "The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."
• The Holy Spirit is still present today, ready to move on our behalf.
• We must simply reach out in faith and receive what we need.

3. Overcoming Weak Faith and Offense

• We should not be offended when someone points out weak faith.
• Jesus met every need with confidence—He knew His Father would provide.
• When we take offense at correction, we block our ability to receive.
• Faith is based on relationship—the closer we are to God, the stronger our faith.

4. Measuring Faith – Where Are You?

• We need to know where we are in faith to grow in it.
• We cannot judge God's Word by others' results.
  • Some may receive miracles, and some may not—but that does not change the truth of God's Word.
• We are not to judge others' faith.
  • We do not know their hearts (only God does).
  • Just because someone says they have faith doesn't mean they truly do.

5. The Power of Words and Knowledge

• Life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).
• Hosea 4:6 – "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."
  • Without a deep understanding of God's Word, we cannot stand in faith.
• We live in a fallen world, which is why we face sickness and infirmities.
  • We do not get sick because of personal sin.
  • God does not punish us in Christ—Jesus already bore our punishment (Romans 8:1).

6. Understanding God's Judgment

• God punished people immediately in the Old Testament.
  • Example: Disobedience often resulted in death.
  • God's judgment was swift, clear, and final.
• Acts 5:1-11 – Ananias and Sapphira
  • They lied to the Holy Spirit, not the apostles.
  • They were in agreement in their deceit.
  • There was a revival happening—God's presence was strong.
  • Judgment was immediate, and there was no question as to why.
  • Lesson: In times of great outpouring, there is also great accountability.

7. Recognizing the Enemy's Attacks

• Many things we assume are God's judgment are actually Satan trying to take us out.
• The enemy wants us to believe God is punishing us to drive a wedge between us and God.
• John 10:10 – "The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly."
• Lesson: If something brings death, destruction, or confusion, it is from Satan—not God.

Final Thoughts

• Faith exists in different levels—weak, strong, great, and even unbelief.
• We must recognize where we are in faith and grow in our trust in God.
• Offense blocks our ability to receive from God.
• Our words shape our spiritual strength—speak life, not doubt.
• We do not suffer because God is punishing us—He already placed our punishment on Jesus.
• We must recognize the difference between God's discipline and Satan's attacks.
• Faith is about confidence in God's promises, regardless of circumstances.