Wednesday, March 21, 2012

DESPERATE FAITH

DESPERATE FAITH

Matt. 15:21-28; Selected Scriptures



I.       A RIGHT THEOLOGY (vv. 21-23)

a.       She went to Jesus (vv. 21-22; Mk. 7:25).

b.      She recognized her need for Jesus (v.22).

c.       She expressed her need unashamedly (vv. 22-23b, Mk. 7:26).

d.      She displayed relentless faith (v. 23; Matt. 7:7-8; Heb. 11:6).





II.       A RIGHT DOXOLOGY (vv. 24-28)

a.       Her worship wasn’t predicated upon her prayer being answered (vv. 24-25).

b.      Her worship wasn’t hindered by theological truths (vv. 24-26; Matt 10:5-6).

c.       She worships God in the midst of perceived insult/humiliation & relies upon God’s mercy & grace (vv. 26-27).

d.      Her worship was affirmed by Christ and intensified due to her faith (v. 28; Mk. 7:30; Heb. 11:6b).


Application

1.      Praise God for choosing you FIRST in salvation (Jn. 15:16a; Eph. 2:12-13).



2.      Don’t be ashamed to express yourself to God in YOUR time of need during corporate prayer & praise (Psa. 142:1-2).



3.      Know your place as creature when speaking to the CREATOR (Job 25:4-6; Psa. 103:14).



4.      Never allow others to discourage your faith in God (1 Sam. 30:6b).