What is true faith? We talk about faith all the time. When we call someone to follow Jesus, we tell them to have faith in Him. When someone is struggling, we encourage them to exercise faith. We use salvation and faith interchangeable. Faith is a word we use all the time, but what does it mean? For the next few weeks I will answer that question.

The Faith of the Canaanite Woman

The Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21-28 serves as an excellent example of faith. Over the next few days we will glean four things faith is from her story.

(4) True Faith is Dependent

The Canaanite woman knew she needed Jesus. She couldn’t help her child. Nor could anyone else help her. She knew only Jesus could heal her.

Those who exercise true faith, know they need Jesus as well. They know they can’t do it on their own. They humbly recognize they are sinners who need Jesus.

They, however, not only depend on Jesus for their righteous, but also for everything they have in life. They recognize everything is given by Jesus.

The Content of True Faith

Continuing to build our definition of true faith, we see:

• True faith believes – It specifically believes Jesus is Lord and the Son of David. He is our authority and the only way to a reconciled relationship with the Father.
• True faith is persistent – It continues to go after Jesus not allowing anything to dissuade it or act as a barrier.
• True faith is humble – It recognizes its place realizing we are sinners who deserve God’s punishment not His grace.
• True faith is dependent – It not only depends on Jesus for salvation but for everything in life as well.

Question for Reflection

1. Do you recognize everything you have including your salvation is given by Jesus?
2. Are you dependent on Jesus in every area of your life?

Resources

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Post adapted from my most recent sermon The Faith of a Canaanite Woman