Faith That Moves Mountains: The Power of Believing God

The Scene of the Struggle: A Father, a Child, and a Failing Faith

The message opened in Matthew 17, where a father brings his tormented son to Jesus after the disciples fail to cast out a devil. The child’s suffering—described as lunacy and self-harm—was not due to a birth defect, but the result of demonic possession, tied to life choices that had given the enemy a foothold. Jesus’ response was a stinging rebuke—not just to the disciples for their lack of power, but to the broader generation for their unbelief. This sets the stage for the sermon’s central theme: true faith must be grounded in God, not in man.

Unbelief, the speaker emphasized, often stems from a desire for logical proof or emotional evidence. Yet Jesus demonstrated that spiritual problems require spiritual solutions, not medication or mental strategies. “Faith,” he said, “is confidence in the truth and value of God’s Word,” even when no evidence is visible.

A Lesson in Power and Prayer: Faith with Roots

When Jesus finally cast out the spirit, the disciples questioned why they had failed. His answer was pointed: “Because of your unbelief.” Even faith as small as a mustard seed, He said, could move mountains—if it’s real and active. However, Jesus added that “this kind” of deliverance only comes through prayer and fasting, showing that spiritual authority is nurtured through consecration.

The sermon drew a parallel between the growing process of mustard seed faith and our own walk. Like the seed that grows into a tree, faith must be cultivated daily, nourished by obedience and perseverance. There are victories that come through steady spiritual discipline, not surface-level belief.

Warnings Against Casting Away Confidence

The speaker warned believers not to cast away their confidence in God, referencing Paul’s charge in Hebrews 10:35. Temptations to give up often come during prolonged waiting or discouragement, but it is during these very times that faith must be clung to. The enemy cannot destroy your faith—only suggest its disposal.

Using vivid metaphors, the preacher likened the loss of faith to a soldier discarding his weapon mid-battle. “Stand your ground,” he exhorted. “Keep trusting.” Even small faith, if real, can overcome great obstacles. Believers were reminded not to despise their access to God or the birthright they hold as His children.

Growing into Great Faith

The sermon transitioned to Matthew 8, where the Roman centurion exhibited what Jesus called “great faith.” Unlike others, the centurion believed in Christ’s authority to heal with just a word. He did not seek signs; he accepted Christ’s word as sufficient. The preacher noted that great faith is not necessarily emotional or loud—it is quiet confidence in God’s character.

This centurion wasn’t suffering himself, yet his faith moved Christ to act. The implication: anyone can develop great faith by acting on the little faith they already possess. God honors faith that takes Him at His word, no matter how small the beginning.

The Shield of Faith and the Battle Within

The sermon emphasized the “shield of faith” as described in Ephesians 6. Faith defends the soul against Satan’s accusations and internal doubts. Unlike emotions or logic, which fluctuate, faith stands firm in God’s unchanging Word. Listeners were warned not to lean on feelings or worldly reasoning but to apply faith practically.

The preacher cited examples from Church history, including figures who were once used mightily by God but eventually lost their way due to pride or manipulation of Scripture. “Don’t lose your first love,” he said. “Stay grounded.”

Sanctification, Healing, and Continuance

Faith was also connected to sanctification and healing. Through Acts 3, the speaker showed that Peter’s healing of the lame man came by faith in the name of Jesus—not Peter’s power or holiness. Faith not only brings spiritual life but also touches the physical body and mental state.

Sanctification, like salvation, was described as being by faith, not by feelings. Just as justification removes past sin, sanctification removes self-centeredness from the heart. Believers were urged not to delay seeking this deeper work of grace.

Faith Until the End

Concluding in Colossians 1, the sermon called the congregation to remain “grounded and settled” in faith. The power of the smallest amount of real faith is unlimited when it’s put to work. Some mountains may be removed, others may require grace to climb—but both require steadfast faith.

The preacher closed with a plea for humility and endurance. “Don’t manipulate God,” he warned, recalling how even strong leaders fell when they pursued personal agendas. Instead, believers were urged to maintain simple, obedient faith, trusting that God would carry them all the way through.

📖 Scripture Reference List

• Matthew 17:14–21 – Jesus heals a demon-possessed child and teaches on the power of faith and prayer.

• Mark 9:21–24 – Adds insight into the child’s condition and the father’s admission: “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”

• Hebrews 11:6 – “Without faith it is impossible to please God,” underscoring faith as the entry point to relationship with God.

• Ephesians 6:16 – The shield of faith as protection from spiritual attack.

• 1 Timothy 6:6–12 – Encouragement to pursue godliness and fight the good fight of faith.

• Acts 3:1–16 – Peter heals the lame man by faith in Jesus’ name.

• Matthew 8:5–13 – The centurion’s faith is praised by Jesus as “great faith.”

• Romans 4:20–22 – Abraham’s unwavering belief in God’s promises despite lacking evidence.

• James 1:6–8 – Warning against wavering, double-minded prayer.

• Colossians 1:19–23 – Call to remain grounded in the faith for full reconciliation.