Mustard Seed Faith: God’s Power in Your Smallest Belief

Sunday Morning, February 23, 2025

Speaker: Bro. Ward

Faith that Moves Mountains

Bro. Ward opened the service by directing attention to Matthew 17, where a man brings his afflicted son to Jesus after the disciples were unable to help. Jesus responds with a rebuke—not to the father or the boy, but to the faithless and perverse generation. Bro. Ward pointed out that the condition was not a birth defect, but the result of spiritual oppression allowed through personal decisions. Christ’s rebuke underscored how unbelief—especially when masked by reliance on human logic or medical solutions—prevents spiritual healing and deliverance.

The message centered around the disciples’ failure, which was not due to lack of proximity to Christ or knowledge, but their lack of faith. Jesus emphasized that some victories come only by “prayer and fasting”—deeper spiritual investment beyond surface-level belief.

Understanding the Mustard Seed

Jesus’ reference to mustard seed faith was not meant to excuse weak belief, but to highlight its potential. Bro. Ward explained that the mustard seed, though small, grows into a great tree. This speaks to how faith grows through daily trust, obedience, and trials. “Young people and older saints,” he said, “the faith you have is enough to remove your mountain.”

Even when faith feels small or flickering, it is still sufficient to access God’s power. The key lies in not casting it away—not giving in to discouragement or the devil’s suggestions. Paul’s encouragement in Hebrews 10 to “cast not away therefore your confidence” was a reminder to persevere and protect our spiritual liberty.

Confidence Amid Trials

Bro. Ward reminded the congregation that Satan cannot destroy our faith but tempts us to give it up. He warned against spiritual weariness, encouraging all to wait on God’s timing and strength. The mustard seed faith is powerful not because of its size but because of its direction—toward Christ.

“Faith,” he emphasized, “is not about feelings or emotional highs. It’s about trust in God’s Word.” Many look for logical proof or emotional validation. Yet the true power of faith is revealed when we act on God’s promises despite what we feel or see.

Steady Faith, Steady Growth

Using Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 6, Bro. Ward stressed that contentment with godliness is “great gain.” Coveting the world’s riches or chasing feelings can pierce the soul with sorrows. Instead, we are called to “fight the good fight of faith” and “lay hold on eternal life.”

Abraham was offered as an example—“he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief,” Bro. Ward quoted from Romans 4. Even when logic failed, Abraham trusted, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

Healing, Holiness, and Continuance

Acts 3 was read to affirm the power of faith for healing—not just for the body, but for the soul. Peter made it clear that the lame man was healed “through faith in His name.” Bro. Ward urged believers not to linger too long in a merely justified state but to press on into sanctification. “Put to work that mustard seed of faith,” he said, “and let God sanctify, heal, and establish you.”

Staying the Course

The sermon closed with sobering reflections on men once used mightily by God who later strayed. Bro. Ward warned against self-confidence, ambition, or manipulation of God’s Word, referencing historical examples from the early Church of God reformation.

His final encouragement: stay humble, stay faithful, and keep using the faith you have. Faith is the life source of the Christian—our shield, our hope, our strength. “Don’t let your feelings define your faith,” he said, “but let your faith shape how you face your feelings.”

📖 Scripture Reference List

• Matthew 17:14–21 – Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy and teaches about mustard seed faith.

• Mark 9:17–29 – Parallel account; Jesus emphasizes prayer and fasting for certain victories.

• 1 Timothy 6:6–12 – Godliness with contentment is great gain; pursue righteousness and fight the good fight of faith.

• Romans 4:20–22 – Abraham’s unwavering faith credited as righteousness.

• Acts 3:1–16 – The lame man healed through faith in Jesus’ name.

• Colossians 1:19–23 – Reconciliation and hope come through continued faith in Christ.

• James 1:5–8 – Ask in faith without wavering.

• Hebrews 10:35–36 – Do not cast away your confidence; it brings great reward.

• Mark 11:22–24 – Faith can cast mountains into the sea.