The Threefold Influence of Faith
Luke 7:1-10
Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.…


I. THE INFLUENCE OF FAITH UPON SOCIETY — "He is worthy."

1. Faith influencing society through the lowest natural means. Stones and mortar. "He hath built us a synagogue."

2. Faith influencing society through the highest human means. Philanthropy. "He loveth our nation."

3. Faith continuing to influence society independently of the means by which it manifested itself. Every heart says till this day, "He is worthy."

II. THE INFLUENCE OF FAITH UPON THE MAN HIMSELF.

1. It gives man a right estimate of himself — "I am not worthy."

2. It gives him the right estimate of what he has — "Under my roof."

3. It gives man right ideas of God — "Speak the word only." He believed

(a)  that Christ has authority to speak;

(b)  in His willingness to speak;

(c)  in His power to accomplish — "And my servant shall be healed."

4. It gives to the soul the right idea of duty. Loving the nation and caring for the welfare of his domestics.

5. It gives to the soul the right religious impulse — "He hath built us a synagogue."

6. It converts the soul into a most Christ-like aspect. Disinterestedness pervades all the centurion's acts. All for others.

III. THE INFLUENCE OF FAITH UPON THE SAVIOUR — "I have not found so great faith," &c.

1. The uniqueness of the faith. It took the Saviour by surprise.

2. The clear conception which his faith had of the person of the Saviour.

3. The estimate which his faith had formed of the Saviour's feelings. Believed there were sympathy and tenderness in the Saviour's heart.

4. The estimate which he had formed of the resources at the Saviour's command.

5. His implicit confidence in the Saviour in His absence.

6. The Saviour's unreserved compliance with the centurion's request, and the desired blessing bestowed.

(W. A. Edwards.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.

WEB: After he had finished speaking in the hearing of the people, he entered into Capernaum.




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