June 25, 2006
Pastor Harry Leid

Some students of theology feel that faith consists of three elements: the intellectual, the emotional, and the volitional, or voluntary. Today we will examine those three elements of faith.

1. The Intellectual Element
   1. Faith Cannot Exist Without Some Form Of Intellect
      Someone has said that "faith is a step in the dark which leads to the light." But reality says this is incorrect as the believer is walking in the light of Jesus Christ so his faith cannot be in any form of darkness. Our path is lighted by the Word of God. It is dangerous to step into a situation of darkness where we have never ventured before. (Illustration of my uncle Don as a motorcycle policeman for the Jamestown, New York, police force.)
   2. According To Your Faith (The faith you possess)
      Matthew 9:29 Then touched he (Jesus) their eyes, saying, 'According to your faith be it unto you.'
   3. According To Your Faith For Others
      Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, 'O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.'
   4. Mutual Faith
      Romans 1:12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
   5. Multiplying Faith
      Acts 16:5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
      Acts 6:7 And (1) the word of God increased; and (2) the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and (3) a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
2. The Emotional Element
   1. For some evangelicals the very word 'emotion' can immediately raise red flags in regard to faith.
      1. The correct order of progression in faith is facts, faith, and then feelings (emotions).
      2. What is probably the greatest emotional result from faith? I believe by and large it is joy. Paul says, “rejoice and again I say rejoice.
      3. I would not want a faith that did not reward me with emotional experiences. Think how dry life would be without the Wine of Joy.
   2. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter, Will Bring Comfort by our Mutual Faith
      Romans 1:12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
3. The Voluntary Element
   1. You are not forced to have faith
      1. If you choose to lead a dreary Christian life then live a faithless life.
      2. I voluntarily will myself to have faith. I do this on a regular basis. I purpose to be a volunteer in the faith realm.
      3. Faith begins in the heart of the Christian, then spreads out to every aspect of our thinking and life.
   2. You can possess faith
      Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, 'Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.' And the woman was made whole from that hour.
      Acts 6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

Let's commit our intellect, emotions, and voluntary faith to a full life of exciting faith in Jesus Christ.