Accessing God's Grace Through Faith and Truth
Summary
Faith is not about making God move; rather, it is about accessing what God has already done. Many people mistakenly believe that they need more faith to see God work in their lives. However, Jesus taught that even faith as small as a mustard seed is sufficient to move mountains. This means that the quantity of faith is not the issue; instead, it is about the truth in which we place our faith. When we align our faith with the truth of God's word, we can access the grace that God has already provided. Grace is like a deposit that God has made for us, and faith is the means by which we withdraw from that deposit. Therefore, the focus should not be on acquiring more faith but on understanding and acting upon the truth of God's promises. When we act on what God says, we are exercising all the faith we need. Faith gives us access to grace, and grace is where God has stored everything He plans to do for us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Faith is not about quantity but about the truth in which it is placed. Jesus emphasized that even a small amount of faith, like a mustard seed, is enough to accomplish great things when it is rooted in truth. Therefore, instead of seeking more faith, we should seek a deeper understanding of God's truth. [00:08]
2. Faith is the key to accessing God's grace. Grace is God's provision for us, and it is already available. Our role is to use faith to access this grace, which means trusting in what God has already accomplished and promised. [00:19]
3. The act of faith is about withdrawing from the grace that God has already deposited. We often think we need to do something to make God act, but in reality, God has already acted. Our faith is simply the means by which we receive what He has already provided. [00:33]
4. Stop striving for more faith and start acting on God's word. The moment we act on what God says, we are exercising the faith we need. This action is a demonstration of our trust in God's promises and His provision. [00:47]
5. Grace is the storehouse of God's blessings, and faith is the access point. Everything God plans to do for us is already deposited in His grace. Our faith is the means by which we access these blessings, emphasizing the importance of understanding and trusting in God's grace. [00:47]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:08] - Faith and God's Movement
[00:19] - The Power of Truth
[00:33] - Accessing Grace Through Faith
[00:47] - Acting on God's Word
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 17:20 - "He replied, 'Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'"
2. Ephesians 2:8 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."
3. Romans 5:2 - "Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God."
Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what is the relationship between faith and grace? [00:33]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of faith in accessing what God has already done? [00:19]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the need for more faith versus understanding God's truth? [00:08]
4. How is acting on God's word described as an exercise of faith in the sermon? [00:47]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of faith as small as a mustard seed challenge common perceptions of faith in the Christian life? [00:08]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that grace is like a deposit from which we can withdraw? [00:33]
3. How might understanding God's truth change the way one approaches challenges in life, according to the sermon? [00:19]
4. What does it mean to act on God's word as a demonstration of faith, and how might this look in everyday life? [00:47]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a situation where you felt you needed more faith. How might understanding God's truth have changed your perspective? [00:08]
2. Identify an area in your life where you can act on God's word this week. What steps will you take to demonstrate your faith in this area? [00:47]
3. Consider a promise of God that you find difficult to trust. How can you deepen your understanding of this promise to strengthen your faith? [00:19]
4. Think of a time when you relied on your own efforts rather than accessing God's grace. How can you shift your focus to trust in what God has already accomplished? [00:33]
5. How can you remind yourself daily that God's grace is already available to you, and what practical steps can you take to access it through faith? [00:47]
6. In what ways can you encourage others in your community to understand and act upon God's truth rather than striving for more faith? [00:19]
7. How can you cultivate a habit of acting on God's word in small, everyday decisions to build your faith? [00:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Rooted in Truth
Faith is not about the quantity we possess but the truth in which it is anchored. Jesus taught that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains, emphasizing that the power of faith lies in its foundation. When we place our faith in the truth of God's word, we align ourselves with His promises and can access the grace He has already provided. This understanding shifts our focus from striving for more faith to seeking a deeper comprehension of God's truth. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of what God has already accomplished for us. [00:08]
"For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord." (Psalm 33:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: What specific truth from God's word can you focus on today to strengthen the foundation of your faith?
Day 2: Accessing Grace Through Faith
Faith is the key to accessing God's grace, which is His provision already available to us. Our role is to trust in what God has already accomplished and promised, using faith as the means to access this grace. This perspective encourages us to rely on God's completed work rather than our efforts to make Him act. By trusting in His promises, we can experience the abundance of His grace in our lives, knowing that everything we need has already been provided. [00:19]
"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust more in God's provision and grace today?
Day 3: Withdrawing from God's Deposit
The act of faith is about withdrawing from the grace that God has already deposited for us. Often, we think we need to do something to make God act, but in reality, He has already acted. Our faith is the means by which we receive what He has provided. This understanding frees us from striving and allows us to rest in the assurance that God's grace is sufficient for every need. By exercising faith, we can access the blessings He has stored for us. [00:33]
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 1:3, ESV)
Reflection: What is one blessing you can recognize today that God has already provided for you through His grace?
Day 4: Acting on God's Word
Instead of striving for more faith, we are called to act on God's word. The moment we act on what God says, we are exercising the faith we need. This action demonstrates our trust in God's promises and His provision. By stepping out in faith, we align ourselves with His will and open ourselves to the grace He has already made available. Acting on God's word is a practical expression of our faith and trust in Him. [00:47]
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to demonstrate your trust in God's promises?
Day 5: Grace as the Storehouse of Blessings
Grace is the storehouse of God's blessings, and faith is the access point. Everything God plans to do for us is already deposited in His grace. Our faith is the means by which we access these blessings, emphasizing the importance of understanding and trusting in God's grace. By recognizing that His grace contains all we need, we can live with confidence and assurance in His provision. [00:47]
"And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." (John 1:16, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's grace as the source of all blessings in your life today?
Quotes
"Faith does not make God move because if you believe faith makes God move then you're going to be looking for more faith. You don't need more faith; you have all the faith you're ever going to need for anything God's going to do with you because Jesus said if you have faith the grain of a mustard seed you can move mountains. In other words, you don't need more faith; you need more truth because if you put a little bit of faith in a whole bunch of truth that's all you need." [00:00:04]
"All faith does is access what God has already done and all you're doing with faith is withdrawing what grace has already put on deposit. So stop looking for more faith; you don't need more faith. The moment you act on what God says, that's all the faith you need. Faith gives you access to grace and grace is where God has deposited everything He's gonna do for you." [00:00:31]
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