Activating God's Promises Through Faith and Action

Summary

Faith is the essential ingredient that activates God’s promises in our lives. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, because faith is not just a mental agreement or a vague hope—it is a deep persuasion, a confident trust that leads to action. God has given us thousands of promises in His Word, but those promises remain dormant unless we mix them with faith. Just as a seed needs good soil to grow, God’s promises need the soil of a receptive, believing heart. The parable of the sower reminds us that it’s not enough to simply hear God’s Word; we must accept it, hold onto it, and allow it to produce fruit in our lives. Our faith is proven genuine not by what we say we believe, but by how we live and respond to God’s Word.

Faith is both the root and the fruit of our relationship with God. We are saved by grace through faith, not by works, but true faith always results in action. Good works are not random acts of kindness, but Spirit-prompted, kingdom acts that reflect God’s heart and bring Him glory. Faith is the substance—the foundation—of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. It is like holding the title deed to a house you have not yet moved into, or preparing for a job you have been offered before your first day of work. Faith brings the future into the present, acting on God’s promises as if they are already fulfilled.

This kind of faith comes by hearing—actively listening to—the Word of God. There is the logos, the written Word, and the rhema, the specific, personal word that the Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts for a particular situation. We need both: the logos grounds us in truth, and the rhema gives us direction, encouragement, and correction for the moment. When God gives a rhema word, it may not make sense in the natural, but obedience to that word releases God’s power and purpose in our lives. What we continually hear shapes what we believe; if we fill our hearts with God’s Word, our faith will grow strong and resilient, able to withstand trials and produce lasting fruit.

Key Takeaways

- Faith is the indispensable foundation for a relationship with God. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him, because faith is more than intellectual agreement—it is a deep persuasion that leads to trust and action. God’s promises require our faith to become reality in our lives; otherwise, they remain mere words with no transformative power. [03:44]

- The fruitfulness of God’s Word in our lives depends on the condition of our hearts. Like the good soil in the parable of the sower, we must not only hear and accept God’s Word, but also hold onto it and allow it to produce visible fruit. Living with the question, “Am I making a difference?” keeps us focused on what truly matters and prevents us from wasting our lives on trivial pursuits. [08:02]

- True faith is always accompanied by action. While we are saved by grace through faith and not by works, genuine faith inevitably expresses itself through Spirit-led works that reflect God’s heart. Not every act of kindness is a biblical good work; only those prompted by the Holy Spirit and aligned with God’s purposes carry eternal significance. [14:35]

- Faith is the substance and evidence of things not yet seen. It is the internal confidence that what God has promised will come to pass, even when there is no outward evidence. Like Abraham, who called himself the father of many nations long before Isaac was born, faith acts on God’s Word as if it is already fulfilled, bringing the unseen into the seen. [21:38]

- Faith comes by hearing—actively listening to—God’s Word, both the written (logos) and the spoken (rhema). The logos grounds us in God’s eternal truth, while the rhema gives us timely, personal direction for our lives. What we continually hear shapes our faith; if we fill our hearts with God’s Word, our faith will be strong, but if we listen to fear and doubt, unbelief will take root. [37:50]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:06] - Testimonies and Church Family Updates
[03:44] - The Necessity of Faith to Please God
[05:08] - God’s Promises and Our Role
[06:42] - The Parable of the Sower: The Condition of Our Hearts
[08:02] - Living with Purpose and Bearing Fruit
[09:50] - Faith and Works: Not Either/Or
[12:34] - Created for Good Works
[14:35] - Spirit-Led Works vs. Random Kindness
[17:33] - Faith as Substance and Evidence
[19:38] - Abraham: Faith in the Unseen
[21:38] - Acting on God’s Word Before Fulfillment
[25:50] - Practical Examples of Faith in Action
[28:08] - Logos and Rhema: Two Dimensions of God’s Word
[31:16] - Personal Testimony: Stepping Out on a Rhema Word
[33:44] - Rhema Words for Life’s Decisions
[35:12] - Faith Grows by Hearing God’s Word
[37:50] - Guarding Your Heart and Growing in Faith
[39:42] - Responding to God’s Call for Salvation
[40:25] - Prayer for Salvation and Commitment

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Faith That Activates God’s Promises

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### Bible Reading

1. Hebrews 11:1, 6 (ESV)
> Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
> And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

2. James 2:17, 26 (ESV)
> So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
> For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

3. Romans 10:17 (ESV)
> So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Hebrews 11:6, what is required to please God, and why is this so important?
2. In James 2:17 and 2:26, what does James say about faith that does not result in action?
3. The sermon compared God’s promises to seeds and our hearts to soil. What are the different types of “soil” mentioned in the parable of the sower, and what makes “good soil”? ([06:42])
4. According to Romans 10:17, where does faith come from, and what does it mean to “hear” the word of Christ?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that faith is more than just mental agreement or hope—it’s a “deep persuasion” that leads to action. Why is it not enough to just agree with God’s promises in your mind? ([03:44])
2. The pastor explained that not every act of kindness is a “good work” in God’s eyes. What is the difference between random acts of kindness and Spirit-prompted, kingdom acts? ([14:35])
3. The story of Abraham was used as an example of faith. Why did Abraham start calling himself “father of many nations” before he had any children, and what does this teach us about acting on God’s promises? ([21:38])
4. The sermon talked about “logos” (the written Word) and “rhema” (the personal, spoken word from God). Why do we need both, and how do they work together to build our faith? ([28:08])

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor said, “Faith is the indispensable foundation for a relationship with God.” In what area of your life do you find it hardest to trust God’s promises? What would it look like to take a step of faith in that area this week? ([03:44])
2. The parable of the sower teaches that the fruitfulness of God’s Word depends on the condition of our hearts. What is one practical way you can “prepare the soil” of your heart to receive and hold onto God’s Word? ([06:42])
3. The sermon challenged us to ask, “Am I making a difference?” What is one area of your life where you want to see more spiritual fruit? How can you intentionally focus on that this month? ([08:02])
4. Think about a time when you felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to do something specific. Did you act on it? What happened? If not, what held you back? ([14:35])
5. The pastor said, “Faith brings the future into the present, acting on God’s promises as if they are already fulfilled.” Is there a promise from God’s Word you need to start acting on, even if you don’t see the results yet? What is one step you can take this week? ([21:38])
6. The sermon emphasized that “faith comes by hearing—actively listening to—God’s Word.” What are some ways you can increase your intake of God’s Word this week? Is there a specific time or method that works best for you? ([37:50])
7. The pastor warned that what we continually hear shapes what we believe. Are there voices (media, people, thoughts) that are feeding doubt or fear in your life? What is one thing you can do to guard your heart and fill it with faith instead? ([37:50])

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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person grow in faith, respond to His Word, and bear fruit that brings Him glory.

Devotional

Day 1: Faith Is Essential to Please God
Faith is not just one way to please God—it is the only way. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him, no matter how many good intentions or efforts we may have. Faith means being fully persuaded, having confidence and assurance in what God has said, even when we cannot see the outcome. God’s promises are powerful, but they require the ingredient of faith to become active in our lives. As we walk by faith and not by sight, we step into a relationship with God that is meaningful and transformative, trusting Him beyond what we can see or understand. [03:44]

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)
"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been relying on your own understanding instead of trusting God’s promises? How can you take a step of faith in that area today?


Day 2: Faith Must Be Expressed Through Action
True faith is not just mental agreement or belief; it is trust that leads to action. Just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead. We are not saved by our works, but our actions are the evidence that our faith is alive and real. God has created us with purpose, and the good works we do—prompted by the Holy Spirit—are divinely designed to reflect His glory. Faith saves us, but works prove our faith is genuine, as we respond to God’s word and allow it to bear fruit in our lives. [11:19]

James 2:26 (ESV)
"For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead."

Reflection: What is one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate your faith in God’s promises, even if it feels uncomfortable or stretches you?


Day 3: Faith Is the Substance and Evidence of Things Unseen
Faith is the foundation, the title deed, and the confident assurance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. It is like having a receipt for something you have purchased online—you may not have it in your hands yet, but it is already yours. Faith reaches into the unseen and acts as if God’s promise is already fulfilled, just as Abraham called himself the father of many nations long before he saw the promise come to pass. This kind of faith brings the future into the present, trusting God’s word even when circumstances seem impossible. [17:33]

Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Reflection: Is there a promise from God that you have been waiting to see fulfilled? How can you begin to live today as if that promise is already true?


Day 4: Faith Comes by Hearing God’s Word
Faith grows as we actively listen to God’s word—not just once, but continually. The more we hear and receive God’s truth, the stronger our faith becomes. God speaks both through the written word (logos) and through specific, personal words (rhema) for our lives. When we fill our hearts and minds with God’s word, we are prepared to receive the faith we need for every situation. What we continually hear will shape what we believe, so it is vital to guard our hearts and be intentional about what we allow to influence us. [28:08]

Romans 10:17 (ESV)
"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can increase your intake of God’s word this week—through reading, listening, or memorizing Scripture?


Day 5: Responding to God’s Word Brings Transformation
It is not enough to simply hear God’s word; we must respond to it. When God speaks—whether through the general truth of Scripture or a specific word to your heart—He invites you to act in faith. Today is the day of salvation, and now is the time to respond to God’s grace. Delaying your response can mean missing out on the transformation and new life He offers. When you say yes to Jesus, receiving His forgiveness and surrendering your life, you step out of darkness into light and begin a journey of living for Him. [39:42]

2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV)
"For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

Reflection: Is there a step of obedience or surrender God is prompting you to take today? What is holding you back from responding to His word right now?

Quotes

``Faith is believing God's Word and acting on it. This is a real simple truth. Faith is believing God's Word and acting on it. is not just mental agreement. It's trust. Watch this. And there's a response. There's trust, but there's a response. [00:09:03] (15 seconds)  #FaithIsTrustInAction Edit Clip

Faith saves you, but works prove your faith is real. Okay? When Israel heard God's promise, they didn't act on it, Hebrews 2, excuse me, Hebrews 4, 2 says. And they missed out. They didn't mix faith. It's like a couple of illustrations. If you owned a plane ticket, but you never board the plane. Faith is the root, but works are the fruit. A couple more of these. Grace writes the story, but works turn the pages. Works don't earn your salvation. They express yourself. [00:14:53] (35 seconds)  #KingdomActsMatter Edit Clip

Faith is substance in evidence substance in evidence Hebrews 11 1 a very foundational verse about faith faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen what in the world does that mean well in the word Greek substance actually it means that which stands under a foundation and a support how many have ever built a house you know you understand that the first thing that's got to go in when they do the dirt work is the foundation it's the footing it's like you know here's the thing you can see the foundation but you can't see the house right you know there's a house coming if you drive by because oh they got that apartment complex that oh they poured the foundation the complex is coming okay so that's what substance means it proves something is coming there's an assurance an underlining support one translation says it is the title deed the legal guarantee that legally you own it like I own this house and here's the title deed I own it [00:16:01] (65 seconds)  #FaithIsConfidentHope Edit Clip

Faith isn't wishing. It's confidence rooted in God's unchanging character. Faith, you could say it this way, is the internal confidence in which God has promised before it shows up on the outside. I want you to get that. It's before it's seen. So, we're talking of stuff that's in the unseen realm for your life, for your future. [00:18:42] (20 seconds)  #FaithBringsFutureNow Edit Clip

That means faith can bring, watch this, the future into the present is really what we're talking about. Faith is. faith, excuse me, reaches into the unseen, grabs a hold of what God has already declared and does what? Acts on it as it's already done. That's with faith. That's what we're talking about here. [00:19:32] (19 seconds)  #MiraclesConfirmGod Edit Clip

Faith comes by hearing. So faith is believing God's word, the substance of evidence, but faith comes by hearing. Somebody shout hearing. Hearing. In Romans 10, 17, it actually touches it more. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. When the Lord mentions one word in the Bible, but if he does it two times, you better take notice. If he does it three times, you better seriously listen, right? So he's saying something here. That word, hearing in the Greek, means active listening. Receiving truth with readiness. There's that heart, the soil. Faith doesn't come by trying harder, it comes by active listening and hearing of God's word. Not social media, the television. Come on, somebody. Amen. Hearing God's word. [00:27:13] (47 seconds)  #RhemaWordSpeaksLife Edit Clip

Because if you have a word from rhema, all the demons in hell cannot stop that. When God says something, it's going to come to pass. Now, you know, doubt and unbelief can creep in and those things. And we can fail and we can, you know, we can mess that up. But God's word is powerful and that rhema will carry. [00:33:39] (18 seconds)  #WhatYouHearYouBelieve Edit Clip

The logos is the whole menu. But the rhema is like the specific dish, if I could say it that way, that God places in front of you. And it's exactly what you need. It's exactly what you need. that time in your life for that season. Isn't that good? So God has something exactly what you need in this season, but it's going to take the logos in your life to get the rhema. [00:34:03] (24 seconds)  #GuardYourHeartFaithGrows Edit Clip

What you continually hear is what you'll eventually believe. Good or bad. No word, no faith. Little word, little faith. Much word, strong faith. [00:37:27] (20 seconds) Edit Clip

What you feed your ears will eventually shape your heart. And so as we hear God's word, our faith can grow stronger. But if we continue to hear the lies of the enemy, the doubts, the fear of this world, unbelief will take root in your life. And when you're in a crisis situation, that's what you know what's in your heart. When you're in a real grinding situation, and this convicts me, it's okay when things are going good and the sun is out, you're on the lake, you're fishing, you know, man, I feel like I'm a real powerhouse with faith. Thank you. When you're in the midst of a trial, when you're pressed against the wall, what comes out? That convicts us. I can know that convicts me. The principle is simple. No word, no faith. Little word, little faith. Much word, strong faith. [00:37:50] (60 seconds) Edit Clip