Active Faith: Trusting God Through Our Actions

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound relationship between faith and works, emphasizing that while faith is the foundation of our salvation, it is through our works that our faith is demonstrated and proven. We delved into the story from 2 Kings 3, where three kings faced a dire situation in the desert, lacking the water necessary for their troops and animals. They sought the prophet Elisha, who instructed them to dig ditches in preparation for God's provision, even though there was no sign of rain. This story illustrates the principle that sometimes God asks us to act in faith, even when we cannot see the immediate results.

Faith is not merely a passive belief but an active trust in God's promises. It requires us to step out and prepare for what God has promised, even when the circumstances seem counterproductive. The act of digging ditches in a dry desert symbolizes our willingness to trust God and prepare for His blessings, even when we cannot see them coming. This is a call to live out our faith actively, to work from our salvation, not for it, and to trust in God's timing and provision.

We are reminded that our salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn through our works. However, our works are a reflection of our faith and a testament to the transformation that faith brings into our lives. As we live out our faith, we become a testimony to others, showing the world the power of God's grace and love.

Key Takeaways:

1. Faith and Works Together: Faith is not just a belief but an active trust in God that is demonstrated through our actions. Our works do not earn our salvation but prove the faith we profess. This active faith is a testimony to the world of God's transformative power. [39:20]

2. God's Timing and Provision: Just because we cannot see God's provision does not mean it is not coming. We must trust in God's timing and continue to prepare for His blessings, even when the circumstances seem bleak. Our faith is strengthened when we act in anticipation of God's promises. [01:02:38]

3. The Power of Obedience: Sometimes, the precursor to our miracle can seem counterproductive. God may ask us to act in ways that seem illogical, but our obedience opens the door for His provision. Delayed obedience can become disobedience, so we must trust and act on God's word. [54:46]

4. Living Out Our Faith: Our faith should be evident in every aspect of our lives, from our prayers to our worship and our interactions with others. A faith that does not change our lives is not a faith that can change the world. We are called to live out our faith boldly and authentically. [47:08]

5. Embracing Our Purpose: Each of us is created with a unique purpose and gifts. When we fail to use these gifts, we do an injustice to the purpose God has placed within us. We are called to walk in the fullness of our purpose, using our gifts to impact the world for God's kingdom. [43:30]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [30:24] - Introduction and Call for Support
- [30:51] - Year-End Offering and Generosity
- [31:23] - Honoring the Zambrana Family
- [34:13] - Series Overview: Faith Filled
- [35:32] - Faith and Works: A Balanced View
- [36:23] - Salvation Through Faith, Not Works
- [38:38] - Living Out Our Faith
- [40:11] - Justification by Works
- [41:06] - Grace and Faith in Ephesians
- [42:09] - The Role of Works in Faith
- [50:05] - The Story of 2 Kings 3
- [52:16] - Worship and Hearing God
- [53:48] - Digging Ditches in Faith
- [01:02:38] - Trusting God's Timing and Provision

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 2 Kings 3:15-20
- James 2:24
- Ephesians 2:8-10

---

Observation Questions:

1. In 2 Kings 3:15-20, what specific instructions did Elisha give to the kings, and what was the outcome of their obedience? [52:16]

2. According to James 2:24, how does James describe the relationship between faith and works? What does the term "justified" imply in this context? [40:11]

3. Ephesians 2:8-10 speaks about grace and faith. How does this passage describe the role of works in relation to salvation? [41:06]

4. In the sermon, what was the significance of the act of digging ditches in the desert, and how did it demonstrate faith? [53:48]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the story in 2 Kings 3 illustrate the concept of acting in faith even when the outcome is not visible? What does this teach about trusting in God's promises? [52:16]

2. James 2:24 suggests that faith is proven by works. How might this challenge the belief that faith alone is sufficient without action? [40:11]

3. Ephesians 2:8-10 emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God. How does this understanding affect the way believers should view their good works? [41:06]

4. The sermon mentioned that sometimes God's instructions might seem counterproductive. How can believers discern when to act on faith despite seemingly illogical circumstances? [54:46]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you had to act in faith without seeing immediate results. How did that experience shape your trust in God's timing and provision? [01:02:38]

2. Consider the gifts and talents God has given you. Are there areas in your life where you feel you are not fully utilizing these gifts for His purpose? What steps can you take to change that? [43:30]

3. The sermon emphasized the importance of living out one's faith actively. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate your faith in your daily interactions with others? [47:08]

4. Delayed obedience can become disobedience. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to act, but you have been hesitant? What is one step you can take this week to move forward in obedience? [58:08]

5. How can you prepare for God's blessings in your life, even when the circumstances seem bleak? What "ditches" do you need to dig in anticipation of His provision? [53:48]

6. The sermon mentioned the importance of trusting God's timing. Is there a situation in your life where you are struggling to wait on God's timing? How can you find peace and patience in this waiting period? [01:03:47]

7. Think about a specific area in your life where you desire change or growth. What practical actions can you take to align your efforts with God's will and promises? [01:06:28]

Devotional

Day 1: Faith in Action: A Living Testimony
Faith is not just a belief but an active trust in God that is demonstrated through our actions. Our works do not earn our salvation but prove the faith we profess. This active faith is a testimony to the world of God's transformative power. [39:20]
In the Christian journey, faith and works are intertwined, each complementing the other. Faith is the foundation of our salvation, a gift from God that cannot be earned through human effort. However, the authenticity of our faith is revealed through our actions. Just as a tree is known by its fruit, so is our faith evidenced by the works we do. These works are not a means to earn salvation but a reflection of the transformation that faith brings into our lives. They serve as a testimony to others, showcasing the power of God's grace and love.
As believers, we are called to live out our faith actively, allowing it to permeate every aspect of our lives. This means that our faith should be evident in our prayers, worship, and interactions with others. A faith that does not change our lives is not a faith that can change the world. We are called to live boldly and authentically, demonstrating the transformative power of faith through our actions.

James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you had the opportunity to demonstrate your faith through action. How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time to better reflect your faith?

Day 2: Trusting in God's Unseen Provision
Just because we cannot see God's provision does not mean it is not coming. We must trust in God's timing and continue to prepare for His blessings, even when the circumstances seem bleak. Our faith is strengthened when we act in anticipation of God's promises. [01:02:38]
In life, there are moments when God's provision seems distant or even impossible. The story of the three kings in 2 Kings 3 serves as a powerful reminder that God's timing and provision are often beyond our understanding. Despite the absence of rain, the kings were instructed to dig ditches in preparation for God's blessing. This act of faith, despite the seemingly bleak circumstances, exemplifies the trust we are called to have in God's promises.
Faith requires us to act in anticipation of what God has promised, even when we cannot see the immediate results. It is in these moments of uncertainty that our faith is tested and strengthened. By trusting in God's timing and provision, we learn to rely on His wisdom rather than our own understanding. This trust is not passive but active, requiring us to prepare for the blessings we believe God will provide.

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

Reflection: Consider a situation in your life where you are waiting for God's provision. How can you actively prepare for His blessing, even if you cannot see it yet?

Day 3: The Obedience that Unlocks Miracles
Sometimes, the precursor to our miracle can seem counterproductive. God may ask us to act in ways that seem illogical, but our obedience opens the door for His provision. Delayed obedience can become disobedience, so we must trust and act on God's word. [54:46]
Obedience to God's instructions is a crucial aspect of the Christian faith. Often, God asks us to take steps that may seem illogical or counterproductive from a human perspective. However, it is through our obedience that we unlock the door to His provision and miracles. The story of the kings digging ditches in a dry desert illustrates this principle. Despite the lack of visible evidence, their obedience to God's word led to the miraculous provision of water.
Delayed obedience can become disobedience, hindering the blessings God intends for us. It is essential to trust in God's wisdom and act promptly on His instructions, even when they do not align with our understanding. Our obedience is a demonstration of our faith and trust in God's plan, paving the way for His miraculous intervention in our lives.

1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God was asking you to do something that seemed illogical. How did you respond, and what did you learn about obedience and faith from that experience?

Day 4: Living Faith: A Call to Authenticity
Our faith should be evident in every aspect of our lives, from our prayers to our worship and our interactions with others. A faith that does not change our lives is not a faith that can change the world. We are called to live out our faith boldly and authentically. [47:08]
Authentic faith is transformative, impacting every area of our lives. It is not confined to religious rituals or Sunday services but is a living, breathing expression of our relationship with God. This faith should be evident in our daily interactions, influencing how we treat others, make decisions, and respond to challenges. A faith that does not bring about change in our lives is not a faith that can bring change to the world.
Living out our faith authentically requires courage and intentionality. It means being consistent in our beliefs and actions, allowing our faith to guide us in every situation. As we live out our faith boldly, we become a testimony to others, demonstrating the power of God's love and grace. This authenticity not only strengthens our relationship with God but also inspires those around us to seek a deeper connection with Him.

Matthew 5:16 (ESV): "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where your faith is not as evident as it could be. What steps can you take to live out your faith more authentically in that area?

Day 5: Embracing and Fulfilling Our God-Given Purpose
Each of us is created with a unique purpose and gifts. When we fail to use these gifts, we do an injustice to the purpose God has placed within us. We are called to walk in the fullness of our purpose, using our gifts to impact the world for God's kingdom. [43:30]
God has created each of us with a unique purpose and set of gifts, designed to contribute to His kingdom and bring glory to His name. Embracing this purpose requires us to recognize and utilize the gifts God has given us. When we fail to do so, we not only miss out on fulfilling our potential but also hinder the impact we can have on the world around us.
Walking in the fullness of our purpose involves a commitment to discovering and developing our gifts. It requires us to step out in faith, trusting that God will use our abilities for His glory. As we embrace our purpose, we become instruments of God's love and grace, impacting the lives of those around us and advancing His kingdom on earth.

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."

Reflection: Reflect on the unique gifts and talents God has given you. How can you use these gifts to serve others and fulfill your God-given purpose today?

Quotes

1. "There's nothing you can do today that will make God look at you and go okay you've now earned the sacrifice of salvation there's nothing the only way that we get to walk into salvation is the acceptance and submission of ourselves to the sacrifice of Jesus to go you know what Jesus I believe that you are the savior of the universe you gave your life died on a cross to pay for a debt that I cannot pay for that my sin has created a chasm between me and the heavenly father God and God desires a relationship with me but sin divides the relationship with us and so Jesus I believe that you gave your life so that I could cross the chasm and I could get to a relationship with him through your sacrifice it's only your sacrifice Jesus it's not my life through your sacrifice it's only your sacrifice Jesus it's not mine and then we get to a place where we go I accept that and not just go I accept that I'm good now but we go I accept that and now my life becomes that like I have submitted myself to say Jesus my life is spoken for by you not by what I do okay you cannot there's nothing in your life there's nothing you do that earns your salvation can I tell you something I'm gonna blow your mind you attending church every day of the week every week of the year however you want to say it you attending church does not earn your salvation helps you grow in it it gives you community with people that help you grow it helps you get to a place where you learn but it doesn't earn your salvation it doesn't inviting 52 people a year to radiate church does not earn your salvation it doesn't you can't earn it because you can't do anything because you can't do anything that earns the life of the savior so all I have to do is go you know what I accept I submit and I walk in that life so whenever I get to that place where I go alright Jesus you gave your life to die for me and you created that I mean you bridge that chasm and so Jesus I give you my life today from this point forward I want to live for you and with you and I want to this eternal relationship with a God that loves me where I am but way too much to leave me there now what the now what is the now what is the question because the reality is is that we can't earn it but we can surely show it and so there's this idea that once I give my life to Jesus now I'm spoken for and so what I do from this point forward doesn't necessarily matter and I would argue back and say that's a lazy faith that's a lazy faith to go you know what he spoke for my soul but he doesn't speak for my actions and the Bible talks about this idea that if it's a life altering life altering that there's a moment to where my soul is now spoken for my eternity is now spoken for it should look like something and so the idea of today is I want to encourage us all to get to this place to where we go I'm gonna walk out of here and I'm gonna live it man I'm gonna believe what God says I'm gonna believe who God is and I'm gonna walk it out day by day by day not earning his salvation so I'm not working for salvation I'm working from it I'm doing things from it it's a point of worship it's a point of worship It's a point of emphasis in life." [37:25] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "If God gave you a... Ability and a talent to walk out and we hide it, we're doing an injustice to the purpose that he put in us. He wants us to use every ounce of gifting and ability on the inside of us to reach people for the kingdom of God, to make a difference where we are today. Some of us are so gifted naturally at things nobody else is gifted at, and it's so hidden and God's going, I can reach so many people if you just open up the box and if you just, walk it out. You can't earn your salvation. We submit to his forgiveness. So if faith saves us, what does works have to do with anything? Well, verse 14 of James 2, we're going back to James 2. Here's what James says. I love the way he words this. The half-brother of Jesus says this. What use is it, my brethren, my brothers, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? Here's what James is saying. It's not the works that save you. It's the idea that it can't be too much of a faith if we can't even live it out. We can't believe in it too much. Like, if I'm praying and I'm going, hey, God, I want you to make me the husband that I know that I can be. God, I want to be the husband, the godly husband, the godly dad that I know you can be. But don't you dare, God. I'm not going to read a book about it. I'm not going to ask advice on it. I don't even know what Ephesians 5 says other than my wife is supposed to submit to me. I'm getting in trouble today. Like, God, I believe that you can make me that. I just don't believe it enough to do my part to become it. And James is going, it can't be a big enough faith that actually changes your life if it doesn't actually change your life. Can I challenge you with this thought? If I've given my life to Jesus, my prayers should sound different. My worship should look different. I shouldn't be bored during worship. Whenever I get to stand in the presence of the creator, because that's what worship gives me the opportunity to do. Like, my Bible reading should be different than it was. You know what I'm saying? Like, the way I love people should be a little more contagious. You know what? I should believe for things a little bit bigger than I used to. Why? Because I've met the one that gave his life for me and for you, and he's bigger than I thought. And the longer I'm with him, the more I know him, and the more I live it, live it out." [46:10] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We have a foundational principle here at Radiate. We say it like this, that if we do what only we can do, God does what only he can do. And it comes from this idea in 2 Kings. Elisha shows up, there's a widow there. She doesn't have much left. Creditors are coming. She's coming to take her kids. It's the message of the jars. We've preached this for years at Radiate. If you've been here any amount of time, you've heard the message. And it's this idea that if we create empty jars and moments to where, like, God can show up and fill the empty spaces, he does, and he does more than we could ever imagine in those moments. This is a similar story to that and a similar principle. But it's this idea that there were three kings, and they were coming together to defeat this place of Moab. And as they were coming together, there aren't... War means we're coming together. Their troops, their animals were all working together to defeat Moab, and they were in the middle of a drought. And so they're in the middle of the desert trying to figure out a war plan to defeat them. A drought shows up, so they don't have the water they need, and they're about to go fight, which means they don't have the nutrition. They don't have the hydration. They don't have what they need to be effective in what they're going to do. Some of you, you're walking through life, and you walked in here today, and you feel like you're going through a drought in your life. You don't have what you need to continue. You're doing what you're supposed to do in your marriage or in your finances or with your kids. And you're in this drought, and all this stuff's happening. It's a literal story to where they're in a drought. The kings got concerned because how are we going to win if they don't have what they need in order to be healthy to fight the fight they need to fight? So they call in the prophet Elisha, and they're like, Elisha, here's what's going on. Talk to us from God. You're a prophet. You speak on behalf of God. Tell us what God says. Tell us the promise of God. What are we supposed to do? In this moment, in verses 15 through 20, we'll read those verses, and then we'll come back and break them down." [51:44] (111 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Sometimes the precursor to our miracle can seem counterproductive. Sometimes we're asking God for a miracle and God puts us to work. Sometimes it's God going, I've got the provision, but I want you to work the word. I want you to know that what I say is going to happen. But I want you to believe it so much that you're willing to pick up a shovel when you don't feel like you've got anything left and begin to dig in the middle of a desert when you don't even see the provision yet. Just trust that it's on. the way I want you to begin to come become and learn the principles of what the Bible says to be a godly husband before the miracle takes place I want you to put in the work to romance and chase your wife I want you to learn how to become the dad or the mom that you're so I want you to learn how to budget your money before I just give you a lump sum oh no now we got quiet okay I see where the line is I get it so they're looking and they're going God's going hey I'll bring it I'll bring the water I'll bring the miracle I'll bring the provision but before I bring the provision you better go out there and dig you better go in here let's be honest it would have been real easy to just say no I'm good right like God I'm tired I'm tired I need a break I've been through a lot God my mental health is just not there emotionally I'm spent spiritually I'm not there I'm not there I'm not there I'm not there spiritually I'm doubting God I'm just so exhausted and I'm so anxious and I'm so depressed and everything nothing goes my way and all that stuff is real feelings that we all experience and in those moments it's real easy to say no but what if we said yes but what if by faith we picked up a shovel and said I'll dig God I'll trust what you say and if you tell me to dig in the middle of a drought I'll dig God if you tell me to learn in the middle of a moment when I don't feel like I got anything left I'll dig God if you tell me to learn in the middle of a moment when I don't feel like I got anything left I'll learn God if you want me to commit then I'll commit God whatever you asked me to do I trust you enough that I'll make it happen because what if they wouldn't have done it they wouldn't have been able to hold the water when it came the miracle would have only helped them for one night but now because they said yeah God I'll dig the ditch I'll create capacity I'll create margin I'll give of myself over and above I'll do what I got to do I'll trust you with what you are telling me God I'll follow you and because of that when the water came now They had basins to hold the water that not only helped them tonight But it helps them tomorrow and it helps them next week and next month and the next dry season They're there in the next moment They're there and whenever I doubt I can go back to the well of faith and draw that water and begin to drink again and Say he did it once he could do it twice. He did it twice. He can do it thrice However, that's a real word you Whatever it looks like They went to baby. I'm gonna hold the water And then if they just said no They would have only partially trusted god Can I can I give you this thought? Sometimes delayed obedience becomes disobedience Because here's what we do when god says i'm gonna bring the miracle, but here's what I want you to do Okay How about this i'll believe what you say, but i'm gonna do it my way Here's what we're telling god. I want you to provide But I got a better way of making it happen and now all of a sudden and it's just human nature to do this stuff And now all of a sudden what happens is we are playing god for the miracle in our lives We're asking god to provide what we're not willing to work We're asking god to provide what I don't trust him with the process in Luke chapter 16 and verse 10 says it like this It's one of the verses that I think about almost every day of my life. He who is faithful in a very little way Is also faithful in much and he who's unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also much Here's what jesus is saying in Luke chapter 16 who you are when you don't have a lot is exactly who you are when you have everything in other words I gotta know I can trust you with what you have before i'll give you what you're believing for If I can't give of what I currently bring in why would god give me more? If I can't love people Right now in the season that i'm in I choose to say that I'll love them whenever I'm in a better season When I'm in a different season when I'm in a different mode of life, it's stewardship It's this idea that god what you gave me is yours And so when you tell me what you tell me to do with it It's only natural that I do it why because you got to trust me god and I got to show you that you can trust me god and So when I'm faithful with little I'll be blessed with much when I'm unrighteous with little then I'll be unrighteous With much so we got to understand and remember that sometimes The precursor to our miracle can seem counterproductive" [54:46] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it's not coming they had to dig ditches whenever they didn't have a drop of rain and go God I know you're still good it's the same thing as going God I know that you're gonna restore my marriage so I'm gonna keep working it's as bad as it's ever been but I still trust God I know that you can provide financially for my family but I don't see it right now but I'm still trusting and I'm gonna do exactly what you say to do in my in your word God my kids aren't following you yet and God this is tough and I don't see them turning their ways yet but I'm gonna keep praying and I'm gonna keep believing and I'm gonna keep I'm gonna keep impacting their life God I'm gonna keep doing God and with this church I look and I go God you're not where we're not where I know that you've said that we would go and I'm not seeing exactly what you said that we would see but I'm gonna keep building and I'm gonna keep inviting and I'm gonna keep giving and I'm gonna keep serving and I'm gonna keep impacting because I know that we're not done yet and I just because I can't see it doesn't mean it's not coming and there's some people in the room that you're ready to give up on the miracle and what God promised simply because you don't see the rain cloud yet and I just need to tell you if you'll keep digging he never lies and eventually eventually there's like ten of you that believe that but eventually you'll become the spouse that you desire you'll pray pray keep digging and pray in those prayers keep giving generously keep serving faithfully keep loving boldly keep living strong keep doing what you got to do keep digging the ditch even when it don't seem like it's happening yet the breakthrough is corner the cloud is going to open up because God don't lie and the rain is on the way he will fill the ditches he'll fill them I can't tell you how and I can't tell you when but I can tell you that it will happen and the beautiful thing of it is if you read it says that not only will you be able to drink from it but you and your cattle and your beasts everything those soldiers were attached to got blessed by God's blessing everybody you're attached to will get the joy of God out of your life and get to see the faith that you've built and the perseverance that you've lived and the things that you've trusted God for just because you can't see it doesn't mean it won't happen" [01:01:00] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "If you want something different, can I tell you something? You've got to do something different. Some of us are believing for a different miracle while holding the same habits. And I just want to encourage you. Like, look at God and go, where do I need to dig? Like, I'm believing you, God. And I'm trusting you, God. But I'm going to get in your word. And I'm going to learn what I need to dig. Where do I need to dig? Where does my shovel need to go so that I can have the marriage that I'm praying for? So that I can be the follower of Christ that I want to be? So that I can be the pastor? So that I can, whatever it is. You fill in the blank. Because I'm just going to keep giving the same examples. You fill in the blank for your life. And then go, God, help me dig. And here's what I can tell you, God. If you promise something, I will dig until I see it happen. And I'll keep digging. If it's six months, it's six months. If it's six years, it's six years. If it's until I die and my kids have to see the blessing, then so be it. I will dig because I know that you don't lie. And I know that you'll bring it. And I know that we'll see it. And I know what's going to happen because, God, you are the God of all. So my question to us all is, what do we have faith in, but I need to dig for? What do I need to dig for? Where am I at? For some of us, the first step, the first shovel, the first scoop of dirt that's got to move is this idea that, alright, Jesus, I'm not my Savior. You are. I can't earn your salvation. I have to accept it. And I have to. I have to submit to it. And so, Jesus, today, my first scoop of dirt is I'm submitting to the idea that I'm not earning your love. I'm accepting it. And I'm not earning your sacrifice. I'm submitting to it so that I can have eternal life with God, my Father. And then what I want to do is I just want to pray that the Holy Spirit would get us out of here. And my heart today is I'm always trying to challenge, right? I'm kind of like the head coach. I'm trying to challenge us. But I want us to walk out of here and go, you know what? Man, it's time to actually live out what I say. It's time for me to actually dig some ditches in what I'm believing for in my life. Some big things. I'm ready to dig some ditches. I'm ready to plant my feet and do what I got to do to see God do what only He can do." [01:07:01] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?