Embracing Faith: The Foundation of Our Journey
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we are diving into the basics of our faith, focusing on 1 Corinthians 13:12-13, which highlights three enduring virtues: faith, hope, and love, with the greatest being love. As we transition back into our routines, much like children returning to school, it's essential to revisit these foundational truths.
Faith is our focus today. What does faith mean to you personally? How has it shaped your life? Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us that we are saved by grace through faith, a gift from God, not by our works. This was a significant shift from the rule-based religion of the early church to a faith-centered relationship with Jesus Christ. Hebrews 11 provides a profound definition of faith, describing it as the reality of what we hope for and the evidence of things we cannot see. It recounts the stories of historical figures who, despite their imperfections, were commended for their faith.
Faith is not just a belief but an action. It's like trusting a chair to hold you up; you only truly demonstrate faith when you sit in it. Similarly, faith in God doesn't mean life will be free of challenges. Instead, it provides a steadying force, smoothing out the highs and lows of life. Galatians 2:19-21 emphasizes that through faith, we live in Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us.
Faith transforms us. It doesn't mean we won't face difficulties, but it changes how we navigate them. We are not Jesus, but we need Him every day. Faith in God brings the Holy Spirit into our lives, offering peace and love beyond our understanding. Even in the valleys of life, faith lifts us up, not by removing us from challenges but by giving us the strength to endure them.
The stories of Daniel, Noah, and the disciples illustrate that faith often requires stepping into the unknown, trusting in God's plan. The gospel's enduring power lies in the profound truth of Jesus' life and teachings. We are called to live by faith, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us and recognizing our need for a Savior. Choose faith today and let it guide your life.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith as a Foundation: Faith is the cornerstone of our relationship with God. Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches us that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our works. This shift from a rule-based religion to a faith-centered relationship with Jesus Christ is crucial. Faith is a gift from God, and it is through this faith that we experience salvation and a deeper connection with Him. [05:10]
2. Faith in Action: Faith is not merely a belief but an action. Just as you trust a chair to hold you up by sitting in it, true faith in God is demonstrated through our actions and trust in Him. This active faith helps us navigate life's challenges, providing a steadying force that smooths out the highs and lows. [09:10]
3. Transformation Through Faith: Faith in God brings the Holy Spirit into our lives, transforming us from within. This transformation doesn't mean life will be free of difficulties, but it changes how we navigate them. The Holy Spirit offers peace and love beyond our understanding, helping us endure life's valleys. [22:44]
4. Biblical Examples of Faith: The stories of Daniel, Noah, and the disciples illustrate that faith often requires stepping into the unknown and trusting in God's plan. These figures were commended for their faith despite their imperfections, showing us that faith is about trusting God even when we don't have all the answers. [24:40]
5. The Enduring Power of the Gospel: The gospel's enduring power lies in the profound truth of Jesus' life and teachings. We are called to live by faith, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us and recognizing our need for a Savior. This faith changes us, making us more like Jesus and helping us navigate life's challenges with hope and love. [26:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:58] - Back to School Reflections
[01:50] - Returning to Basics
[02:45] - Core Verse: 1 Corinthians 13:12-13
[03:31] - Faith, Hope, and Love
[04:15] - Personal Reflections on Faith
[05:10] - Ephesians 2:8-9: Saved by Grace
[05:56] - Faith vs. Rule-Based Religion
[06:36] - Definition of Faith: Hebrews 11
[07:49] - Heroes of Faith
[09:10] - Faith in Action
[11:01] - Misconceptions About Faith
[13:15] - Faith Steadies Life's Ups and Downs
[14:00] - Personal Stories of Faith
[15:35] - Galatians 2:19-21: Living by Faith
[17:14] - Jesus and the Woman Caught in Adultery
[19:20] - Characteristics of God
[20:09] - Recent Tragic Events
[22:09] - The Need for Faith in a Broken World
[24:40] - Biblical Examples of Faith
[26:31] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 13:12-13: "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
2. Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
3. Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 13:12-13, what are the three enduring virtues, and which is the greatest? ([02:45])
2. How does Ephesians 2:8-9 describe the relationship between grace, faith, and works? ([05:10])
3. What definition of faith is provided in Hebrews 11:1? ([06:36])
4. Can you identify any historical figures mentioned in Hebrews 11 who were commended for their faith despite their imperfections? ([07:49])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the shift from a rule-based religion to a faith-centered relationship with Jesus Christ, as described in Ephesians 2:8-9, impact our understanding of salvation? ([05:56])
2. In what ways does the analogy of trusting a chair to hold you up help us understand the concept of faith in action? ([09:10])
3. How does faith transform our approach to life's challenges, according to the sermon? ([13:15])
4. What lessons can we learn from the stories of Daniel, Noah, and the disciples about stepping into the unknown and trusting in God's plan? ([24:40])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal definition of faith. How has your faith shaped your life and decisions? ([04:15])
2. Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did your faith help you navigate through it? If it didn't, how might you approach it differently next time? ([13:15])
3. The sermon mentioned that faith is not just a belief but an action. What is one specific way you can demonstrate your faith in God this week? ([09:10])
4. How can you allow the Holy Spirit to transform you in your daily life? Identify one area where you need transformation and pray for guidance. ([22:44])
5. Consider the biblical examples of faith like Daniel and Noah. Is there a situation in your life where you need to step into the unknown and trust God's plan? How can you take that step this week? ([24:40])
6. The sermon emphasized the enduring power of the gospel and our need for a Savior. How can you share this message of faith with someone in your life who may need to hear it? ([26:31])
7. Reflect on the idea that faith in God brings peace and love beyond understanding. How can you cultivate this peace and love in your interactions with others this week? ([22:44])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith as the Cornerstone of Our Relationship with God
Faith is the cornerstone of our relationship with God. Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches us that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our works. This shift from a rule-based religion to a faith-centered relationship with Jesus Christ is crucial. Faith is a gift from God, and it is through this faith that we experience salvation and a deeper connection with Him. This foundational truth is essential as we navigate our spiritual journeys, reminding us that our relationship with God is not based on our efforts but on His grace.
Faith is not just a passive belief but an active trust in God's promises. It is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. This faith transforms our lives, allowing us to experience God's love and grace in profound ways. As we grow in our faith, we learn to rely on God's strength and guidance, trusting that He is working in our lives even when we cannot see it. [05:10]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Think about a time when you relied on your own efforts rather than trusting in God's grace. How can you shift your focus from your works to faith in God's promises today?
Day 2: Faith in Action
Faith is not merely a belief but an action. Just as you trust a chair to hold you up by sitting in it, true faith in God is demonstrated through our actions and trust in Him. This active faith helps us navigate life's challenges, providing a steadying force that smooths out the highs and lows. Faith in action means living out our beliefs in tangible ways, showing our trust in God through our decisions and behaviors.
When we face difficulties, our faith in action becomes a source of strength and resilience. It is through our actions that we demonstrate our trust in God's plan, even when the path is uncertain. By actively living out our faith, we become witnesses to God's love and power, inspiring others to trust in Him as well. [09:10]
James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you can actively demonstrate your faith in God. What specific action can you take today to show your trust in Him?
Day 3: Transformation Through Faith
Faith in God brings the Holy Spirit into our lives, transforming us from within. This transformation doesn't mean life will be free of difficulties, but it changes how we navigate them. The Holy Spirit offers peace and love beyond our understanding, helping us endure life's valleys. Through faith, we experience a profound inner change that shapes our character and outlook on life.
This transformation is a continuous process, as we grow in our relationship with God and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us. It is through this ongoing transformation that we become more like Christ, reflecting His love and grace to those around us. Even in the midst of challenges, our faith provides a steady foundation, giving us the strength to persevere and the hope to keep moving forward. [22:44]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did your faith help you navigate it? How can you allow the Holy Spirit to transform you further in this area?
Day 4: Biblical Examples of Faith
The stories of Daniel, Noah, and the disciples illustrate that faith often requires stepping into the unknown and trusting in God's plan. These figures were commended for their faith despite their imperfections, showing us that faith is about trusting God even when we don't have all the answers. Their lives serve as powerful examples of what it means to live by faith, demonstrating courage and obedience in the face of uncertainty.
These biblical examples remind us that faith is not about having everything figured out but about trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness. As we reflect on their stories, we are encouraged to step out in faith, knowing that God is with us and will guide us through every challenge. [24:40]
Hebrews 11:7 (ESV): "By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you are uncertain about the future. How can you step out in faith, trusting in God's plan and guidance?
Day 5: The Enduring Power of the Gospel
The gospel's enduring power lies in the profound truth of Jesus' life and teachings. We are called to live by faith, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us and recognizing our need for a Savior. This faith changes us, making us more like Jesus and helping us navigate life's challenges with hope and love. The gospel message is timeless, offering hope and salvation to all who believe.
Living by faith means embracing the truth of the gospel and allowing it to shape every aspect of our lives. It is through this faith that we experience the transformative power of God's love, becoming vessels of His grace and truth in the world. As we grow in our faith, we are called to share the gospel with others, spreading the message of hope and salvation to those around us. [26:31]
Romans 1:16 (ESV): "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."
Reflection: How can you share the enduring power of the gospel with someone in your life today? What steps can you take to live out the truth of Jesus' teachings in your daily interactions?
Quotes
1. "Faith is a foundational thing. Faith is a foundational word in Bible. Faith is a foundational word in what it means to have salvation. We're going to look at Ephesians 2, 8, and 9. For by grace you have been saved through faith. For by grace from God, the grace of God, by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, you have been saved. And not of yourselves, it is a gift of God, not a result of the works that you do." [05:10] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Faith shows the reality of what we hope for. It is the evidence of things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. By faith, we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen." [07:13] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When we have faith in God, instead of going up to the top of Mount Everest and down to the bottom of Death Valley and then back up to the top of Mount Mars, and back down to the Grand Canyon, instead of going way up and way down, what your faith does is it makes it more like our mountains down in the Southern Tier. If you have experienced real mountains, you recognize that our mountains are nothing in comparison to real mountains." [13:15] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Do you accept the grace that God has given to us? Do you accept in your life that Jesus came and died for you? For me, for everyone in this room, for everyone in this community, everyone in this state, country, world. This is what Jesus did for us. Not because you're such a great person. Not because we can figure out on our own. He died for us so that by faith, by faith and faith alone, we can see Jesus on the other side of death." [15:35] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we place our faith in Jesus, the only natural step for us is to be faithful to Jesus. When you hear stories in the Bible, you often want to place yourself in Jesus' shoes. You think of the woman caught in the act of adultery. And what did Jesus do in this moment? In this moment, Jesus went to the woman caught in the act of adultery. He had all the ability to throw the first stone. The law says that anybody who found her can throw the first stone. Well, what Jesus said was, if you have no sin, go ahead and cast that first stone." [17:14] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Faith in God changes you. Faith in God, you can't stay the same way you were before faith in God after placing your faith in God. Is that because you have to follow all the rules? No. Is that because if you don't do this, if you don't show up on Sunday, if you don't come on Wednesday, if you don't read your Bible every day, if you don't pray, that's if you place your faith in who God is, the Holy Spirit comes in, into your life, and the Holy Spirit changes you as a willing heart to follow who Jesus is." [22:44] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "People of great faith. Faith. Daniel. Why do we know about Daniel? Because he lived a simple, perfect life, and he had a great, cushy living, and he was in with the king. No, because he threw him into a lion's den. Did God say, oh, look, you can exit this trap door? No. He shut the mouths of the lions because of Daniel's faith. Noah built the ark. It's a big boat. They didn't have the machinery that we have today. They didn't have the tools to get this thing done in, you know, a year instead of 17. He got ridiculed over and over and over again, but yet each and every day, he stood on his faith, and when the time came, he was ready." [24:05] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The whole reason why the gospel is extended until today is because there's profound truth found in Jesus. So we live to be more like Jesus. We place our faith in who he is. We allow the Holy Spirit to come into our lives to change us to be more like him, and we recognize we are the broken one. We are the one who needs a Savior. No matter where you are in your walk in life, you need a Savior. I need a Savior, and it takes our faith, our step of faith to walk out, to sit down in that chair, to recognize what I do believe is actually going to happen." [25:20] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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