Embracing Faith: Trusting God Beyond the Visible
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound and multifaceted concept of faith. Faith is often misunderstood or avoided in our society, yet it remains a cornerstone of our spiritual lives. We began by acknowledging the various ways people use the term "faith," often equating it with belief in oneself or in something greater to overcome life's challenges. However, true faith, as defined by Scripture, is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. It is a spiritual sense that provides proof of the invisible world, much like physical eyesight provides evidence of the material world.
We delved into the secular and biblical definitions of faith, emphasizing that faith is not contrary to reason but goes beyond it. Faith is a willingness to trust, rely on, and cling to God, forming a supernatural communion with Him. This was illustrated through various examples, including the story of Grandma Moses, Colonel Sanders, and Eric Yuan, who all achieved remarkable success through leaps of faith.
We also discussed the importance of understanding and respecting the faiths of others, especially in a multi-faith community. This understanding helps us serve others better, both locally and globally. The sermon highlighted the necessity of having a working definition of faith and how it applies to our lives.
The core of our discussion was rooted in Ephesians 3:14-21, where Apostle Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus. Paul emphasizes the importance of being rooted and established in love, understanding the vast dimensions of Christ's love, and being filled with the fullness of God. This passage serves as a reminder that our identity in Christ affects everything and that we are not alone in our journey of faith.
We concluded with a call to action, encouraging everyone to kneel in prayer, just as many biblical figures did, to seek God's guidance and strength. Faith in Christ teaches us to hope in God, love our enemies, and trust in His perfect plan, even when life is challenging. It is a faith that fuels us to do greater things for the Kingdom of God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith as Spiritual Sight: Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Just as physical eyesight provides evidence of the material world, faith provides proof of the invisible spiritual world. It is a spiritual sense that goes beyond reason, allowing us to trust and rely on God even when we cannot see the outcome. [50:47]
2. Faith in a Multi-Faith World: Understanding and respecting the faiths of others is crucial, especially in a multi-faith community. This understanding helps us serve others better and build meaningful relationships. It also allows us to share our faith in a way that is respectful and compassionate, reflecting the love of Christ. [45:17]
3. Biblical Definition of Faith: According to Scripture, faith is a complete trust and confidence in God. It is not just an intellectual belief but a willingness to trust, rely on, and cling to God. This kind of faith forms a supernatural communion with God, enabling us to see beyond our present troubles and trust in His perfect plan. [49:41]
4. Prayer and Humility: Kneeling in prayer, as many biblical figures did, is a sign of utmost humility and surrender to God's great plan. It is an act of faith that acknowledges our dependence on God and invites His guidance and strength into our lives. This posture of prayer helps us align our hearts with God's will and purpose. [01:09:19]
5. Faith in Action: Faith in Christ teaches us to hope in God, love our enemies, and trust in His perfect plan, even when life is challenging. It fuels us to do greater things for the Kingdom of God and helps us see the good in others and in difficult situations. True faith in Christ will ruin our life for the ordinary, making us extraordinary in God's eyes. [01:35:11]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[40:28] - Greetings and Prayer
[43:04] - Introduction to Faith
[45:17] - Faith in a Multi-Faith World
[49:41] - Biblical Definition of Faith
[50:47] - Faith as Spiritual Sight
[54:02] - Illustration of Faith with Apple Seeds
[56:33] - Personal Testimony of Faith
[01:00:25] - TAP Church Core Values
[01:02:10] - Ephesians 3:14-21 Reading
[01:09:19] - Prayer and Humility
[01:19:47] - Christ Dwelling in Our Hearts
[01:25:35] - Dimensions of God's Love
[01:30:14] - Faith Beyond Reason
[01:35:11] - Faith in Action
[01:42:35] - Repentance and Turning to God
[01:47:00] - Encouragement and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 3:14-21: "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 3:14-21, what does Paul pray for the believers in Ephesus to be strengthened with?
2. What are the dimensions of Christ's love that Paul wants the believers to grasp?
3. In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate leaps of faith? ([46:26])
4. How does the sermon define faith according to Scripture? ([50:47])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize being "rooted and established in love" in his prayer for the Ephesians? How does this relate to the concept of faith discussed in the sermon? ([01:02:41])
2. The sermon mentions the importance of understanding and respecting the faiths of others in a multi-faith community. How can this understanding help us serve others better? ([45:17])
3. What does it mean to have a "supernatural communion with God" through faith, as described in the sermon? ([53:24])
4. How does kneeling in prayer, as discussed in the sermon, reflect humility and surrender to God's plan? ([01:09:19])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in something you couldn't see. How did that experience shape your understanding of faith as "the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen"? ([50:47])
2. In what ways can you show respect and understanding towards people of different faiths in your community? How might this impact your ability to share your own faith? ([45:17])
3. Think about a current challenge in your life. How can you apply the biblical definition of faith—complete trust and confidence in God—to this situation? ([49:41])
4. When was the last time you knelt in prayer? How did it affect your sense of humility and dependence on God? If you haven't done this recently, what might be holding you back? ([01:09:19])
5. How can you actively demonstrate faith in action by loving your enemies and trusting in God's perfect plan, even when life is challenging? ([01:35:11])
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to take a leap of faith. What steps can you take this week to trust God more fully in that area? ([48:11])
7. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of Christ's love in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to be more rooted and established in love? ([01:02:41])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith as Spiritual Sight
Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Just as physical eyesight provides evidence of the material world, faith provides proof of the invisible spiritual world. It is a spiritual sense that goes beyond reason, allowing us to trust and rely on God even when we cannot see the outcome. Faith is not merely an intellectual exercise but a deep-seated trust in God's promises and His character. This kind of faith enables us to navigate life's uncertainties with confidence, knowing that God is in control and His plans are perfect.
Faith as spiritual sight means that we see beyond our immediate circumstances and trust in the unseen realities of God's kingdom. It is a perspective that allows us to live with hope and assurance, even when the future is unclear. This faith is rooted in our relationship with God and grows as we experience His faithfulness in our lives. By cultivating this spiritual sight, we can face challenges with courage and remain steadfast in our walk with God. [50:47]
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust God more, even though you cannot see the outcome? How can you cultivate a deeper sense of spiritual sight in your daily walk with Him?
Day 2: Faith in a Multi-Faith World
Understanding and respecting the faiths of others is crucial, especially in a multi-faith community. This understanding helps us serve others better and build meaningful relationships. It also allows us to share our faith in a way that is respectful and compassionate, reflecting the love of Christ. In a world where diverse beliefs coexist, it is important to approach conversations about faith with humility and openness, recognizing the value of each person's spiritual journey.
By engaging with people of different faiths, we can learn from their experiences and perspectives, which can enrich our own understanding of God and His work in the world. This approach fosters mutual respect and creates opportunities for genuine dialogue and connection. As followers of Christ, we are called to be ambassadors of His love, demonstrating His grace and truth in our interactions with others. [45:17]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: How can you show respect and understanding to someone of a different faith in your community? What steps can you take to build meaningful relationships with them while sharing the love of Christ?
Day 3: Biblical Definition of Faith
According to Scripture, faith is a complete trust and confidence in God. It is not just an intellectual belief but a willingness to trust, rely on, and cling to God. This kind of faith forms a supernatural communion with God, enabling us to see beyond our present troubles and trust in His perfect plan. Faith is an active and dynamic relationship with God, characterized by dependence on His guidance and provision.
This biblical definition of faith challenges us to move beyond mere mental assent to a lived experience of trust in God. It calls us to surrender our fears and uncertainties to Him, believing that He is faithful and His promises are true. As we grow in our faith, we learn to rely on God's strength and wisdom, rather than our own understanding. This deepens our relationship with Him and transforms the way we live our lives. [49:41]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What areas of your life are you struggling to trust God with? How can you actively practice relying on Him and clinging to His promises today?
Day 4: Prayer and Humility
Kneeling in prayer, as many biblical figures did, is a sign of utmost humility and surrender to God's great plan. It is an act of faith that acknowledges our dependence on God and invites His guidance and strength into our lives. This posture of prayer helps us align our hearts with God's will and purpose, reminding us that we are not in control but are reliant on His grace and mercy.
Prayer is a powerful expression of our faith and a means of deepening our relationship with God. It is through prayer that we communicate with Him, seek His direction, and find comfort in His presence. By approaching God with humility, we open ourselves to His transformative work in our lives, allowing Him to shape us according to His will. This humble posture in prayer fosters a spirit of gratitude and trust, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with a sense of peace and assurance. [01:09:19]
James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: How can you incorporate a posture of humility in your prayer life? What specific areas do you need to surrender to God in prayer today?
Day 5: Faith in Action
Faith in Christ teaches us to hope in God, love our enemies, and trust in His perfect plan, even when life is challenging. It fuels us to do greater things for the Kingdom of God and helps us see the good in others and in difficult situations. True faith in Christ will ruin our life for the ordinary, making us extraordinary in God's eyes. This kind of faith compels us to live out our beliefs in tangible ways, demonstrating the love and grace of Christ to those around us.
Living out our faith in action means being intentional about how we serve and love others. It involves stepping out of our comfort zones to meet the needs of those around us, showing compassion and kindness even when it is difficult. By putting our faith into action, we become instruments of God's love and grace, making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. This active faith not only transforms our own lives but also brings hope and healing to those we encounter. [01:35:11]
James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can put your faith into action today? How can you show the love of Christ to someone in need in your community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Faith is one of the hardest subjects in our society. People don't like to talk about faith. A lot of things in Western cultures, people like to desensitize their society from faith. In some place, it is quite uncomfortable or taboo to talk about faith, to talk about God. Even pray in Jesus' name." [43:04] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When people say have faith, it usually means believing. Believing in something that will help them overcome their struggles, hardship, insecurities, challenges. We say it about it. We talk about it. We heard about it. But even those who don't have faith, like many of our friends who are atheists, say something, believe in yourself. Well, we heard this over and over." [45:17] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. That is super clear and useful definition. Just as our physical eyesight is a sense that gives us evidence to the material world, faith is also the sense to provide us with the proof of invisible spiritual world." [50:47] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith does not contradict reason, though it may go beyond reason. One may objectively prove the Bible is the most unique book or even most published book and impact society more than any other book, but faith and only faith can prove the Bible as the Word of God." [52:52] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Faith in Christ teaches us to hope in God, to wait in His timing, to love our enemies, to love the unlovable, to love those who hate us, to love those who manipulated and use us, to forgive them no matter how bad they have done to us." [01:35:11] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Faith is a place in our life through which we commune with God. We become one in supernatural form with God. I want to illustrate this with works of I know if you study physics, you study about Newton studied physics by looking at an apple. You probably look at Genesis when you think of whatever the book for even fruit, you think of apple, right?" [53:24] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When you plant this seed on the ground, bury it, question to you and to them, how many apples will you get from one seed? Many apples. Many apples. They only get one seed, by the way. I only give them one seed. So by faith, we believe every seed that planted, every seed that planted, look at me, every seed that planted will bear fruit at its season." [55:25] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Paul reminds us to enjoy our identity being in Christ. To help us to get ready for the remaining blessings we have as a result of being in Christ. We are not on our own. Tell your friends, you are not on your own. Our identity in Christ affects everything. We have been bought at the cause of Jesus' life." [01:07:40] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Paul says to understand the dimension of God's love we must understand the cross. The cross pointed in four ways every essential in every directions. God love is wide enough to include every person. God love is long enough to last through all eternity. God love is deep enough to reach the worst sinners. God love is high enough to take us to heaven." [01:25:35] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Faith in Christ will ruin our life for the ordinary. We are not extraordinary by any means. The world will tell us to believe that we are somebody. No, no, no. We are nobody. We have an extraordinary God who loves us unconditionally. He saved us through Jesus Christ. He redeemed us. We are truly exceptionally beautiful in God's eyes that he sent his son to die for us." [01:37:19] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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