Embracing Ridiculous Faith: Trusting God Boldly
Summary
In a sermon centered on the theme of "ridiculous faith," the speaker challenges the congregation to trust in God's greatness and to act upon His word with boldness. The sermon begins with an encouragement to focus on God amidst life's distractions and challenges, emphasizing that trust is the currency of faith. The speaker notes that while many trust God for salvation, they falter in trusting Him with daily concerns such as relationships, finances, and parenting. The importance of listening to God is underscored, distinguishing between merely hearing and actively listening, which involves obedience and action. The speaker uses the biblical account of Peter walking on water to illustrate the concept of acting on God's word, emphasizing that Peter walked on a word from Jesus rather than on the water itself.
The speaker shares personal reflections on feeling drained by life's seasons but reminds the congregation that these seasons are temporary and should not define one's life. They encourage finding a rhythm of rest and recharging in God's presence, much like Jesus did. The sermon also reassures the congregation of God's constant presence and faithfulness, urging them to live in the faith of a God who will never fail or abandon them.
The speaker calls for action, suggesting that faith should propel believers to step out of their comfort zones and pioneer new paths. They highlight that knowing God should result in a faith that looks different from the world's and that taking initiative in one's faith journey is crucial. The sermon concludes with an invitation for personal commitment to God, offering support for those ready to walk in His word and fulfill His purpose for their lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Trust is the essential currency of faith, and it must extend beyond salvation into every aspect of our lives. When we trust God with our eternal destiny, we should also trust Him with our daily concerns. This trust is not passive but requires active reliance on God's guidance and provision, which can transform our approach to challenges and uncertainties. [01:05:18]
- Listening to God is not merely an auditory experience but an act of obedience. When God speaks, whether through scripture or the prompting of the Holy Spirit, it demands a response. The story of Peter walking on water exemplifies this obedience; he stepped out not on the physical water but on the assurance of Jesus' word. Our faith must be similarly active, ready to move at God's command. [56:43]
- Worship is not just a ritual but a powerful declaration of God's promises and faithfulness. In moments of worship, we remind ourselves and affirm the truth that God is with us, steadfast and unchanging. This act of worship strengthens our faith and anchors us in the reality of God's never-failing presence, regardless of our circumstances. [36:10]
- Faith is meant to be pioneering and propelling, pushing us beyond the boundaries of our comfort zones. Like Peter, who stepped out of the boat to walk towards Jesus, our faith should lead us to take risks and initiate encounters with God. This pioneering spirit is a hallmark of a life lived in full trust and expectation of God's power at work. [53:56]
- A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is transformative, inviting the Holy Spirit to dwell within us and guide us continually. This ongoing conversation with God shapes our lives, challenges us, and calls us to act upon His word. It is in the daily walk with God, through the comfort and discomfort of faith, that we grow and experience His faithfulness. [59:55]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Ridiculous Faith
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 14:28-31 (NIV)
> "Lord, if it’s you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
2. Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)
> "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
3. Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
> "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Peter ask Jesus before stepping out of the boat? (Matthew 14:28)
2. How did Jesus respond to Peter's request to come to Him on the water? (Matthew 14:29)
3. What caused Peter to begin sinking after he started walking on the water? (Matthew 14:30) [47:03]
4. What promise is repeated in both Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5? How does this promise relate to the sermon’s message about God’s faithfulness? [36:10]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Peter asked Jesus to command him to come on the water instead of just stepping out on his own? What does this reveal about Peter’s faith? (Matthew 14:28-29) [47:03]
2. How does the promise that God will never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5) provide comfort in times of fear and uncertainty? [36:10]
3. The sermon mentioned that Peter walked on a word from Jesus rather than the water itself. How does this concept of "walking on a word" apply to our daily lives and faith actions? [47:03]
4. How does the story of Peter walking on water illustrate the difference between hearing and listening to God? (Matthew 14:29) [56:43]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was calling you to step out in faith. Did you respond like Peter, or did you hesitate? What was the outcome? [47:03]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of trusting God with daily concerns, not just with our eternal destiny. What is one area of your life (relationships, finances, parenting, etc.) where you struggle to trust God fully? How can you begin to trust Him more in that area? [01:06:21]
3. The speaker mentioned that worship is a declaration of God’s promises and faithfulness. How can you incorporate this understanding into your personal worship time this week? [36:10]
4. Peter’s faith led him to take a risk and step out of the boat. What is one "boat" (comfort zone) you need to step out of to follow God’s calling in your life? What practical steps can you take this week to do so? [53:56]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of finding a rhythm of rest and recharging in God’s presence. What are some practical ways you can incorporate rest and spiritual recharging into your weekly routine? [48:30]
6. The speaker encouraged creating encounters with God rather than waiting for them to happen. What is one way you can actively seek an encounter with God this week? [56:09]
7. Reflect on the idea that faith is not passive but requires action. What is one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate your faith in God’s promises? [01:02:13]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the sermon’s message and apply its principles to their daily lives. Encourage open and honest discussion, and remind participants that faith is a journey that involves both trust and action.
Devotional
Day 1: Trust Transcends Salvation
Trust in God should permeate every aspect of life, not just the assurance of salvation. It's a dynamic trust that engages with God's guidance and provision, shaping how one faces daily challenges and uncertainties. Trusting God in the mundane moments is as crucial as trusting Him for eternal life. [01:05:18]
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Reflection: In what areas of your daily life do you struggle to trust God, and how can you begin to surrender these to Him today?
Day 2: Obedience in Listening to God
Listening to God involves more than just hearing; it requires an obedient heart ready to act upon His word. Like Peter stepping out onto the water, believers are called to move in faith, responding to God's voice with decisive action. This active listening shapes a life of faith that is responsive and courageous. [56:43]
James 1:22 - "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
Reflection: What is God speaking to you about in this season, and what is one step you can take to obey His direction?
Day 3: Worship as a Declaration of Faith
Worship is a powerful act that affirms God's promises and faithfulness. It's in worship that believers are reminded of God's steadfast presence, which strengthens faith and provides an anchor in all seasons of life. Worship is not a mere ritual but a declaration of trust in the never-failing God. [36:10]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 - "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
Reflection: How can your worship reflect a deeper trust in God's faithfulness, especially in times when circumstances are challenging?
Day 4: Pioneering Faith that Propels
Faith is not meant to be static but pioneering, pushing believers to step out of comfort zones and into new territories of trust and obedience. It's a faith that takes risks and seeks to initiate encounters with God, leading to a life marked by divine adventure and expectation. [53:56]
Hebrews 11:8 - "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going."
Reflection: What is one risk you feel God is calling you to take in your faith journey, and how can you begin to step out in trust?
Day 5: Transformation Through Relationship with Christ
A personal relationship with Jesus is transformative, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide and challenge believers daily. This ongoing conversation with God is not always comfortable but is essential for growth and experiencing His faithfulness. It's in the daily walk with God that one's faith is truly shaped and tested. [59:55]
Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Reflection: How is your relationship with Jesus challenging you to grow, and what is one area you can submit to Him for transformation today?
Quotes
"Trust is the currency of faith and what bothers me in faith is this: we will trust God to save our soul but we will not trust him to save our marriage, or with our paycheck, or to help us with our kids." [01:06:55] (Download)
"Some of us need to learn to walk on a word. I don't think Peter walked on water; I think he walked on a word. He was able to encounter Jesus in a new way because he was walking on a word." [47:03] (Download)
"Every time [Jesus] wanted to do something great or did something great, he went alone by himself before and after. He went alone to spend time with God. Some of you got to learn a rhythm of rest because some of you ain't got nothing left to give, but you're asking God to give you more." [48:30] (Download)
"Listening to God is obedience, not listening to God is rebellion. And I have to choose my response. God's responsibility is to speak and then come through on his side, my responsibility is will I listen or will I hear." [01:03:25] (Download)
"Ridiculous Faith causes us to do what others won't because we're willing to believe what others don't. You want a different result in your faith, in your life? Find out what others are not willing to do and go do that." [54:30] (Download)
"When we really know God, our faith and our life should look different. Our faith should be ridiculous enough to cause us to step out of the boat when everybody else wants to sit down." [55:33] (Download)
"Ridiculous Faith causes me to pioneer a new path when nobody else will go. I'm not waiting to follow; I'm going to lead. Peter created the encounter with Jesus while everyone else was waiting for the encounter to come to them." [56:09] (Download)
"Ridiculous Faith requires you to walk on a word not a guarantee. A lot of us will never get out of the boat until we're guaranteed the success on the other side." [51:44] (Download)
"Fear will paralyze us, but faith will propel us. Fear paralyzes us with the question of what if. What if I do this and it doesn't work? But faith asks, what if it does?" [53:21] (Download)
"Let us walk out of here and live the faith of a god that is bigger than we could ever imagine." [37:58] (Download)
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