Embracing Risky Faith: Trusting Beyond Our Fears
Summary
In today's sermon, we embarked on a journey of exploring "Risky Faith," a new series aimed at stretching our faith and challenging us to step out of our comfort zones. We began by acknowledging the power of Jesus' name and the significance of the Lord's Supper as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice. This sacrament serves as a humbling experience, reminding us of the unity we share through the blood of Christ and the forgiveness of our sins.
We delved into the story of the 12 Israelite spies sent to explore the land of Canaan, highlighting the contrasting perspectives of Joshua and Caleb versus the other ten spies. This narrative serves as a powerful illustration of the difference between seeing through the eyes of faith and the eyes of fear. Joshua and Caleb's faith allowed them to see the possibilities and promises of God, while the others were paralyzed by fear, leading to a missed opportunity to enter the Promised Land.
Faith, as we discussed, is multifaceted and involves seeing from God's perspective. It is the assurance of things hoped for and the certainty of things not seen. We are reminded that faith is not just about believing in God but also about trusting Him in every aspect of our lives. This trust requires us to move beyond our fears and embrace the unknown, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
We also explored the importance of having a fresh encounter with God. Just as fresh fruit is vibrant and life-giving, a fresh encounter with God revitalizes our spirit and keeps us from spiritual stagnation. Without these encounters, we risk becoming like rotten fruit, unable to experience the fullness of God's presence and purpose in our lives.
Finally, we were challenged to examine the areas in our lives where fear is holding us back. By identifying these areas and surrendering them to God, we can begin to live by faith, experiencing the freedom and joy that comes from trusting in Him completely.
Key Takeaways:
- The Lord's Supper is a powerful reminder of Christ's sacrifice and our unity in Him. It calls us to reflect on the forgiveness of our sins and the new life we have through His blood. This sacrament is a humbling experience that draws us closer to God and each other. [25:09]
- The story of the 12 spies teaches us the importance of seeing through the eyes of faith rather than fear. Joshua and Caleb's faith allowed them to see God's promises, while the others were blinded by fear, missing out on God's blessings. This narrative challenges us to trust God and step out in faith. [55:41]
- Faith is about seeing from God's perspective. It is the assurance of things hoped for and the certainty of things not seen. By aligning our vision with God's, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and hope, knowing that He is with us. [42:07]
- A fresh encounter with God is essential for spiritual vitality. Just as fresh fruit is life-giving, a fresh encounter with God revitalizes our spirit and keeps us from spiritual stagnation. Without these encounters, we risk becoming like rotten fruit, unable to experience the fullness of God's presence. [52:30]
- Fear can cripple us and keep us from experiencing the fullness of God. By identifying areas where fear is holding us back and surrendering them to God, we can begin to live by faith, experiencing the freedom and joy that comes from trusting in Him completely. [01:12:34]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[15:49] - Power in the Blood
[25:09] - The Lord's Supper
[26:16] - Unity in Christ
[29:36] - Exploring Canaan
[38:49] - Risky Faith Introduction
[40:09] - Living by Faith
[42:07] - Seeing from God's Perspective
[45:45] - Spiritual Eyesight
[47:22] - Aha Moments with God
[52:30] - Fresh Encounters
[55:41] - The 12 Spies
[58:02] - Eyes of Fear vs. Faith
[01:02:27] - Self-Perception and Faith
[01:12:34] - Overcoming Fear
[01:20:21] - Freedom in Faith
[01:26:22] - Trusting God with Our Gifts
[01:30:47] - Season of Risky Faith
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Risky Faith
#### Bible Reading
1. Numbers 13:1-3, 25-33
2. Romans 1:17
3. Hebrews 11:1
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#### Observation Questions
1. What was the mission given to the 12 Israelite spies, and how did their reports differ upon returning? ([29:36])
2. How does the sermon describe the concept of "Risky Faith"? What are its implications for believers? ([38:49])
3. What role does the Lord's Supper play in reminding us of Christ's sacrifice and our unity in Him? ([25:09])
4. How does the sermon illustrate the difference between seeing through the eyes of faith and the eyes of fear? ([55:41])
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of the 12 spies illustrate the consequences of fear versus faith in the life of a believer? ([57:19])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that faith is "multifaceted" and involves seeing from God's perspective? ([42:07])
3. How does the concept of a "fresh encounter with God" relate to spiritual vitality, according to the sermon? ([52:30])
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between fear and experiencing the fullness of God? ([01:12:34])
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when fear held you back from stepping out in faith. What was the situation, and how might you approach it differently now? ([01:11:34])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeing from God's perspective. How can you align your vision with God's in your current life circumstances? ([42:07])
3. Identify an area in your life where you feel spiritually stagnant. What steps can you take to seek a fresh encounter with God this week? ([52:30])
4. Consider the story of Joshua and Caleb. How can you cultivate a mindset that focuses on God's promises rather than obstacles? ([55:41])
5. The sermon challenges us to trust God completely. What is one specific area in your life where you need to surrender control to God? ([01:15:16])
6. How can participating in the Lord's Supper deepen your understanding of unity in Christ and the forgiveness of sins? ([25:09])
7. What practical steps can you take to overcome fear and live by faith, experiencing the freedom and joy that comes from trusting in God? ([01:12:34])
Devotional
Day 1: Unity Through Christ's Sacrifice
The Lord's Supper is a profound reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made for humanity. It is a sacred act that calls believers to reflect on the forgiveness of sins and the new life offered through His blood. This sacrament is not just a ritual but a humbling experience that draws individuals closer to God and to one another. It serves as a powerful symbol of the unity shared among believers, reminding them of the common bond they have in Christ. As they partake in the Lord's Supper, they are invited to remember the depth of Christ's love and the unity that His sacrifice brings. [25:09]
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26, ESV)
Reflection: Consider how participating in the Lord's Supper has deepened your understanding of unity in Christ. How can you actively foster this unity within your community today?
Day 2: Seeing Through the Eyes of Faith
The story of the 12 spies sent to explore Canaan illustrates the stark contrast between faith and fear. Joshua and Caleb, through their faith, were able to see the possibilities and promises of God, while the other ten spies were paralyzed by fear, leading to a missed opportunity to enter the Promised Land. This narrative challenges believers to trust God and step out in faith, even when circumstances seem daunting. It is a call to see beyond the immediate obstacles and to focus on the promises of God, trusting that He is faithful to fulfill them. [55:41]
"And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, 'Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.'" (Numbers 13:30, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a situation in your life where fear has held you back. How can you choose to see this situation through the eyes of faith today?
Day 3: Aligning Vision with God's Perspective
Faith involves seeing from God's perspective, which is the assurance of things hoped for and the certainty of things not seen. By aligning their vision with God's, believers can navigate life's challenges with confidence and hope, knowing that He is with them. This perspective shift requires a deep trust in God's character and promises, allowing individuals to move beyond their fears and embrace the unknown. It is an invitation to trust God in every aspect of life, knowing that He is faithful and present in every step of the journey. [42:07]
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV)
Reflection: Think about a challenge you are currently facing. How can you align your vision with God's perspective and trust Him in this situation?
Day 4: The Vitality of Fresh Encounters with God
A fresh encounter with God is essential for spiritual vitality. Just as fresh fruit is vibrant and life-giving, a fresh encounter with God revitalizes the spirit and keeps believers from spiritual stagnation. Without these encounters, individuals risk becoming like rotten fruit, unable to experience the fullness of God's presence and purpose in their lives. It is crucial to seek these encounters regularly, allowing God's presence to refresh and renew the spirit, leading to a deeper and more vibrant faith. [52:30]
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your recent spiritual encounters. How can you intentionally seek a fresh encounter with God this week?
Day 5: Overcoming Fear to Live by Faith
Fear can cripple believers and keep them from experiencing the fullness of God. By identifying areas where fear is holding them back and surrendering them to God, individuals can begin to live by faith, experiencing the freedom and joy that comes from trusting in Him completely. This process involves a conscious decision to let go of fear and to embrace the unknown, trusting that God is with them and will guide them through every challenge. It is an invitation to experience the abundant life that comes from living by faith. [01:12:34]
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where fear is holding you back. What steps can you take today to surrender this fear to God and live by faith?
Quotes
"One of The most powerful sacraments that we have in the church is that of the Lord's Supper yes is a humbling experience it is to remind us of the death that Christ paid yes the cross that every one of us would be here today here's the reality family if it had not been for the blood of Jesus" [00:25:15] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Faith is like a diamond. It is multifaceted. One of the pieces of evidence and one of the elements of faith that we have to start off with, is this faith is seeing from God's point of view." [00:41:30] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Faith is learning to see things how God sees them. It's looking at from God's point of view, having his vision and his vision alone." [00:43:29] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"That's what God wants to do for us through this season of building our faith. He wants us to open our eyes and realize Jesus was there the whole time. He wants us to open our eyes and realize that there are angels fighting on our behalf. He wants us to open our eyes and recognize the plan that God has for our lives is bigger than what we can see. God wants us to open our eyes and experience him like never before. God is looking for us to realize. Who he really is. And stretching our faith." [00:47:48] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God has blessed me with the gift of faith. He didn't have to convince me of what I already believed. But in that moment, God wanted me to have a fresh revelation and a real encounter of what he of who he is. And here's the reality, family. God wants us to have a fresh revelation and a real encounter with him. What we thought we knew about God compels in comparison to who he really is. There are no words that I have that really can quantify the full essence of who he is. But with each revelation, I move closer. And closer to him. It is my prayer that if not before the end of this worship experience, that sometime during this week, every one of us in this room and listening online will have a fresh encounter with God. The reality is we don't know who he is until we know who he is. Growing up in church, one of my favorite songs, consequently, that I would love to hear Brother Charles Williams sing." [00:49:61]
"The more we look at our problem, the more exaggerated it gets. Somebody criticizes you. And the more you think about it, the next thing you know, the whole world is against you. The thing we are fearing the most begins to grow out of proportion. It is magnified because we're pouring. More energy into that thing, which we are afraid of instead of giving that energy to our faith. And the reality is oftentimes we get stuck in our circumstances and in our situations because we make the devil bigger than our God. And here's the reality, family. If you've seen him do it before, that ought to be a testimony. That God can do it again. If he saved you, healed you, delivered you, set you free before. Don't you know that the same God that dealt with the cancer, the same God that dealt with the high blood pressure, the same God that dealt with the diabetes, the same God that dealt with that bigger issue, that stroke in your life is the same God." [00:59:54] (85 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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