Faith: A Deliberate Decision Rooted in Trust
Summary
Certainly! Here’s a summary, key takeaways, and YouTube chapters based on your sermon transcript:
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Summary (300-500 words):
Faith is not simply a matter of mental assent or wishful thinking; it is a deliberate, reasoned decision rooted in the character and promises of God. Drawing from Hebrews 11, the example of Sarah and Moses shows that faith involves considering, esteeming, and weighing the facts about who God is and what He has promised. Sarah received strength to conceive because she judged God faithful, and Moses chose the reproach of Christ over the treasures of Egypt because he esteemed the eternal reward as greater. These were not impulsive or blind leaps, but thoughtful, resolute decisions made in the mind and heart.
God invites us to use our minds, to think deeply, and to make decisions based on the truth of His faithfulness. Faith is not disconnected from reason; rather, it is a response to the evidence of God’s righteousness and justice. We are called to manage what God has entrusted to us, to use our imagination and intellect in service to His purposes, and to trust that He will do right by us because He is righteous in all His ways.
Our relationship with God is not transactional but relational. Righteousness is not merely about being good; it is about being in right relationship—God doing right by us, and us responding in trust and obedience. Sometimes God’s answers do not align with our desires, but His justice and love ensure that He always acts for our ultimate good. When our hearts are aligned with His, He places His desires within us, and we find fulfillment in His will.
The journey of faith often involves leaving comfort, making sacrifices, and stepping into the unknown. Yet, as we make mental decisions to trust and obey, God proves Himself faithful, providing for us and using us to bless others. Our calling is not just personal but communal—to be a resource and a blessing to our city, to care for the vulnerable, and to leave a legacy of faith and love. In all things, we are invited to judge God faithful, to act on His promises, and to trust that He will do right by us, because He is righteous.
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Key Takeaways
- Faith Is a Reasoned Decision, Not Blind Trust
Faith is not about shutting off our minds or leaping into the dark. It is about carefully considering who God is, what He has done, and what He promises. Like Sarah and Moses, we are called to weigh the facts and make a deliberate choice to trust God, knowing that He is faithful and true. [03:40]
- God’s Righteousness Is Relational, Not Just Moral
Righteousness is not simply about God being good in an abstract sense; it is about Him being right by us in relationship. Just as a father or employer does right by those in his care, God acts in ways that are just, loving, and for our benefit—even when we do not understand His ways. [48:21]
- Our Desires Align as We Delight in God
When we truly delight in the Lord, He shapes our desires to match His own. The promise that He will give us the desires of our hearts is not a blank check for our wishes, but an invitation to let Him place His desires within us, so that our longings and His will become one. [49:52]
- Faith Requires Action Rooted in Mental Resolve
Faith begins with a mental decision, but it is proven by action. Until we resolve in our minds to trust and obey, we will not move forward. God calls us to act on His word, to step out even when the outcome is uncertain, and to judge Him faithful in the process. [56:03]
- Our Calling Is to Be a Blessing to Others, Not Just Ourselves
God’s faithfulness to us is meant to overflow into faithfulness toward others. We are called to be resources and agents of restoration in our communities, caring for the vulnerable and leaving a legacy of love and service. Our faith is not just for our benefit, but for the good of those around us. [42:03]
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YouTube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:55] - God Works Miracles and Testimonies
[03:40] - Faith as a Mental Process: Sarah and Moses
[05:19] - Moses’ Deliberate Choice and Esteeming Christ
[09:56] - Sarah’s Faith Despite Impossibility
[12:30] - Paul’s Example: Counting All as Loss
[23:04] - Faith Is Not Blind: Using Our Minds
[24:11] - Our Role as God’s Managers
[27:57] - Personal Testimony: Transformation and Obedience
[30:56] - Family, Faith, and God’s Leading
[34:09] - God’s Provision and Unity
[36:08] - Community Involvement and Vision
[39:08] - The Church as a Resource for Restoration
[43:35] - Faith, Facts, and Trusting God’s Righteousness
[48:21] - Righteousness as Relationship
[52:41] - Walking by Faith: God Will Do Right by You
[56:03] - Judging God Faithful and Acting in Faith
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Faith as a Reasoned Decision
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### Bible Reading
- Hebrews 11:11
“And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.”
- Hebrews 11:26
“He [Moses] regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.”
- Psalm 37:4
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 11:11, what was the reason Sarah was able to receive strength to conceive a child?
2. In Hebrews 11:26, what did Moses consider to be of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, and why?
3. The sermon says that faith is not just a feeling or wishful thinking, but a deliberate decision based on who God is and what He has promised ([03:40]). What examples from the sermon show this kind of faith in action?
4. Psalm 37:4 is quoted in the sermon. What does it mean to “delight yourself in the Lord,” and what is the result?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon explains that Sarah and Moses both made mental decisions to trust God, not just emotional ones ([03:40]). Why is it important that faith involves our minds and not just our feelings?
2. The pastor said that God’s righteousness is about relationship, not just being “good” in an abstract way ([48:21]). How does this change the way we think about God’s actions toward us?
3. The sermon mentions that sometimes God’s answers don’t match our desires, but that as we delight in Him, our desires change to match His ([49:52]). How does this process work in real life?
4. The pastor talked about faith leading to action, not just mental agreement ([56:03]). What does it look like when someone’s faith moves from the mind to real steps of obedience?
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says faith is a reasoned decision, not a blind leap ([03:40]). Can you think of a recent situation where you had to make a deliberate choice to trust God? What facts or promises did you consider?
2. Moses chose to give up comfort and status for something better God promised ([05:19]). Is there an area in your life where you sense God asking you to let go of something comfortable for something greater He has for you?
3. The pastor said God’s righteousness means He always does right by us, even when we don’t understand ([48:21]). Is there a time when you struggled to believe God was being “right” by you? How did you work through it?
4. The sermon challenges us to use our minds and imagination in service to God ([24:11]). What is one practical way you can use your skills or creativity to serve God or others this month?
5. The pastor shared that as we delight in God, He shapes our desires ([49:52]). Are there desires in your heart right now that you sense God is changing? How can you cooperate with Him in that process?
6. The sermon calls us to be a blessing to our city and care for the vulnerable ([42:03]). What is one specific need in your community you feel drawn to help with? What step could you take this week?
7. Faith requires action rooted in mental resolve ([56:03]). Is there a step of obedience you’ve been putting off because you’re waiting to “feel” ready? What would it look like to make a decision and act in faith this week?
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Devotional
Day 1: Faith as a Deliberate, Reasoned Commitment
Faith is not a blind leap into the unknown but a thoughtful decision grounded in the character and promises of God. Like Sarah and Moses, faith involves carefully weighing the evidence of who God is and what He has done. It requires using your mind to consider God’s faithfulness, righteousness, and justice, and then choosing to trust Him despite circumstances that may seem impossible. This kind of faith is a mental resolve that leads to confident action, rooted in the assurance that God is true to His word.
When you face uncertainty, remember that faith is not about ignoring reality but about interpreting it through the lens of God’s trustworthiness. You are invited to engage your intellect and heart together, making a conscious choice to believe in God’s promises. This mental process is the foundation for a faith that perseveres and acts boldly, knowing that God will fulfill what He has spoken. [03:40]
Psalm 78:5-7 (ESV)
He established a testimony in Jacob
and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our fathers
to teach to their children,
that the next generation might know them,
the children yet unborn,
and arise and tell them to their children,
so that they should set their hope in God
and not forget the works of God,
but keep his commandments;
Reflection: What specific evidence of God’s faithfulness can you recall from your life or Scripture that you can deliberately meditate on today to strengthen your reasoned trust in Him?
Day 2: Righteousness as God’s Faithful Relationship with Us
Righteousness is more than moral perfection; it is about God being right and just in His relationship with you. Just as a good father or employer acts justly and lovingly toward those in their care, God’s righteousness means He always does what is right by you, even when His ways are beyond your understanding. This relational righteousness assures you that God’s actions are motivated by love and justice, not arbitrary rules or distant judgment.
When life feels confusing or unfair, remember that God’s righteousness is about His commitment to you as His beloved. He is not distant or detached but intimately involved, working all things for your ultimate good. Trusting in this relational righteousness invites you to rest in God’s justice and love, even when answers are delayed or different from your desires. [48:21]
Zechariah 8:16-17 (ESV)
These are the things that you shall do:
Speak the truth to one another;
render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace;
do not devise evil in your hearts against one another,
and love no false oath,
for all these are things that I hate, declares the Lord.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God’s relational righteousness more deeply, especially when His justice feels delayed or unclear?
Day 3: Delight in God Aligns Our Desires with His
When you truly delight in the Lord, He transforms your heart by placing His desires within you. The promise that God gives the desires of your heart is not a blank check for personal wishes but an invitation to let your longings be shaped by His will. As you grow in delighting in God, your desires and His purposes become one, leading to deeper fulfillment and joy.
This alignment happens as you spend time in God’s presence, allowing His love and truth to reshape what you want most. It is a process of surrender where your heart’s deepest longings are no longer self-centered but God-centered. This transformation brings peace and purpose, as you find that God’s desires for you are always for your good and His glory. [49:52]
Psalm 37:4-5 (ESV)
Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
Reflection: What is one desire in your heart that you can invite God to reshape today so that it aligns more closely with His will?
Day 4: Faith Requires Mental Resolve and Courageous Action
Faith begins with a deliberate decision in the mind to trust God, but it must be proven through action. Without resolving to trust and obey, you will remain stagnant, unable to move forward in God’s purposes. Faith calls you to step out even when the outcome is uncertain, acting on God’s promises and judging Him faithful throughout the journey.
This mental resolve is the foundation for obedience and courage. It means choosing to believe God’s word and then living in accordance with that belief, even when circumstances challenge your confidence. As you act in faith, God demonstrates His faithfulness by providing, guiding, and using you to bless others. [56:03]
Joshua 1:7-9 (ESV)
Only be strong and very courageous,
being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you.
Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left,
that you may have good success wherever you go.
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth,
but you shall meditate on it day and night,
so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.
For then you will make your way prosperous,
and then you will have good success.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.
Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed,
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Reflection: What is one step of obedience you feel God calling you to take today that requires you to trust Him despite uncertainty?
Day 5: Called to Overflow God’s Faithfulness to Others
God’s faithfulness to you is not meant to be contained but to overflow into faithfulness toward others. Your calling is to be a resource and blessing in your community, caring for the vulnerable and contributing to restoration. Faith is not only for personal benefit but for the good of those around you, creating a legacy of love and service.
As you experience God’s faithfulness, consider how you can extend that faithfulness outward. This might mean investing time, resources, or prayers for those in need, or simply being a consistent presence of hope and encouragement. Your faith becomes a conduit of God’s grace, impacting your city and future generations. [42:03]
Isaiah 58:6-8 (ESV)
Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
Reflection: Who in your community is God calling you to bless or serve this week, and what practical step can you take to be a source of His faithfulness to them?
Quotes
And we know that faith is not just a mental ascent. It's not just in our minds. However, it is an element of the wisdom of Hebrews chapter 11. Verse 11. Hebrews by faith, Sabbath herself also received strength to conceive seed. And she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. And by faith, even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. She considered him faithful who made the promise. So the title of this message is mind games. Mind [00:02:58] (68 seconds)
This is what happened when you make a decision based on the fact. When you walk by faith, place your decisions to obey God, based on the fact. So you do not do it by blind faith. God did not ask us to do it by blind faith. This is what gave you a brain. [00:23:51] (20 seconds)
He did not say you disconnected when you started following Him. He gave me a purpose because we are a colleague of God on this earth. We are the managers of this earth. So what does a manager do? A manager takes care of this. How does a manager, they've got to think of it. He wants to come back. One preacher says, God just loves you for your knowledge. He has your imagination because he wants you to use it. And then he's going to know your imagination and it's going to be seen. [00:24:11] (37 seconds)
you need faith we have to operate in faith but we have to learn to trust based on the facts okay so people say God is you trust God you trust wherever you want well that's that's true point God gives us everything God deals with us according to his righteousness okay okay [00:45:26] (46 seconds)
is the work is perfect all his ways are justice a God of truth and without injustice righteous and upright is he so that tells me right there that he So, a lot of people talk about, you know, the social gospel. You know, a lot of people also think, oh, you better go to the church and have your Holy Ghost come down and talk to you, and Jesus, he said, You don't neglect the poor. You do not neglect the evil stuff. You don't neglect the evil stuff. [00:46:18] (56 seconds)
So, that means God has to make a determination if something is just or not. In other words, God sometimes is not just, it's not right, because it's going to impinge on somebody else. It's going to harm someone else. So, God will not do that. But righteous, righteous, this word righteous, it's not a state of being good. It's a relationship. Okay. in a right relationship. he's been right by them. He's been right by them. And so, it's a different relationship. [00:47:24] (54 seconds)
Of course, he knows what's good for us. He knows what's not good for us. Let me tell you, those of you that have kids that want to, you know, you don't know. So, sometimes you're just a young man and you have that. Why? Because it's not good for you. Why? Because it's going to harm you. Why? Okay. But, God is righteous. We have to base our faith in God on the fact that he's righteous. Now, is he going to do everything we want him to do? Probably not. [00:49:24] (40 seconds)
understand you can go by faith and make a mental decision to go by faith because God will do right by you. Why? Your heart is in his heart. What you truly have a passion for. What he will do right by you. but he's going to do right by you. I have all of it. I'm going to go over. I'm already over. [00:52:44] (32 seconds)
God wants you to judge him faithful. Don't judge him judge him so God will be done and he will see that he has been and he be faithful and he's going to do right to you because he is righteous. Amen. God we're so grateful because [00:56:40] (28 seconds)
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