Faith: A Divine Gift Transforming Our Lives

 

Summary

In our exploration of faith, we delve into its profound significance in the Christian life. Faith is not merely a natural faculty or a simple intellectual assent to truth; it is a divine gift that connects us to the fullness of salvation in Christ. This faith is central to our spiritual journey, as it is through faith that we receive all the blessings of salvation. The Bible speaks extensively about faith, emphasizing its role in our salvation, sanctification, and daily walk with God.

Faith is not a matter of mathematical probability or a natural inclination to trust, as some might suggest. Instead, it is a supernatural gift from God, wrought in us by the Holy Spirit. This is evident in the life of Abraham, who believed against all human hope, demonstrating that biblical faith transcends human reasoning and probability. Faith is a moral and spiritual disposition, a gift that is nurtured by the Word of God. It is through hearing and receiving the truth of the Gospel that faith is awakened and strengthened within us.

The elements of faith include belief, trust, and commitment. It is not enough to merely assent to the truth intellectually; true faith involves a deep trust and a willingness to commit oneself entirely to God. This commitment is reflected in our actions and lifestyle, as faith without works is dead. Faith engages the whole person—mind, heart, and will—leading to a transformation that aligns our lives with the teachings of Christ.

Faith and reason are not opposed; rather, faith transcends reason. While reason can lead us to the threshold of faith, it is faith that allows us to embrace the mysteries of God that surpass human understanding. Similarly, faith involves an element of knowledge, an apprehension of the truths of the Gospel. There are essential doctrines that form the core of our faith, such as the holiness of God, the reality of sin, and the redemptive work of Christ. These truths are non-negotiable and form the foundation of our Christian belief.

Key Takeaways:

- Faith is a divine gift, not a natural faculty. It is wrought in us by God and is essential for receiving the blessings of salvation. This faith transcends human reasoning and probability, as seen in the life of Abraham, who believed against all hope. [11:26]

- True faith involves belief, trust, and commitment. It is not merely an intellectual assent to truth but a deep trust and willingness to commit oneself to God. This commitment is reflected in our actions, as faith without works is dead. [21:58]

- Faith engages the whole person—mind, heart, and will. It is not a mere intellectual exercise but a transformation that aligns our lives with the teachings of Christ. Our faith should move us emotionally and lead to a change in our lifestyle. [30:50]

- Faith and reason are not opposed; faith transcends reason. While reason can lead us to the threshold of faith, it is faith that allows us to embrace the mysteries of God that surpass human understanding. Faith is accepting divine revelation beyond human comprehension. [35:10]

- Essential doctrines form the core of our faith, such as the holiness of God, the reality of sin, and the redemptive work of Christ. These truths are non-negotiable and form the foundation of our Christian belief. Understanding these doctrines is crucial for a genuine faith. [43:40]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:39] - Introduction to Conversion
- [01:13] - Importance of Faith
- [02:41] - Central Principles of Faith
- [03:35] - Different Uses of Faith
- [05:08] - Saving Faith
- [06:10] - What is Faith?
- [07:31] - Faith vs. Mathematical Probability
- [09:44] - Biblical Faith in Abraham
- [11:26] - Origin of Faith
- [16:09] - Faith and the Word of God
- [19:04] - Elements of Faith
- [22:47] - Intellectual Ascent vs. True Faith
- [25:27] - What is Involved in Faith?
- [33:01] - Faith and Reason
- [37:29] - Faith and Knowledge
- [43:40] - Essential Doctrines of Faith

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Significance of Faith in the Christian Life

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 10:17 - "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
2. Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
3. Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

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Observation Questions:

1. According to the sermon, how does the Bible describe the role of faith in salvation and sanctification? [01:31]

2. What example from the Bible is used in the sermon to illustrate faith that transcends human reasoning and probability? [11:26]

3. How does the sermon differentiate between faith and mathematical probability? [08:29]

4. What are the elements of faith mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to the whole person? [26:17]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that faith is a divine gift rather than a natural faculty? How does this understanding affect one's view of faith? [11:59]

2. How does the sermon explain the relationship between faith and reason? What does it mean for faith to be "supra-reason"? [35:10]

3. The sermon mentions that faith involves belief, trust, and commitment. How do these elements work together to form a complete faith? [21:58]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of understanding essential doctrines for a genuine faith? How does this relate to the integrity of the Gospel? [43:40]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in something beyond your understanding. How did that experience shape your faith journey? [11:26]

2. The sermon emphasizes that faith should engage the whole person—mind, heart, and will. Identify one area (mind, heart, or will) where you feel your faith could be stronger. What steps can you take to nurture that aspect? [26:17]

3. Consider the relationship between faith and works as discussed in the sermon. How can you ensure that your actions reflect your faith in your daily life? [30:50]

4. The sermon discusses the importance of essential doctrines. Are there any core Christian beliefs you feel uncertain about? How can you seek clarity and understanding in these areas? [43:40]

5. Faith is described as a gift from God. How can you cultivate a sense of gratitude for this gift in your spiritual practices? [11:59]

6. The sermon suggests that faith transcends reason. How can you practice embracing the mysteries of God in your spiritual life without needing all the answers? [35:10]

7. Identify a specific way you can share the message of faith with someone in your life this week. How can you communicate the significance of faith as a divine gift? [16:09]

Devotional

Day 1: Faith as a Divine Gift
Faith is not a natural faculty or a simple intellectual assent to truth; it is a divine gift that connects us to the fullness of salvation in Christ. This faith is central to our spiritual journey, as it is through faith that we receive all the blessings of salvation. The Bible speaks extensively about faith, emphasizing its role in our salvation, sanctification, and daily walk with God. Faith is not a matter of mathematical probability or a natural inclination to trust, as some might suggest. Instead, it is a supernatural gift from God, wrought in us by the Holy Spirit. This is evident in the life of Abraham, who believed against all human hope, demonstrating that biblical faith transcends human reasoning and probability. [11:26]

Romans 4:18-21 (ESV): "In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, 'So shall your offspring be.' He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised."

Reflection: Consider a situation in your life where you feel hopeless. How can you trust God to work beyond human reasoning and probability in this situation today?


Day 2: True Faith Involves Commitment
True faith involves belief, trust, and commitment. It is not enough to merely assent to the truth intellectually; true faith involves a deep trust and a willingness to commit oneself entirely to God. This commitment is reflected in our actions and lifestyle, as faith without works is dead. Faith engages the whole person—mind, heart, and will—leading to a transformation that aligns our lives with the teachings of Christ. [21:58]

James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where your actions do not align with your professed faith. What specific steps can you take today to bring your actions in line with your faith commitment?


Day 3: Faith Engages the Whole Person
Faith engages the whole person—mind, heart, and will. It is not a mere intellectual exercise but a transformation that aligns our lives with the teachings of Christ. Our faith should move us emotionally and lead to a change in our lifestyle. This holistic engagement with faith ensures that it is not just a part of our lives but the very essence of our being, influencing every decision and action. [30:50]

Colossians 3:16-17 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Reflection: Reflect on how your faith influences your daily decisions. Is there an area where you need to allow your faith to have a greater impact on your choices and actions today?


Day 4: Faith Transcends Reason
Faith and reason are not opposed; faith transcends reason. While reason can lead us to the threshold of faith, it is faith that allows us to embrace the mysteries of God that surpass human understanding. Faith is accepting divine revelation beyond human comprehension, allowing us to trust in God's plan even when it is not fully understood. [35:10]

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (ESV): "But, as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him'—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God."

Reflection: Think of a mystery of God that you struggle to understand. How can you practice trusting God with this mystery today, even if it surpasses your understanding?


Day 5: Essential Doctrines of Faith
Essential doctrines form the core of our faith, such as the holiness of God, the reality of sin, and the redemptive work of Christ. These truths are non-negotiable and form the foundation of our Christian belief. Understanding these doctrines is crucial for a genuine faith, as they provide the framework within which our faith operates and grows. [43:40]

Titus 2:11-14 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."

Reflection: Choose one essential doctrine of the Christian faith that you want to understand better. What steps can you take this week to deepen your understanding of this doctrine?

Quotes


Faith is after all the instrument or the channel by which all salvation that is in Christ Jesus enters into us and we are unable to appropriate it. It is the thing that links us to the fullness that dwells in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That is Faith in its Essence. [00:02:56]

Faith is not a natural faculty that every man has. It is not something you exercise in your daily life like trusting a train to take you safely to your destination. Biblical faith is something quite unique and special, as seen in Abraham, who believed against all human hope. [00:06:46]

Faith is a divine gift, not a natural faculty. It is wrought in us by God and is essential for receiving the blessings of salvation. This faith transcends human reasoning and probability, as seen in the life of Abraham, who believed against all hope. [00:11:26]

Faith is brought forth by the scripture, by the word of God. It is by the truth that it comes forth. The Great Commission given to the disciples was to teach all nations, to preach the word, and to hold the truth before them. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. [00:16:09]

True faith involves belief, trust, and commitment. It is not merely an intellectual assent to truth but a deep trust and willingness to commit oneself to God. This commitment is reflected in our actions, as faith without works is dead. [00:21:58]

Faith engages the whole person—mind, heart, and will. It is not a mere intellectual exercise but a transformation that aligns our lives with the teachings of Christ. Our faith should move us emotionally and lead to a change in our lifestyle. [00:30:50]

Faith is not a matter of reason, but it is not contrary to reason. It is supra-reason, meaning that while reason can lead us to the threshold of faith, it is faith that allows us to embrace the mysteries of God that surpass human understanding. [00:35:10]

There are essential doctrines that form the core of our faith, such as the holiness of God, the reality of sin, and the redemptive work of Christ. These truths are non-negotiable and form the foundation of our Christian belief. Understanding these doctrines is crucial for a genuine faith. [00:43:40]

Faith is not merely a matter of intellectual assent to propositions. It involves a personal trust and commitment to the truths of the Gospel. It is a belief that moves us and makes us do something, leading to a transformation in our lives. [00:46:20]

Faith is a belief of this gospel, this word of God, this message. It is an acceptance, a belief of that, an assent of that, persuasion of that, that moves me and makes me do something. That's faith, and I must know what I believe and whom I believe. [00:46:20]

Faith is not a vague feeling or desire to have certain blessings from Christ. It is a belief in the Gospel, the word of God, and the message preached by the apostles. It is an acceptance and belief that leads to action and transformation. [00:46:20]

Faith is not a sort of believism. It is not merely an intellectual exercise but involves the whole person—mind, heart, and will. It is a transformation that aligns our lives with the teachings of Christ, leading to a change in our lifestyle. [00:49:33]

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Transcript
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