Faith: A Journey of Transformation and Perseverance
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the essence of faith and its practical application in our lives. We began by acknowledging the challenges we face, such as the recent time change, and how these can affect us physically and emotionally. Yet, despite these challenges, we are called to worship and trust in God's faithfulness.
We delved into the transformative power of faith, using personal examples to illustrate how faith can change our behavior and align our spirit, soul, and body with God's will. We discussed the importance of aligning all three aspects of our being—mind, spirit, and body—to fully experience growth in faith. We emphasized that faith begins with a word from God and is sustained by holding onto that word, even when circumstances suggest otherwise.
We examined the story of Elijah, who, by faith, declared a drought and later prophesied its end. Elijah's persistence in sending his servant to look for signs of rain exemplifies the perseverance required in faith. We also touched on the power of the word of God, which does not return void but accomplishes what it is sent to do.
We addressed the reality of unanswered prayers, particularly when we pray for healing, and the need to trust in God's sovereignty. We affirmed that God still heals today and that our faith should not waver even when outcomes are not as we expect.
We discussed the three components of our being: spirit, soul, and body. Our spirit is where we commune with God and where transformation begins. Our soul, which includes our will and emotions, is where we decide to align with God's will. Our body is the physical manifestation of this alignment. We are called to sanctify all three parts, allowing God's spirit to transform us wholly.
Finally, we encouraged the congregation to hold onto faith, even when it seems small, for it can lead to grand outcomes. We were reminded that what we cannot do on our own, the Spirit empowers us to do. We concluded with a call to action, to stand firm in faith, and to trust in the Spirit's invigoration.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith is not a static concept but a dynamic journey that begins with a word from God and requires our active participation to hold onto that word, despite what we see or feel. This journey of faith is marked by transformation, as we align our spirit, soul, and body with God's will. [01:09:39]
- The story of Elijah teaches us that faith involves perseverance. We must be willing to return to God's promises repeatedly, even when there is no immediate evidence of their fulfillment. This persistence in faith is a testament to our trust in God's character and His word. [01:16:05]
- While we may face the mystery of unanswered prayers, especially in matters of healing, we must continue to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. Our faith is not based on outcomes but on the unchanging nature of God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. [51:27]
- Our spiritual growth involves the transformation of our entire being. The sanctification process begins in the spirit, moves through the soul, and manifests in the body. This holistic approach to faith ensures that every part of us is consecrated to God's purpose. [01:03:05]
- The empowerment of the Holy Spirit is essential in our walk of faith. When we face tasks or challenges beyond our natural abilities, it is the Spirit who gives us the strength and vitality to accomplish God's will. This divine empowerment is a key aspect of living a victorious life of faith. [01:21:51]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. James 5:13-15 (NIV)
> "Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven."
2. 1 Kings 18:43-44 (NIV)
> "Go and look toward the sea,” he told his servant. And he went up and looked. “There is nothing there,” he said. Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.” The seventh time the servant reported, “A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.” So Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’”
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NIV)
> "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to James 5:13-15, what actions are believers encouraged to take when they are in trouble, happy, or sick?
2. In 1 Kings 18:43-44, how many times did Elijah send his servant to look for a sign of rain, and what was eventually seen? [01:16:01]
3. What does 1 Thessalonians 5:23 say about the sanctification process and the parts of our being involved?
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between our spirit, soul, and body in the process of sanctification? [01:03:05]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that James, who initially did not believe in Jesus, became a prominent leader in the church? How does this transformation relate to the sermon's message about faith and perseverance? [47:57]
2. What does Elijah's persistence in sending his servant back seven times teach us about the nature of faith and perseverance? [01:16:01]
3. How does the concept of sanctification in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 align with the sermon's emphasis on the transformation of our spirit, soul, and body? [01:03:05]
4. The sermon mentions that faith begins with a word from God and is sustained by holding onto that word. How does this idea connect with the story of Elijah and the rain? [01:09:39]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge and had to rely on faith. How did you hold onto God's word during that period? [01:09:39]
2. The sermon discusses the importance of aligning our spirit, soul, and body with God's will. What practical steps can you take this week to ensure all three aspects of your being are in alignment with God's purpose? [01:03:05]
3. Elijah's story shows the importance of perseverance in faith. Is there a promise from God that you have been waiting to see fulfilled? How can you continue to hold onto that promise despite current circumstances? [01:16:01]
4. The sermon addresses the reality of unanswered prayers, especially in matters of healing. How can you maintain your faith in God's sovereignty and goodness even when your prayers are not answered as expected? [51:27]
5. The sermon emphasizes the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in our walk of faith. Identify a specific area in your life where you need the Spirit's strength and vitality. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you in that area this week? [01:21:51]
6. Think about a small act of faith you can take this week that could lead to a significant outcome. What is that act, and how will you commit to it? [01:09:39]
7. The sermon encourages us to confess our faults to one another and pray for each other for healing. Is there something you need to confess or a prayer request you need to share with your small group today? [52:25]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith's Journey Begins with Divine Promises
Faith is an active, evolving journey that starts when we hear a word from God. It's not merely about believing in something unseen; it's about holding onto that divine promise, even when our circumstances and emotions tell us otherwise. This journey is transformative, requiring us to align our spirit, soul, and body with God's will. It's in this alignment that we experience growth, not just spiritually, but in every aspect of our lives. As we walk this path, we may encounter doubts and obstacles, but it is our steadfastness in God's word that propels us forward and molds us into the beings we are meant to be [07:40].
Hebrews 11:8-10 (ESV)
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God."
Reflection: How can you actively hold onto a specific promise God has given you, even when your current situation seems to contradict it?
Day 2: Perseverance in Faith Mirrors Trust in God
The story of Elijah is a powerful testament to the perseverance that faith demands. Faith is not passive; it requires a steadfast spirit that is willing to cling to God's promises time and again, even when there is no sign of them coming to pass. It's about returning to God, reaffirming our trust in His character, and believing in the power of His word to accomplish what He has declared. This persistence is not in vain; it is the very essence of our trust in the Almighty [16:05].
James 5:17-18 (ESV)
"Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to exercise more perseverance in faith, and how can you demonstrate this perseverance today?
Day 3: Trusting God Beyond Our Understanding
When prayers seem to go unanswered, especially those for healing, it can be a profound mystery that tests our faith. However, our trust in God is not contingent on the outcomes we desire; it is based on His unchanging nature. God's sovereignty and goodness are constants that we can rely on, even when the reasons behind His actions are beyond our comprehension. Our faith is a commitment to trust in God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, regardless of the circumstances we face [51:27].
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV)
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
Reflection: Can you identify a situation where you need to reaffirm your trust in God's sovereignty, even though you don't understand His plan?
Day 4: Holistic Transformation in Faith
Our spiritual growth is not limited to one part of our being; it encompasses our spirit, soul, and body. The process of sanctification begins deep within our spirit, where we commune with God and receive His transformative power. It then progresses to our soul, influencing our will and emotions, aligning them with God's will. Finally, it manifests in our body, the physical representation of our inner spiritual state. This holistic transformation ensures that every part of us is dedicated to God's purpose and reflects His glory [03:05].
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (ESV)
"Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it."
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to align your soul—your will and emotions—with God's will?
Day 5: Empowered by the Spirit for Faith's Walk
The Holy Spirit's empowerment is crucial for our journey of faith. There are times when we face challenges or tasks that seem insurmountable with our natural abilities. It is in these moments that the Spirit steps in, providing us with the strength and vitality needed to accomplish God's will. This divine empowerment is not just for extraordinary feats; it's available for our everyday victories, enabling us to live a life that is victorious and pleasing to God [21:51].
Zechariah 4:6 (ESV)
"Then he said to me, 'This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.'"
Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing where you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's empowerment?
Quotes
1) "Faith begins with a word from God. It first begins with a word from God. And if you are young in this place and you haven't really been walking with God a long time may I encourage you and instruct you to get a hold of a devotion that you deal with and listen to daily." [01:09:39] ()
2) "Elijah sent him back seven times because you know what? He knew what God had said. He knew he was right with God. He wasn't letting up until he saw where he spoke and who God was coming to agreement with." [01:16:05] ()
3) "Faith goes from small beginnings to grand finales. First Kings 18, 45, and 46 says this. Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds. The wind rose and a heavy rain came and Ahab rolled off to Jezreel." [01:21:21] ()
4) "The spirit of God will give you life. It will give you vitality. Ooh. Who in here is weak right about now? You got to spend some time praying in the spirit." [01:21:51] ()
5) "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ." [01:03:05] ()
6) "It's in your soul where we make the decision to obey God. That's what it is. It's in your soul. Okay? This is where we part. This is going from here to here is where transformation takes place." [01:02:03] ()
7) "God said I'm not a man that I should lie. Have I not said it? Will I not do it? Have I not commanded it? Will it not come to pass? Let me tell you something about holding on to faith." [01:18:11] ()
8) "You do hear from God. If your spirit man is alive, you can hear from God. Faith begins with a word from God. Faith continues when you hold on to what he said." [01:19:17] ()
9) "Don't despise that small change God's been making in your life. Don't despise that new conviction God's been bringing forth. I just declare over this body of believers that we will be filled with God's spirit." [01:24:39] ()
10) "Transformation? Booty shorts. Save the preacher Lord. It was just an example. We've all been there. If you walk with God any length of time your soul been under some transformation." [01:07:55] ()
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