Faith: A Journey of Trust and Dependence

 

Summary

Faith is not just a one-time decision or a set of beliefs we hold in our minds; it is a journey that begins when we trust Christ as Savior and continues as we learn to live out that faith in every circumstance. The call is to move from an abstract understanding of salvation to a practical, daily dependence on God. Faith is defined as confidence in God, assurance in what we hope for, and conviction in what we do not see. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, and the examples in Hebrews 11 show us that God delights in those who trust Him, not just in theory, but in the way they live and respond to life’s challenges.

Looking at the life of Joseph, we see a man who endured betrayal, slavery, false accusation, and years of suffering, yet he maintained a perspective that God was working for good. Similarly, Paul, despite beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonment, saw his hardships as opportunities for the gospel to advance. These are not just stories of belief, but of faith lived out in the trenches of adversity.

There is a contrast between inactive and active faith. Inactive faith is characterized by walking by sight, not by faith—like Peter, who walked on water until he focused on the storm instead of Jesus and began to sink. Inactive faith is also misplaced faith, where our trust is consumed by worries about daily needs rather than resting in God’s provision, as Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount. We are reminded that our value to God far exceeds that of birds and lilies, and yet we often act as if God cannot or will not provide.

Active faith, on the other hand, aligns our will with God’s, even when it is costly or difficult. Jesus in Gethsemane is the ultimate example, praying, “Not my will, but yours be done,” even as He faced the cross. This kind of faith trusts God’s character and plan, even when the path is painful. Through faith, we have access to God’s grace—not just for salvation, but for every moment of need. Like Peter, who cried out “Lord, save me!” and was rescued in the nick of time, we are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace, confident that God’s help is available exactly when we need it. Faith is not just a belief; it is a way of living that transforms how we face every trial, every need, and every moment.

Key Takeaways

- Faith is a journey that matures from initial belief to daily dependence. The examples of Joseph and Paul show that faith is not just for the easy times, but is forged and proven in adversity. True faith perseveres, trusting that God is working for good even when circumstances seem hopeless. [01:44]

- Inactive faith is often a result of focusing on what we can see and control, rather than on Christ. Like Peter, we may start strong but falter when we let fear and circumstances distract us from Jesus. The key is not the absence of danger, but the presence of Christ and our focus on Him. [09:13]

- Misplaced faith is revealed when our worries about daily needs overshadow our trust in God’s care. Jesus reminds us that our Father knows our needs and values us deeply, calling us to seek His kingdom first. When we act as if God cannot provide, we live no differently than those who do not know Him. [14:10]

- Active faith aligns our will with God’s, even when it means embracing suffering or uncertainty. Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane models a faith that surrenders personal desire for the sake of God’s greater plan. This kind of faith trusts God’s character and purposes, even when the cost is high. [19:46]

- Faith grants us access to God’s grace in every moment of need. Unlike the Old Testament saints who could only approach God through a high priest, we can come boldly to the throne of grace at any time. In our moments of desperation, like Peter sinking in the waves, God’s grace meets us “in the nick of time,” sustaining and rescuing us. [26:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:44] - Faith’s Journey: From Belief to Daily Living
[04:30] - Joseph and Paul: Faith in Adversity
[05:48] - Visual Faith vs. Walking by Faith
[06:29] - Peter Walks on Water: The Leap and the Fall
[08:20] - The Danger of Distraction: Losing Focus on Christ
[09:13] - Safety in the Presence of Jesus
[10:39] - Life’s Ups and Downs: Managing Crisis
[12:08] - Misplaced Faith: Worry and Provision
[12:52] - The Sermon on the Mount: Trusting God’s Care
[14:10] - Rebuke and Reminder: Living as God’s People
[15:34] - Placing Faith in the Right Person
[17:40] - Active Faith: Aligning with God’s Will
[19:46] - Gethsemane: Surrendering to God’s Plan
[23:03] - Faith Grants Access to Grace
[24:40] - The Privilege of Bold Access
[26:29] - Grace in the Nick of Time
[28:35] - Faith that Moves Mountains

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Faith—From Belief to Daily Living

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### Bible Reading

- Hebrews 11:1, 6
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen... And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

- Matthew 14:22-31
(Peter walks on water and begins to sink when he takes his eyes off Jesus.)

- Matthew 6:25-33
(Jesus teaches not to worry about daily needs, but to seek first the kingdom of God.)

- Luke 22:41-44
(Jesus prays in Gethsemane, “Not my will, but yours be done.”)

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Hebrews 11:6, what is required to please God?
2. In the story of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22-31), what caused Peter to begin sinking?
3. What does Jesus say about worry and God’s provision in Matthew 6:25-33?
4. In Luke 22:41-44, what does Jesus pray in the garden, and what does this show about His attitude toward God’s will?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon describes faith as “confidence in God, assurance in what we hope for, and conviction in what we do not see.” How does this definition go beyond just believing facts about God? [01:44]
2. Why do you think the examples of Joseph and Paul are highlighted as models of faith in adversity? What do their stories teach us about trusting God when life is hard? [04:30]
3. The sermon contrasts “inactive faith” (walking by sight) with “active faith” (trusting God even when it’s hard). What are some signs that someone’s faith has become inactive or misplaced? [09:13]
4. When Jesus prays “Not my will, but yours be done,” what does this reveal about the nature of true, active faith? How is this different from simply hoping things will get better? [19:46]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says faith is a journey that matures from initial belief to daily dependence. Where are you on that journey right now? What is one area of your life where you need to move from “abstract belief” to “practical dependence” on God? [01:44]
2. Think about a recent challenge or hardship. Did you respond more like Joseph/Paul (trusting God in adversity) or like Peter (focusing on the storm and sinking)? What would it look like to respond with active faith next time? [04:30]
3. The sermon points out that inactive faith often comes from focusing on what we can see and control. Is there a specific situation where you are relying on your own strength instead of trusting Christ? What would it look like to shift your focus? [09:13]
4. Jesus teaches that our value to God is greater than birds and lilies, yet we often worry about daily needs. What is one practical step you can take this week to trust God’s provision instead of being consumed by worry? [14:10]
5. When have you found it hard to pray “Not my will, but yours be done”? Is there a current situation where you need to surrender your desires to God’s plan? What would it look like to do that? [19:46]
6. The sermon says faith gives us access to God’s grace “in the nick of time.” Can you share a time when you experienced God’s help just when you needed it? How can you remind yourself to come boldly to God in moments of need? [26:29]
7. The difference between inactive and active faith is not the absence of danger, but the presence of Christ and our focus on Him. What is one distraction or fear that keeps you from focusing on Jesus? How can you address it this week? [09:13]

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Closing Thought:
Faith is not just a belief; it’s a way of living that transforms how we face every trial, every need, and every moment. Let’s encourage each other to move from inactive to active faith, trusting God’s character and plan—especially when it’s hard.

Devotional

Day 1: Faith Is Essential to Pleasing God

Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God, not just at the moment of salvation but in every aspect of our lives. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, for faith is more than intellectual agreement—it is a daily trust and dependence on Him. The examples of the faithful in Hebrews 11 show us that God delights in those who live out their faith in practical ways, trusting Him through every circumstance. As believers, we are called to move beyond an abstract understanding of faith and let it shape our actions, decisions, and responses to life’s challenges, seeking to please God in all we do. [01:44]

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to move from simply believing in God to actively trusting Him with your actions and decisions today?


Day 2: Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus in the Storm

When we take our eyes off Jesus and focus on the storms around us, fear and doubt can quickly overwhelm our faith. Peter’s experience walking on water powerfully illustrates how faith enables us to do the impossible when our focus is on Christ, but how quickly we can sink when we become distracted by our circumstances. The presence of Jesus does not always remove the danger, but it gives us the security and strength to persevere. True safety is not found in the absence of trouble, but in the presence and focus on Jesus, who is always near and ready to save. [09:13]

Matthew 14:22-31 (ESV)
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Reflection: What distractions or fears are causing you to take your eyes off Jesus, and how can you intentionally refocus on Him in the midst of your current challenges?


Day 3: Trusting God with Our Daily Needs

Worrying about daily needs can easily consume our thoughts and shift our faith from God to ourselves or our circumstances. Jesus teaches that our Heavenly Father knows our needs and values us far above the birds and lilies, which He faithfully cares for. When we allow anxiety over provision to dominate our lives, we act as if we have no loving Father watching over us. Instead, we are called to seek first the kingdom of God, trusting that He will provide for us as we prioritize Him above all else. Faith in God’s provision frees us from the tyranny of worry and anchors us in His faithful care. [15:34]

Matthew 6:25-33 (ESV)
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Reflection: What is one specific worry about your daily needs that you can surrender to God today, trusting Him to provide as you seek His kingdom first?


Day 4: Aligning Our Will to God’s Plan

Active faith is seen in aligning our will with God’s, even when it leads us through difficulty or suffering. Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, models perfect trust and obedience as He prays, “Not my will, but yours be done,” fully aware of the pain and sacrifice ahead. True faith does not mean the absence of struggle, but a willingness to trust God’s character and plan above our own desires. When we surrender our will to God, we experience His strength and grace to walk through whatever He calls us to, knowing that His purposes are always good and loving. [21:13]

Luke 22:41-44 (ESV)
And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Reflection: Is there an area where you are struggling to surrender your will to God? What would it look like to pray, “Not my will, but yours be done,” in that situation today?


Day 5: Faith Gives Us Access to God’s Grace

Through faith in Christ, we have continual access to God’s amazing grace, not only for salvation but for every need and trial we face. Unlike those under the old covenant, we can come boldly to the throne of grace at any moment, receiving mercy and help exactly when we need it. God’s grace is available “in the nick of time,” sustaining us in our weakness and lifting us up when we call out to Him, just as Jesus reached out to save Peter. No matter how desperate our situation, faith opens the way for us to experience God’s presence, strength, and provision in our lives. [24:40]

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Reflection: When was the last time you boldly approached God’s throne for help? What need or struggle can you bring to Him today, trusting that His grace is available to you right now?

Quotes

So we know without faith, without being a believer, it's impossible to please God. But look at the context of Hebrews chapter 11. I don't have time to go into it with you, but there are example after example of those who live in the Old Testament who lived amazing lives, not just with a belief about God, but practically lived out in faith their lives to do amazing things for the Lord. And God used them in amazing ways, but it started with a journey of faith and trust in Christ, but moving forward from there. And so you could almost rephrase that verse in a sense and say, but without faith, like the examples that I'm giving you in Hebrews chapter 11, all these people, it's impossible to please God. We want to take what we've, once we've established our relationship with God, and now please God with our entire life in how we live for God, how we depend upon Him on a daily basis. [00:01:44] (61 seconds)


You could think of maybe in the Old Testament, the story of Joseph, you know, as a teenager, his brothers sold him to some Midianite travelers going down to Egypt, sold him into basically slavery, got to Egypt, sold again in Potiphar's house. While he's in Potiphar's house, he's falsely accused, ends up in prison. When he's in prison, he's forgotten about. You know, over a decade goes by of this guy just suffering and suffering, one tragic event after another. But when you get to the end of the book of Genesis and Joseph is sort of recounting his life experience in conversations with those same brothers who sold him into slavery, his conclusion through all of that is God meant it for good. What you meant for evil, God meant for good, which shows that his perspective of his life and how God was working, he didn't lose his faith. [00:02:45] (55 seconds)


Or how about the Apostle Paul who had been shipwrecked, he had been beaten, he had been in the deep for multiple nights, he was put in prison, so many things that Paul had gone through. But in Philippians chapter 1 verse 12, in the midst of writing an epistle to a church from prison and in chains, he's recounting this and explaining that all these difficulties he's gone through have actually resulted in the furtherance of the gospel. I mean, how do you get to a point in your life where all the things that are so hard, all the hardships of life to literally being chained to a wall in prison, and you're still saying, God is using this. God is doing a great thing through my life, in the midst of challenges. That's faith lived out, not just intellectually, but practically how it applies to your life. Amazing examples. [00:03:50] (53 seconds)


And Peter knew this, but even in the midst of knowing that fact, that truth, he got distracted. Peter begins to focus on the issues, the challenges, the fear, the concern, the problem around him became his focus, and the result was he could no longer walk on the water, because he was no longer exercising faith, but fear. His faith was all of a sudden gone, and he got overwhelmed, and he began to sink. Now think about that. What changed? Jesus was still there. The danger was still there. So the safety that Peter had experienced at the beginning was there as long as his focus was in the right place. So safety is not the absence of the danger around him, but the presence and focus in your life on the person and work of Jesus. That was the only thing that changed. [00:09:13] (65 seconds)


You're of such more value than them. Can't you trust me? Can't you have your faith focused on me and not on the things and cares of the little things in this world? And then there's this sort of rebuke in verse 31 where Jesus says to them, for after all these things, the Gentiles seek. That's like, oh, ouch. I mean, the disciples, they're Jewish, right? They're. They're. they're God's people, and you're acting like the unbelieving world, the pagan world, who's stressed out over the things of this world, who have no hope for eternity, who have no God who's taking care of them because they've ignored God, they've rejected God. You have a relationship with the God of the world who loves you, and yet we're acting like He doesn't. [00:14:54] (52 seconds)


We're acting like He can't provide. Haven't you seen the Old Testament? I mean, you can just see how this conversation's going. Like, hasn't God proven Himself faithful from Genesis all the way through the history of Israel? These guys knew the Old Testament. They knew all the stories of God's provision and protection of the nation, and yet such simple things in life can give us this worry and this overwhelming cares and this overwhelming stress, and God's like, take a step back. Trust me, your faith that's in your mind in your heart should be seen in how you live, and don't be so overwhelmed with the small things. Trust me. I got you. I love you. I care for you. I'm your Father. [00:15:34] (40 seconds)


And he says, Father, if it is your will, take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done. Jesus is anticipating the cross. In all of his humanity, he knows what that means. The shame, the humiliation, the pain of being crucified. He knows that's coming. Jesus is holding. Amen. and he says, God, if it's your will, take this away from me. I don't want to go through that. I know what that's going to be, of how miserable this experience is going to be. If there's any way, Lord, to provide salvation for the world, let's take that opportunity. Let's not go through this one. I mean, you can just see the heart of Jesus, like, yes, he's God, but he's also man. [00:19:21] (53 seconds)


Faith aligns our will to God's, even when it means going through difficult times. We have to trust God's ultimate plan and trust his perfect character, his love, his grace that will sustain us through whatever the challenge might be. [00:22:08] (20 seconds)


And now, through Jesus, any believer in Jesus can at any moment, 24 -7, 365 days of year, at any moment of the day, come straight to the throne room of God, come straight to His throne of grace to obtain mercy in our greatest times of need. That would have been just mind -blowing for the audience of the book of Hebrews to realize that, look what Jesus has done. He's opened up the floodgates for us to experience Him in a whole new way. G. Campbell Morgan says in his choice -cleaning calendars, I am never tired of pointing... out that the Greek phrase translated in time of need is a colloquialism of which in the nick of time is an exact equivalent. That we may obtain mercy and find grace and help in the nick of time. Grace just when and where I need it. [00:24:40] (68 seconds)


If you go back to Peter, remember we left Peter on the water, right? Okay, when Peter took his eyes off of Jesus, he began to sink, all right? What was Peter's response? As soon as he began to sink, he recognized what he did wrong. I know he recognized what he did wrong because his response was right. His response was, Lord, save me. Didn't ask the disciples to help him. It was, Lord, save me. And just in the nick of time, what did Jesus do? He reached out his hand and he pulled up Peter out of the water. Just at the moment of his greatest need, Jesus was there for Peter. [00:26:28] (46 seconds)


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Transcript
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