Faith and Faithfulness: The Journey of World Changers
Summary
The sermon delivered by the speaker focused on the themes of faith, faithfulness, and the role of these attributes in the life of a world changer. The speaker began by expressing gratitude for the church community and the importance of walking through life with a close-knit group. They announced a period of prayer and fasting and encouraged the congregation to participate, emphasizing the spiritual benefits. The speaker also highlighted the significance of Thanksgiving and the importance of gratitude throughout the year.
The speaker shared the parable of the talents, drawing parallels to the Christian life. They emphasized the importance of taking risks and building something with what God has given us, rather than living in fear and inaction. The speaker urged the congregation to live with intention and to dream bigger, aiming to live for something greater than themselves. They encouraged the audience to see evidence of God in the people around them and to be obedient to His voice.
A personal story was shared about a couple who felt called to move to Russia to plant churches. Despite skepticism from others and financial challenges, they trusted in God's provision and embarked on their journey. This act of faith resulted in thriving church communities in Russia, demonstrating the power of faith and courage.
The speaker also discussed the importance of faithfulness in fulfilling God's purpose for our lives, highlighting that the outcome of our actions is not as significant to God as our faithfulness. They referenced Hebrews 12:1-3, encouraging the audience to run the race set before them with endurance, keeping their eyes on Jesus.
The sermon concluded with a reflection on the dream God has given for the church and the importance of each member stepping into it by faith. The speaker invited the congregation to pray and ask God what race they have been called to run and what step of faith is in front of them. They offered a prayer for those who feel they lack faith, asking God to fill them with faith to believe for something greater.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith is not merely a belief in God but an active, living force that compels us to take risks and build for God's kingdom. It is the attribute of a world changer, and without it, we cannot please God or live a life that honors Him. The speaker's recount of the parable of the talents illustrates that God values our willingness to invest and grow what He entrusts to us, rather than succumbing to fear and inaction.
- Faithfulness is as crucial as faith itself; it is the endurance to continue in God's purpose for our lives, regardless of the visibility or recognition of our actions. The speaker's emphasis on Hebrews 12:1-3 reminds us that our journey of faith is a marathon, not a sprint, and that perseverance in the face of obstacles is what defines a true world changer.
- The speaker's personal story about the couple moving to Russia exemplifies the courage required to live by faith. This narrative demonstrates that stepping out in faith can be daunting, but it is often through such bold decisions that God's work is accomplished and His kingdom is built on earth.
- The speaker's reflection on the dream for their church underscores the collective responsibility of a faith community to participate in God's vision. It is a call to action for each member to discern their unique role and to take the next step of faith, contributing to a legacy that outlives individual lifespans.
- The speaker's call to celebrate faithfulness, not just new beginnings, challenges the cultural tendency to overlook the steadfast commitment required to maintain progress. It is a reminder that the true measure of a world changer is not only in the ability to start well but also in the determination to finish strong, honoring God through consistent faithfulness.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 11:6-8, 11 (NIV)
- "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 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."
2. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
- "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 11:6 say is necessary to please God?
2. According to Hebrews 11:7-8, what actions did Noah and Abraham take by faith?
3. How does Hebrews 12:1-3 describe the way we should run our race of faith?
4. In the sermon, what personal story did the speaker share to illustrate living by faith? ([55:24])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is faith described as essential to pleasing God in Hebrews 11:6? How does this align with the speaker's emphasis on faith as an active, living force? ([47:05])
2. How do the examples of Noah and Abraham in Hebrews 11:7-8 demonstrate the concept of trusting God without all the details? ([53:03])
3. What does it mean to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us" as mentioned in Hebrews 12:1-3? How does this relate to the speaker's call to live with intention and dream bigger? ([43:15])
4. How does the speaker's story about the couple moving to Russia illustrate the courage required to live by faith? ([55:24])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to take a step of faith. What was the outcome, and how did it impact your faith journey? ([53:03])
2. The speaker emphasized the importance of dreaming bigger and living for something greater than oneself. What is one dream or goal you feel God is calling you to pursue? ([43:15])
3. Hebrews 12:1-3 encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus and run our race with perseverance. What are some practical ways you can keep your focus on Jesus in your daily life? ([46:21])
4. The speaker mentioned the significance of faithfulness in fulfilling God's purpose. How can you cultivate faithfulness in your current responsibilities and commitments? ([51:57])
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of seeing evidence of God in the people around us. Who in your life exemplifies living by faith, and how can you learn from their example? ([41:34])
6. The speaker invited the congregation to pray and ask God what race they have been called to run. Take a moment to pray and reflect on what specific step of faith God is asking you to take next. ([49:03])
7. The speaker's call to celebrate faithfulness challenges us to value long-term commitment. How can you recognize and celebrate the faithfulness of others in your community? ([51:57])
Devotional
Day 1: Active Faith Ignites Change
Faith is not a passive state but an active force that propels individuals to take risks and build upon what they have been given. It is through this dynamic faith that one can truly become a world changer, stepping out of comfort zones and into the realms where faith meets action. This active faith is essential to please God and to live a life that reflects His glory and purpose. [07:40]
James 2:17 - "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
Reflection: What is one risk you have been hesitant to take because of fear? How can your faith move you to action in this area?
Day 2: The Marathon of Faithfulness
Endurance in faithfulness is a testament to one's commitment to God's purpose. It is not the immediate results but the steadfast journey that matters most to God. This marathon of faithfulness requires perseverance, often without accolades or acknowledgment, yet it is what defines a true world changer. [07:40]
Galatians 6:9 - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to demonstrate greater faithfulness, and what practical steps can you take to cultivate endurance?
Day 3: Courage to Step Out in Faith
The narrative of those who step out in faith, like the couple moving to Russia, exemplifies the courage required to follow God's calling. Such decisions may be met with skepticism and challenges, but they are often the catalysts for significant spiritual breakthroughs and the expansion of God's kingdom. [07:40]
Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Reflection: What is God calling you to do that requires courage? How can you trust in His presence and provision as you respond to that call?
Day 4: Embracing Our Role in God's Vision
Each member of the faith community has a unique role to play in the realization of God's vision for the church. It is a collective responsibility to discern and act upon the part God has designed for each individual to contribute to a legacy that extends beyond our lifetime. [07:40]
Ephesians 4:16 - "From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
Reflection: What unique gifts has God given you, and how can you use them to further His vision for your church community?
Day 5: Celebrating Steadfast Commitment
The cultural tendency to focus on new beginnings often overshadows the importance of celebrating the ongoing commitment required to sustain progress. Recognizing and honoring the steadfast faithfulness in the daily walk with God is crucial for a world changer, as it is in the determination to finish strong that one truly honors God. [07:40]
1 Corinthians 15:58 - "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
Reflection: How can you celebrate and encourage faithfulness in yourself and others, especially when progress seems slow or unnoticed?
Quotes
"If you want evidence of God, I'm going to tell you, you'll see it in the people around you that believe in God and believe enough to give and be part of it." [42:41]
"It takes guts to have faith. It's not weak. It's not weak. It's a risky thing to live by faith. It takes boldness. It takes courage. In fact, I could say it this way. It's scary to live by faith, isn't it? It's scary. It really is." [58:02]
"The other book end is faithfulness. Faith and faithfulness are the book ends of the life of a world changer." [01:03:24]
"God miraculously provided every step of the way. And for the next five years, they lived in a foreign land, foreign country, foreign language, helping plant churches that, by the way, today are still going." [57:23]
"The outcome, I really believe this, doesn't matter to God. It's the faithfulness that does." [01:15:54]
"Run your race. What's your race? What's God calling you to be faithful to do? What are the things that God's asking you to step out in faith in your race? You run your race." [01:17:43]
"God didn't call me to be Billy Graham. He called me to be Tim. I want to run my race. You run your race. Together, we run our race. We keep our eyes on Jesus. We step out in faith when he says move. We live with faithfulness to the very end." [01:18:17]
"If we all step into it by faith, if we give our lives to building something that matters, what am I talking about? I'm talking about God's kingdom here on earth." [01:19:25]
"You don't need to be on a platform to change the world. In fact, I think the people who change the world the most, it's not about what they do on a platform. It's what they do that nobody else sees." [01:15:54]
"Faith is risky. It's scary. But it might be the only way to please God." [59:28]
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