Faith Beyond Transactions: Trusting God's Authority and Power
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound connection between faith and the story of the centurion in Luke chapter 7. This narrative invites us to examine the nature of our faith, challenging us to move beyond a transactional relationship with God to one that is genuine and rooted in trust. The centurion, a Roman soldier, exemplifies a faith that is not based on his own merits or deeds but on the recognition of Jesus' authority and power. Despite his status and accomplishments, the centurion acknowledges his unworthiness and places his trust in Jesus' ability to heal his servant with just a word. This act of faith amazes Jesus, highlighting the centurion's understanding of divine authority, which surpasses even that of the religious leaders of the time.
The story serves as a reminder that genuine faith is not about leveraging our good deeds to earn God's favor. Instead, it is about humbly acknowledging our limitations and trusting in God's sovereignty. We are encouraged to let go of the illusion of control, much like letting go of the pool's edge when learning to swim, and to embrace the abundant life that Jesus offers. This requires us to release our burdens and trust that God, in His infinite wisdom and love, will guide us through life's challenges.
As we reflect on this passage, we are called to examine our own faith. Are we holding onto a transactional mindset, or are we willing to step into the unknown, trusting in God's authority and power? Let us be inspired by the centurion's example and strive to cultivate a faith that recognizes God's ability to do the extraordinary in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Letting Go of Control: Just as learning to swim requires letting go of the pool's edge, faith requires us to release our perceived control over life. True faith involves trusting God with the unknown and believing in His promises of abundant life. [40:13]
- Genuine Faith vs. Transactional Faith: Genuine faith starts with God, recognizing His authority and power, while transactional faith begins with our own deeds, attempting to earn God's favor. The centurion's faith exemplifies the former, as he acknowledges his unworthiness and trusts in Jesus' power. [58:00]
- The Authority of Jesus: The centurion understood that Jesus' power was not limited by physical presence but was rooted in His divine authority. This insight challenges us to trust in God's ability to work in our lives, even when we cannot see Him. [58:39]
- Humility in Faith: The centurion's humility, acknowledging his unworthiness, contrasts with the religious leaders' transactional approach. True faith involves coming to God with humility, recognizing that we cannot earn His favor but are gifted it through grace. [59:15]
- Trusting God's Sovereignty: In moments of life's challenges, we are reminded to trust in God's sovereignty and release our burdens to Him. Faith is not about our ability to control outcomes but about trusting in God's perfect will and timing. [01:03:49]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [38:22] - Introduction to Faith and Swimming
- [40:13] - Letting Go of Control
- [41:27] - The Gospels and Jesus' Life
- [42:35] - The Centurion's Request
- [43:35] - Jesus' Amazement
- [44:56] - The Centurion's Unique Perspective
- [46:43] - Facing Unsolvable Problems
- [48:09] - Hearing About Jesus
- [49:31] - The Centurion's Strategy
- [51:30] - Transactional Faith Explained
- [53:56] - The Limitations of Transactional Faith
- [54:58] - Jesus' Response to Faith
- [56:10] - Power and Authority
- [58:00] - Genuine Faith Defined
- [01:00:43] - Jesus' Recognition of Faith
- [01:02:24] - Letting Go of Safety
- [01:03:49] - Trusting God's Sovereignty
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 7:1-10
- John 10:10
- Hebrews 11:1
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the centurion's request to Jesus, and how did he express his understanding of Jesus' authority? ([42:35])
2. How did the Jewish leaders describe the centurion to Jesus, and what does this reveal about their understanding of faith? ([51:30])
3. What was Jesus' reaction to the centurion's faith, and why was it significant? ([43:35])
4. How does the story of the centurion contrast with the concept of transactional faith as described in the sermon? ([53:56])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the centurion's acknowledgment of his unworthiness reflect a genuine faith, and why is this important in the context of the sermon? ([59:15])
2. In what ways does the centurion's understanding of authority challenge the traditional views held by the religious leaders of his time? ([58:39])
3. How does the concept of letting go of control, as illustrated by the swimming analogy, relate to the centurion's faith in Jesus? ([40:13])
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between humility and faith, and how is this demonstrated in the centurion's actions? ([59:15])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a situation in your life where you have tried to maintain control. How can you practice letting go and trusting in God's authority this week? ([40:13])
2. Consider your own faith journey. Are there areas where you have approached God with a transactional mindset? How can you shift towards a more genuine faith? ([53:56])
3. The centurion recognized Jesus' authority without needing His physical presence. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's power in your life, even when you cannot see Him? ([58:39])
4. In what ways can you demonstrate humility in your faith, acknowledging your limitations and relying on God's grace? ([59:15])
5. Think about a challenge you are currently facing. How can you release this burden to God and trust in His sovereignty and perfect timing? ([01:03:49])
6. How can you apply the lesson of the centurion's faith to your interactions with others, especially those who may not share your beliefs? ([49:31])
7. Identify one area in your life where you can step out in faith, trusting in God's promises of abundant life. What practical steps can you take this week to move in that direction? ([40:13])
Devotional
Day 1: Releasing Control to Embrace Faith
Faith requires us to relinquish our perceived control over life, much like letting go of the pool's edge when learning to swim. This act of letting go is not about abandoning responsibility but about trusting in God's promises and His ability to guide us through the unknown. By releasing our grip on control, we open ourselves to the abundant life that Jesus offers, allowing His wisdom and love to lead us. This journey of faith invites us to step into the unknown with confidence, knowing that God's sovereignty is our anchor. [40:13]
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are holding onto control? How can you begin to trust God with this area today?
Day 2: Genuine Faith Begins with God
Genuine faith is rooted in recognizing God's authority and power, rather than relying on our own deeds to earn His favor. The centurion's faith exemplifies this as he acknowledges his unworthiness and places his trust in Jesus' power. This contrasts with a transactional faith that seeks to leverage good deeds for divine favor. Genuine faith invites us to start with God, acknowledging His sovereignty and grace, and trusting in His ability to work in our lives beyond our efforts. [58:00]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your faith journey. Are there areas where you find yourself trying to earn God's favor? How can you shift your focus to start with God instead?
Day 3: Trusting in Jesus' Authority
The centurion understood that Jesus' power was not limited by physical presence but was rooted in His divine authority. This insight challenges us to trust in God's ability to work in our lives, even when we cannot see Him. By recognizing Jesus' authority, we are invited to have faith in His power to do the extraordinary, trusting that His presence transcends our circumstances. This understanding calls us to deepen our trust in God's unseen work in our lives. [58:39]
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.'" (Matthew 28:18, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you acknowledge Jesus' authority in your life today, especially in areas where you struggle to see His presence?
Day 4: Humility as the Foundation of Faith
The centurion's humility, acknowledging his unworthiness, contrasts with the religious leaders' transactional approach. True faith involves coming to God with humility, recognizing that we cannot earn His favor but are gifted it through grace. This humility allows us to approach God with open hearts, ready to receive His grace and guidance. By embracing humility, we align ourselves with God's will, allowing His grace to transform our lives. [59:15]
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." (James 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: How can you practice humility in your relationship with God today? What steps can you take to acknowledge your need for His grace?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Sovereignty
In moments of life's challenges, we are reminded to trust in God's sovereignty and release our burdens to Him. Faith is not about our ability to control outcomes but about trusting in God's perfect will and timing. By surrendering our burdens, we allow God to work in our lives, trusting that His plans are for our good. This trust in God's sovereignty invites us to live with peace and assurance, knowing that He is in control. [01:03:49]
"Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved." (Psalm 55:22, ESV)
Reflection: What burdens are you carrying today that you need to release to God? How can you trust in His sovereignty and timing in these areas?
Quotes
1) "The interesting thing about learning how to swim is you and I actually have to let go of what we believe is safe in order to experience the joy of what somebody tells us is possible. Some of us, they put us in the swimming pool, and we refuse to let go of the wall. We just walk down the wall the whole time going, as long as I hang on to the wall, I'm going to be safe, right? But swimming and faith actually have a lot in common, because the same way as in swimming, we have to let go of that wall. The same thing happens with our faith. You and I have to let go of. We have to let go of what we believe is safe, and what I mean by safe is this, the control that we think we have in our lives." [40:13] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "What makes the Scripture that you and I hold in our hands such an amazing book is it's actually written over 1,500 years of human history in three different languages on three different continents by over 40 different authors. And yet all the way through the Scripture, you see this singular theme that is being played out. And this is the theme. Jesus Christ is the only hope for a lost and broken world. So no matter where you open the Scripture, it's either going to be pointing towards Jesus or pointing back to Jesus or telling us about Jesus." [41:27] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Here's the truth, church. You and I, we're going to run into those moments in our lives where no matter how self-sufficient we are, no matter how good we are at solving problems and fixing things, at some point in time, you're going to run into a problem you can't fix. What you do in that moment actually explains a lot about how you understand this concept of faith. What you do in that moment, when you bump into something in your life that is so disruptive you have no idea how to solve it, what you do in that moment actually tells a lot about how you understand this concept of faith." [46:43] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "Transactional faith starts with me and then tries to leverage God based on how good I've been. See why that doesn't work? Because when I'm not good, what do I do? How do I leverage God? See, when we're not living in a way that honors God, what happens many times is we go, God, I don't actually deserve it. And so instead of walking by faith, we're crippled by our own brokenness, and we back away from faith. But what we see in this passage is the Jewish leaders who for their entire lives had studied the scripture. They literally cracked open the Bible. These were men who spent their entire life studying the scripture. They knew about God, but when God showed up in their midst, they didn't recognize him as God." [53:56] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Genuine faith starts with God. It starts with a recognition of God's authority and God's power, and then it moves to, God, you can do this. Will you do this? Now, recognize the difference between what the Jewish leader said to Jesus, he deserves this, and what this man said to Jesus, I do not deserve this. When you and I come to Jesus as people of faith, church, we come to Jesus humble. We come low. God, there's nothing I can do to earn your favor. No way that I can live, no times that I can attend church, no gospel conversations, no giving that has earned the favor of God. The amazing thing about the gospel church is you and I don't earn the favor of God, we're gifted it." [59:15] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "Genuine faith recognizes God's authority to do the extraordinary. Genuine faith, if we want to be people who live with genuine faith and work out the moments of life with genuine faith, genuine faith recognizes God's authority to do the extraordinary." [01:01:28] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "As you go this week and live out the moments of your life, remember this, you and I serve an all-powerful God. He's God. He doesn't need us, but he works in and through us because he loves us. So some of us, we just got to let go of what we think is safe in order to experience the joy of what God says is possible. This week, let's live into that possible, okay? You're loved and you're sent. Have a wonderful week, church." [01:05:14] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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