Faith in Action: Embracing God-Sized Assignments
Summary
In my sermon, I began by addressing the concept of a "crisis of belief," clarifying that it is not inherently negative but rather a pivotal moment that requires a decision of faith [00:37]. I emphasized that experiencing God is not about us but about aligning with His will, and that this journey will inevitably lead to decisions that test our faith [01:11]. I likened these moments to a fork in the road, where we must choose a path without necessarily knowing what lies ahead [01:46]. I shared a personal anecdote about a trip to Mexico, where a decision had to be made without full knowledge of the outcome, illustrating the nature of faith-based decisions [02:18].
I then moved on to discuss the nature of faith, referencing Hebrews 11:6, which states that without faith it is impossible to please God [05:22]. I explained that faith is about trusting God's direction even when we don't have all the information or understanding [05:57]. I used the analogy of stepping out onto an unseen path, highlighting that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see, as described in Hebrews 11:1 [06:27]. I reminded the congregation that we walk by faith, not by sight, as per 2 Corinthians 5:7 [07:00].
I then addressed the issue of unbelief, stating that God does not reward it but rather rewards those who act in faith [07:37]. I used the example of a car given to a teenager, illustrating how absurd it would be to have the means to drive but choose to ride a bike instead. This metaphor was meant to show how some Christians settle for a lukewarm faith when God has so much more for them [08:14].
I recounted the story of Moses and the Israelites at the Red Sea, highlighting Moses' obedience and the subsequent miraculous deliverance as an example of God-sized assignments that require faith and action [11:21]. I stressed that our actions reveal our true beliefs about God [13:22] and that when we obey God, we experience Him in new ways [15:41].
I shared the story of the woman with the issue of blood, who was healed by touching Jesus' garment, to illustrate the importance of taking action in faith [16:14]. I also recounted the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, whose faith in God impacted not just themselves but also those around them, including King Nebuchadnezzar [17:17].
I concluded by emphasizing that the world needs to see God doing impossible things through Christians, not just Christians doing good things for God [20:25]. I encouraged the congregation to trust God for their God-sized assignments and to take action in faith, assuring them that this would lead to experiencing God and impacting the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. A crisis of belief is not a negative event but a decisive moment that challenges us to choose faith over fear or doubt. It is at these crossroads that our true commitment to following God is tested, and our decision to trust Him can lead to profound spiritual growth and alignment with His will [01:46].
2. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. It requires us to step out into the unknown, trusting that God's plan is greater than our understanding. This act of faith is pleasing to God and is the foundation of a vibrant, obedient Christian life [06:27].
3. God does not reward unbelief; instead, He honors those who earnestly seek Him through faith. Our willingness to trust and obey, even when the path is unclear, opens the door to experiencing God's presence and guidance in our lives [07:37].
4. Taking action on our faith, especially when faced with God-sized assignments, reveals our true belief in God's power and sovereignty. Like Moses at the Red Sea, our obedience can lead to miraculous outcomes and a deeper experience of God's faithfulness [13:22].
5. Our faith and actions have the power to impact not only our own lives but also the world around us. When we trust God with our God-sized assignments and step out in faith, we become conduits for His mighty works, demonstrating to others the reality of His kingdom and power [19:27].
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 11:6 - "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."
2. Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
3. 2 Corinthians 5:7 - "For we live by faith, not by sight."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 11:6 say about the importance of faith in our relationship with God?
2. How does the analogy of stepping out onto an unseen path in Hebrews 11:1 help us understand the nature of faith? [06:27]
3. In the sermon, what personal anecdote did the pastor share to illustrate a faith-based decision? [02:18]
4. What was the outcome of Moses' obedience at the Red Sea, and how did it demonstrate faith? [11:21]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that "without faith it is impossible to please God" as stated in Hebrews 11:6? How does this shape our understanding of faith's role in our lives?
2. How does the story of Moses at the Red Sea illustrate the concept of a "crisis of belief"? [11:21]
3. What does the pastor mean when he says that "God does not reward unbelief"? How does this statement challenge our daily walk with God? [07:37]
4. How did the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego impact those around them, including King Nebuchadnezzar? [17:17]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent "crisis of belief" you faced. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [01:46]
2. Hebrews 11:1 talks about faith being the assurance of things hoped for. What is one area in your life where you need to step out in faith, trusting God's plan over your understanding? [06:27]
3. The pastor mentioned that God has "God-sized assignments" for each of us. What is one God-sized assignment you feel called to, and what steps can you take to act on it? [08:14]
4. Think about the metaphor of the car given to a teenager. Are there areas in your spiritual life where you are "riding a bike" instead of using the "car" God has provided? How can you shift to fully utilizing what God has given you? [08:14]
5. The story of the woman with the issue of blood shows the importance of taking action in faith. What is one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate your faith in God? [16:14]
6. How can you ensure that your faith and actions positively impact those around you, similar to how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's faith impacted King Nebuchadnezzar? [17:17]
7. The pastor concluded by saying the world needs to see God doing impossible things through Christians. What is one "impossible" thing you can trust God for in your life, and how will you take the first step? [20:25]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Crisis of Belief
When faced with a crisis of belief, it is not a moment to shrink back in fear but an opportunity to step forward in faith. Such a crisis is not a sign of spiritual failure but a juncture that tests the depth of one's trust in God. It is at this crossroads where the decision to either retreat in doubt or advance in faith will shape one's spiritual trajectory. This decisive moment is a call to examine the foundations of belief and to reaffirm commitment to God's path, even when the way is not fully clear. It is a chance to grow in reliance on God, trusting that He is leading towards a greater understanding and alignment with His will [01:46].
James 1:2-4 (ESV)
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Recall a recent crisis of belief you've encountered. How did you respond, and what did it reveal about your faith in God's plan for your life?
Day 2: The Substance of Faith
Faith is the substance that bridges the gap between the seen and the unseen, the known and the unknown. It is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. This faith is not passive; it calls for an active trust in God's promises and a willingness to step out into the unknown, based on the assurance of His character and faithfulness. It is a faith that pleases God, for it demonstrates a reliance on Him beyond human reasoning or sight. By embracing this kind of faith, one enters into a vibrant and obedient relationship with God, where the unseen becomes more real than the seen, and the hope of God's promises anchors the soul [06:27].
Habakkuk 2:4 (ESV)
"Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to exercise more faith? How can you take a step today to demonstrate your trust in God's promises?
Day 3: The Reward of Diligent Faith
God's economy operates on the currency of faith. It is not unbelief that moves the heart of God, but the earnest seeking of Him through faith. When the way forward is shrouded in mystery, it is the act of trusting and obeying without full clarity that God honors. This trust is not a blind leap but a confident step taken by those who have come to know the character of God. It is in these moments of obedience, when one chooses to act in faith despite the fog of uncertainty, that one experiences the presence and guidance of God in profound ways [07:37].
2 Chronicles 20:20b (ESV)
"And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, 'Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.'"
Reflection: Can you identify a time when you hesitated to act because of uncertainty? How can you apply faith to a similar situation in the future to experience God's guidance?
Day 4: Obedience Reveals Belief
The true measure of belief is not found in words but in actions. When God presents His children with assignments that seem larger than life, it is through obedience that faith is expressed and God's power is made manifest. Like Moses at the Red Sea, one's willingness to act in the face of insurmountable odds is a testament to the belief in God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Such acts of faith not only lead to personal breakthroughs but also serve as powerful testimonies of God's presence and ability to do the impossible [13:22].
Daniel 3:17-18 (ESV)
"If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."
Reflection: What is a God-sized assignment in your life that you've been reluctant to tackle? How can you begin to take steps of obedience in faith?
Day 5: Faith's Ripple Effect
The impact of faith extends far beyond the individual; it has the power to transform the world. When believers step out in faith to embrace their God-sized assignments, they become vessels through which God can work His wonders. This is not merely about doing good things for God but about God doing impossible things through His people. The world is watching, and when they see the miraculous unfold through acts of faith, it bears witness to the reality of God's kingdom and power. This is the kind of faith that not only changes lives but also shapes the course of history [19:27].
Acts 4:13 (ESV)
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus."
Reflection: How can your faith have a ripple effect in your community? Identify one action you can take this week to demonstrate God's power through your life.
Quotes
1. "God doesn't want you to be content where you are spiritually not a single time does he ever call people say you good just stay where you are spiritually I don't want you be closer to me just stay right there it doesn't happen in the Bible. God wants you to be close to him, God wants you to walk, God wants you to press on, God wants you to stretch your faith and he'll do that because he has a godsize assignment for each and every one of us." [10:22]
2. "So many people I've met over the years have are they just settle for average hum drum lukewarm Christianity or experience with God when God has so much more in store for him... Why would you ride your bike to school, why would you ride your bike to the church, why would you ride your bike to your friend's house when you have a car that can get you there in air conditioning or heat in the winter and but you decide to ride the bike or walk for that even crawl for that matter when you have a car that that's been provided for you but you choose to... ride your bike." [09:19]
3. "Crisis of belief equals or means a turning point or fork in the road that calls for a decision... when I'm faced with a decision let's say a road fork in the road a literal fork in the road and I don't know which way to go I always like to think okay I want to know what's down the way to the right and I want to know what's down the road to the left before I make my decision... but when it comes to Experiencing God and joining him and his plans for our lives, it's not about a knowledge of what's down this road or a knowledge of what's down that road or up that road it's a it's about a faith in almighty God that I don't have to know I don't have to see I trust." [02:18]
4. "When You Face a crisis of belief like Moses did what you do next whatever you do next reveals what you truly believe about God or don't believe because if God says to do this and you really believe God can do it because it's a god-sized assignment not a man-sized you say Okay God I'm trusting you whatever you do next truly reveals what you believe about God." [13:22]
5. "Experiencing God is always on the other side of obedience. So you're standing here going God you're telling me to do this I'm I'm at a moment of crisis belief if you tell me to do this I'm I'm not sure God I you obey and on the other side you look back and Experiencing God you with me it's always on the other side of obedience." [15:41]
6. "The world doesn't need to see Christians doing good things for God they need to see God almighty God doing impossible things that only God can do through Christians and that will make an impact that will change lives." [20:25]
7. "God does not reward unbelief, God does not... God does not reward unbelief he rewards Faith he he when you have faith when you obey him he rewards that not always with monetary right I'm not talking about that stuff but with his presence with his Direction with his peace." [07:37]
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