Faith in Action: Embracing God's Call Together
Summary
### Summary
In our current series, "Go! The Next 100 Years," we are focusing on the mission God has laid on our hearts for the future of our church. This series is not just about clever titles but about faithfully responding to God's call. As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, we look back with gratitude and forward with anticipation, understanding that our pews are the starting line, not the finish line. The Great Commission from Jesus in Matthew 28 calls us to go out into the world and make disciples, a mission that requires faith, even amidst doubt.
Faith is not merely intellectual assent but is demonstrated through action. James 2 emphasizes that faith without works is dead, illustrating that true faith is proven by our deeds. This is exemplified in the lives of Abraham, Rahab, and even in the history of our own church. Abraham's faith was not complete until he acted on God's command to offer Isaac, and Rahab's faith was shown by her actions in hiding the Israelite spies. Similarly, the founders of our church demonstrated faith by purchasing land against all odds, leading to the establishment of Southlake.
Faith and obedience are inseparable. Dietrich Bonhoeffer's insight that "only those who believe can obey, and only those who obey can believe" underscores this unity. Obedience to God's call, even when we doubt, is an act of faith. Whether it's praying for a friend, reading scripture, or loving our enemies, these acts of obedience are how faith grows and is perfected.
As we move into the next 100 years, God is calling us to a loving, obedient faith. This involves loving God, loving one another, and loving the lost. Each of us is called to step out in faith in specific ways, whether through prayer, generosity, service, forgiveness, or evangelism. Our faith is demonstrated through our obedience to God's commands, and this is how we will continue to grow and impact our community.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith and Doubt Coexist: Jesus' Great Commission includes disciples who doubted, showing that faith can coexist with doubt. This teaches us that we don't need to eliminate all doubt to act in faith. Our mission is to go out in faith, trusting God even when we have uncertainties. [03:02]
2. Faith is Demonstrated Through Action: James 2 makes it clear that faith without works is dead. Intellectual agreement with theological truths is not enough; true faith is proven by our actions. This challenges us to live out our convictions through tangible deeds. [06:30]
3. Obedience and Faith are Inseparable: Dietrich Bonhoeffer's insight that "only those who believe can obey, and only those who obey can believe" highlights the unity of faith and obedience. Our faith is made complete through our acts of obedience to God's commands. [32:04]
4. Historical Examples of Faith: The stories of Abraham, Rahab, and the founders of our church illustrate that faith is proven through obedience. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, Rahab's protection of the spies, and the founders' purchase of land all demonstrate faith in action. [36:27]
5. Faith Grows Through Obedience: Acts of obedience, even when we don't feel like it, are acts of faith. Whether it's praying, reading scripture, or loving our enemies, these disciplines help our faith grow and bring us closer to God. Obedience creates the possibility for faith to flourish. [34:05]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:33] - The Starting Line
[03:02] - The Great Commission and Doubt
[04:44] - Understanding Faith
[06:30] - Faith and Works in James 2
[08:24] - Jewish Christians and Faith
[10:23] - The Shema and Obedience
[13:49] - Faith and Obedience in Deuteronomy
[15:42] - Abraham's Faith Journey
[19:12] - Abraham's Test of Faith
[22:31] - The Fulfillment of Abraham's Faith
[26:36] - Rahab's Faith in Action
[28:11] - New Testament Examples of Faith
[30:00] - Southlake's Founding Faith
[32:04] - Bonhoeffer on Faith and Obedience
[34:05] - Growing Faith Through Obedience
[36:27] - Historical Examples of Faith
[38:46] - A Call to Loving, Obedient Faith
[40:39] - Personal Applications of Faith
[44:32] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
[46:14] - Celebration and Commitment
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:16-20 (The Great Commission)
> Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
2. James 2:14-26 (Faith and Works)
> What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
3. Genesis 22:1-18 (The Testing of Abraham)
> Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.” Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together. When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
### Observation Questions
1. What command does Jesus give to His disciples in the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:16-20?
2. According to James 2:14-26, what is the relationship between faith and works?
3. How did Abraham demonstrate his faith in God according to Genesis 22:1-18?
4. What examples of faith in action were mentioned in the sermon? ([26:36])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus included disciples who doubted in the Great Commission? What does this teach us about the relationship between faith and doubt? ([03:02])
2. How does James 2 challenge the idea that faith can exist without works? What implications does this have for our daily lives?
3. In what ways did Abraham's actions in Genesis 22 fulfill his earlier statement of faith in Genesis 15? ([15:42])
4. How does the story of Rahab in James 2:25 illustrate the concept that faith is demonstrated through obedience?
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the Great Commission, how can you step out in faith despite any doubts you may have? What specific action can you take this week to share your faith? ([03:02])
2. James 2 emphasizes that faith without works is dead. What is one practical way you can demonstrate your faith through actions this week? ([06:30])
3. Abraham's faith was tested through a difficult command from God. Is there a challenging situation in your life where you need to trust and obey God? How can you take a step of faith in that situation? ([15:42])
4. Rahab's faith was shown through her courageous actions. Is there a risk you feel God is calling you to take in order to demonstrate your faith? What steps can you take to act on that calling? ([26:36])
5. The sermon mentioned that faith grows through acts of obedience. What is one area of your life where you can practice obedience to God, even if you don't feel like it? How can this act of obedience help strengthen your faith? ([34:05])
6. The founders of Southlake demonstrated faith by purchasing land against all odds. Is there a bold step of faith you feel God is calling you to take in your personal life or within the church community? ([30:00])
7. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, "Only those who believe can obey, and only those who obey can believe." How can you integrate faith and obedience more closely in your daily walk with God? ([32:04])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith and Doubt Coexist
Faith and doubt are not mutually exclusive. In Matthew 28, Jesus gives the Great Commission to His disciples, some of whom doubted. This teaches us that doubt does not disqualify us from fulfilling God's mission. Instead, it is an invitation to trust God even when we are uncertain. Our mission is to step out in faith, knowing that God is with us, even in our doubts. This understanding encourages us to act in faith, trusting that God will guide and support us despite our uncertainties. [03:02]
Matthew 28:16-17 (ESV): "Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have felt doubt in your faith. How can you take a step of faith in that area today, trusting God despite your uncertainties?
Day 2: Faith is Demonstrated Through Action
Faith is not just about intellectual agreement with theological truths; it is demonstrated through our actions. James 2 emphasizes that faith without works is dead, challenging us to live out our convictions through tangible deeds. This means that our faith should be evident in how we live our lives, from acts of kindness to standing up for justice. True faith is proven by our actions, and it is through these actions that we demonstrate our commitment to God and His commands. [06:30]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: Identify one specific action you can take today to demonstrate your faith. How can this action reflect your commitment to living out your beliefs?
Day 3: Obedience and Faith are Inseparable
Faith and obedience are deeply intertwined. Dietrich Bonhoeffer's insight that "only those who believe can obey, and only those who obey can believe" highlights this unity. Our faith is made complete through our acts of obedience to God's commands. This means that our belief in God should naturally lead to actions that align with His will. Obedience, even when it is difficult or when we have doubts, is an act of faith that brings us closer to God and strengthens our relationship with Him. [32:04]
1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle with obedience to God. What is one step you can take today to align your actions with His commands?
Day 4: Historical Examples of Faith
The stories of Abraham, Rahab, and the founders of our church illustrate that faith is proven through obedience. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, Rahab's protection of the spies, and the founders' purchase of land all demonstrate faith in action. These examples show that true faith often requires taking significant risks and stepping out in obedience, even when the outcome is uncertain. By looking at these historical examples, we are encouraged to trust God and act in faith, knowing that He is faithful to His promises. [36:27]
Hebrews 11:8-9 (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."
Reflection: Think of a time when you took a step of faith and saw God's faithfulness. How can this memory encourage you to take another step of faith today?
Day 5: Faith Grows Through Obedience
Acts of obedience, even when we don't feel like it, are acts of faith. Whether it's praying, reading scripture, or loving our enemies, these disciplines help our faith grow and bring us closer to God. Obedience creates the possibility for faith to flourish, as it demonstrates our trust in God's wisdom and guidance. By consistently practicing obedience in our daily lives, we allow our faith to deepen and mature, enabling us to experience a closer relationship with God and a greater impact on our community. [34:05]
John 14:23 (ESV): "Jesus answered him, 'If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.'"
Reflection: Consider a spiritual discipline you have been neglecting. How can you commit to practicing this discipline today as an act of obedience and faith?
Quotes
1. "That the goal is to not just get to the pews so that we can come to church every Sunday, but the goal is to get to these pews so that we can be sent out, so that we can go in everything that God is calling us to do on mission." [01:33] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus knows that it is still possible to go in faith even when we are experiencing doubt. Faith is still possible even when we are experiencing doubt. Faith is still possible even when we are experiencing doubt. You don't have to completely get rid of doubt all the way to then be able to go in faith." [04:44] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Faith can only be demonstrated by our actions. James calls a faith that only includes agreeing with doctrine, that only includes this kind of verbal agreement, dead. In fact, in this whole passage, when James is saying faith and talking about a faith that doesn't have works, I think if it were up to James, he wouldn't even be using that word. He's just using that word faith so that the people he's talking to understand him. He's saying that's not even faith. It's dead." [08:24] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith that doesn't drive our action isn't just weak or empty. It's simply not faith. Faith can only be proved by our actions. Now, this last section of this passage we just read, James is pretty bold. I don't think I'm quite as bold as James. I'm not going to compare anybody in this room to a demon. But James does. He says, what is the point? What good is it of merely agreeing with certain points of theology?" [10:23] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Faith can only be demonstrated by our obedience. James lists another example from the Old Testament. As proof of this, James 2 verse 25. We've learned about Rahab in the past. The Israelites were coming to overtake her city and she hid two Israelite spies because she trusted that God could save her if he wanted. She had faith. She put her belief in God." [26:36] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Faith cannot exist apart from our obedience to God's word. One more example of this that you might have heard if you've been going to Southlake at all over this last year, you might recognize the story. At our church's inception, two women felt the Holy Spirit ushering them to go and buy land for a permanent church building. And at the time, they were helping close down a failing Christian mission." [28:11] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "If you don't feel like doing what God says, but you do it anyway, anyway, isn't that an act of faith? If I don't feel like doing something that God has asked me to do, but I still do it anyway, even though I doubt that it'll be good, even if I don't feel excited about doing it, that's how that act becomes an act of faith." [32:04] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Faith is only expressed through our obedience to God's call. I want to share a quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran pastor from Germany who lived during the rise of Hitler. And he was very public and passionate in his resistance to the Nazi regime, all the way up until he was executed in the Flossenburg camp. And this is what Bonhoeffer writes about faith. Only those who believe can obey, and only those who obey can believe." [30:00] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Faith is demonstrated through obedience whereas Bonhoeffer writes faith only becomes faith in the act of obedience. We can't say we have faith unless we're our actions out there God is calling us Southlake to go into these next 100 years in love in obedience and in faith I think we can kind of combine those three things God is calling us to a loving obedient faith in the next 100 years." [38:46] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "If faith works through love is God calling you to go in faith by loving God to go in faith by loving one another or to go in faith by loving the lost is God calling you to go in faith by loving one another or to go in faith by loving God to read your Bible in faith taking your time and his word more seriously to prioritize it and protect it God calling you to pray in faith to stop neglecting prayer to set aside a time to pray and to be more consistent praying throughout the day." [40:39] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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