Faith in Action: Trusting the Promise Maker
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to declare the power of Jesus and to send off our mission team to Honduras with prayers for their safety and fruitful ministry. We also took a moment to address personal struggles and addictions, inviting those in need to surrender their lives to Christ. The core of our discussion centered on the concept of "speaking faith," a crucial element in our series on Amazing Faith that can move mountains. We explored the idea of requirements, both positive and negative, and how they shape our lives. Using the story of Jill Pohl from "The Silver Chair," we illustrated the importance of meditating on God's Word and internalizing His promises.
We delved into the life of Abraham, emphasizing that faith by nature requires something from us—faithfulness. Unlike wishful thinking, which demands nothing, true faith necessitates action and commitment. Abraham's journey of faith, which spanned over 25 years, serves as a powerful example of divine persuasion and righteousness. We discussed the difference between faith and wishful thinking, highlighting that faith requires faithfulness, while wishful thinking does not.
We also examined the importance of centering our faith on the promise maker, not just the promise. This shift in focus helps us grow in faith and remain steadfast even when the promise seems delayed. Personal stories, like my great-aunt's lifelong faithfulness and my parents' decision to have children despite medical advice, illustrated how faith can redefine our circumstances and lead to God's promises being fulfilled.
Finally, we encouraged everyone to cultivate faith by surrounding themselves with God's Word, the Holy Spirit, and the community of believers. We concluded with a call to repent for centering our faith on the promise rather than the promise maker and invited those who have never given their lives to Christ to do so.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Requires Faithfulness: True faith demands action and commitment. Unlike wishful thinking, which requires nothing, faith necessitates a response to God's promises. Abraham's journey of faith, which spanned over 25 years, exemplifies this principle. He was divinely persuaded and remained faithful, which was counted to him as righteousness. [47:42]
2. Redefine Circumstances by Faith: Faith allows us to see our circumstances through God's perspective. Abraham and Sarah had to redefine their situation based on God's promise, despite their old age. This redefinition requires us to ask God what He has to say about our circumstances and to act accordingly. [53:52]
3. Center Faith on the Promise Maker: Our faith should be centered on God, the promise maker, rather than the promise itself. This shift in focus helps us remain steadfast and faithful, even when the promise seems delayed. It’s crucial to trust in God's timing and His faithfulness rather than our own understanding. [59:28]
4. Cultivate Faith Through Community and God's Word: Faith grows when we surround ourselves with God's Word, the Holy Spirit, and a community of believers. These elements help us to meditate on, speak, and act out our faith, leading to spiritual growth and stronger faithfulness. [01:01:35]
5. Faith is Not About Us: Faith is not just for our benefit but for others to see and be inspired by. Speaking faith allows others to hear and be changed, leading them to surrender to Jesus. Our faith journey is a testimony that can bring others to Christ. [01:06:11]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[34:16] - Declaration and Worship
[35:11] - Prayer for Honduras Mission Team
[35:48] - Invitation to Surrender
[37:14] - Speaking Faith
[38:47] - Understanding Requirements
[41:00] - The Story of Jill Pohl
[43:02] - God's Word as a Solution
[44:12] - Faithfulness of My Great-Aunt
[47:04] - Faith Requires Something
[50:20] - Faith vs. Wishful Thinking
[52:02] - Why Speak Faith?
[55:14] - Redefine by Faith
[58:38] - Grow Your Faith
[01:02:24] - Center Your Faith
[01:06:11] - Faith is Not About Us
[01:09:01] - Closing and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 4:3 - "For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.'"
2. Romans 4:17-25 - "As it is written, 'I have made you the father of many nations'—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, 'So shall your offspring be.' He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was 'counted to him as righteousness.' But the words 'it was counted to him' were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who was raised from the dead, Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Romans 4:3 say about Abraham's faith and how it was counted to him? ([47:04])
2. According to Romans 4:17-25, what were the circumstances that Abraham had to redefine by faith? ([53:52])
3. How did Abraham's faith grow stronger according to Romans 4:20? ([58:38])
4. What does the passage in Romans 4:21-22 say about being fully convinced of God's promises? ([01:02:24])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "faith requiring faithfulness" differ from "wishful thinking" as discussed in the sermon? ([48:30])
2. In what ways did Abraham and Sarah have to redefine their circumstances based on God's promise? ([53:52])
3. Why is it important to center our faith on the promise maker rather than the promise itself? ([01:02:24])
4. How can surrounding ourselves with God's Word, the Holy Spirit, and a community of believers help us cultivate faith? ([01:01:35])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to act in faith rather than wishful thinking. What was required of you in that situation? ([48:30])
2. How can you actively seek God's perspective on your current circumstances to redefine them by faith? ([53:52])
3. Are there areas in your life where your faith is centered more on the promise than the promise maker? How can you shift your focus? ([01:02:24])
4. What steps can you take this week to surround yourself more with God's Word, the Holy Spirit, and a community of believers to grow your faith? ([01:01:35])
5. Think of a personal story or testimony where faithfulness led to a significant change or fulfillment of God's promise. How can sharing this story inspire others in your small group? ([01:06:11])
6. Identify one specific promise from God that you are waiting on. How can you remain faithful and steadfast during this waiting period? ([01:04:21])
7. How can you use your faith journey as a testimony to bring others to Christ? What specific actions can you take to speak faith into someone else's life this week? ([01:06:11])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Requires Faithfulness
Faith is not merely a passive belief but an active commitment to God's promises. Unlike wishful thinking, which demands nothing from us, true faith requires us to respond with faithfulness. Abraham's journey of faith, which spanned over 25 years, is a powerful example of this principle. He was divinely persuaded and remained faithful, which was counted to him as righteousness. This kind of faith involves trusting God even when the fulfillment of His promises seems distant or impossible. It calls for a steadfast commitment to God's Word and His timing, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill what He has promised. [47:42]
Hebrews 6:12 (ESV): "so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."
Reflection: Think about a promise from God that you are waiting to see fulfilled. How can you actively demonstrate faithfulness in your daily life as you wait for His timing?
Day 2: Redefine Circumstances by Faith
Faith allows us to see our circumstances through God's perspective, which often requires redefining our situation based on His promises. Abraham and Sarah had to redefine their situation despite their old age, trusting in God's promise of a child. This redefinition involves asking God what He has to say about our circumstances and then acting accordingly. It means looking beyond the natural limitations and believing in the supernatural possibilities that God can bring about. By doing so, we align our perspective with God's and open ourselves up to the miraculous. [53:52]
Romans 4:19-21 (ESV): "He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised."
Reflection: What current situation in your life seems impossible? Ask God to show you His perspective on it and write down what He reveals to you.
Day 3: Center Faith on the Promise Maker
Our faith should be centered on God, the promise maker, rather than the promise itself. This shift in focus helps us remain steadfast and faithful, even when the promise seems delayed. Trusting in God's character and His faithfulness rather than our own understanding is crucial. When we focus on God, we are reminded of His sovereignty, His love, and His perfect timing. This perspective helps us to remain patient and hopeful, knowing that God is working all things together for our good, even when we cannot see it. [59:28]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have been more focused on the promise than on God Himself? How can you shift your focus back to the promise maker today?
Day 4: Cultivate Faith Through Community and God's Word
Faith grows when we surround ourselves with God's Word, the Holy Spirit, and a community of believers. These elements help us to meditate on, speak, and act out our faith, leading to spiritual growth and stronger faithfulness. Engaging with Scripture, being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance, and participating in a faith community provide the support and encouragement needed to sustain and grow our faith. This communal aspect of faith reminds us that we are not alone in our journey and that we can draw strength from one another. [01:01:35]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: How can you intentionally engage with God's Word, the Holy Spirit, and your faith community this week to cultivate your faith?
Day 5: Faith is Not About Us
Faith is not just for our benefit but for others to see and be inspired by. Speaking faith allows others to hear and be changed, leading them to surrender to Jesus. Our faith journey is a testimony that can bring others to Christ. When we live out our faith authentically, it becomes a powerful witness to those around us. Our struggles, victories, and steadfastness in faith can inspire others to seek God and trust in His promises. This outward focus of faith reminds us that our lives are meant to reflect God's glory and draw others to Him. [01:06:11]
1 Peter 2:12 (ESV): "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
Reflection: Who in your life could benefit from seeing your faith in action? How can you intentionally share your faith journey with them this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "How many of you guys know that in real life, there is always a path to redemption? Not just in Christian fiction. There's a real path to redemption. Eventually, the quest gets completed. And the book turns out well. But that story always stuck with me. Because God speaks to you and me like this. He gives us things that He wants us to meditate on. He wants us to memorize." [43:02] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Any problem you have, there is a solution available. The next time you don't know what to do, this is what I want you to say. Say, it's available. The next time you don't know what to do, the solution is available. It's in the Word of God. The life-changing, life-breathing Word of God." [43:36] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Faith by nature requires something from you. If you look in Romans chapter 4 verse 3 it says this. For what does the scripture say? Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness. If you were to look at the definitions of these in the original language it was Abraham believed he was divinely, he was divinely persuaded. He had the gift of faith from God." [47:04] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith without works is dead. We're going to talk about that. We're going to talk about that a lot more here in just a minute. We're going to read here. Romans 4 verse 17 says this. As it is written, I have made you the father of many nations. This is God speaking to Abraham. In the presence of the God in whom he believed, now this is Paul speaking, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence, calls into existence, even God speaks faith, calls into existence the things that do not exist." [50:20] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Faith is seen. Faith is heard. Faith is spoken. Faith is acted out. Faith is meditated on. What are you surrounding yourself with to grow your faith? And remember, growing your faith, not another level, but growing your faith, faithfulness. Are you in a place where you're being built up? Are you in a place where it's being diminished? Faith requires something." [01:01:35] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "Faith by nature requires something of you. If you look in Romans chapter 4 verse 3 it says this. For what does the scripture say? Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness. If you were to look at the definitions of these in the original language it was Abraham believed he was divinely, he was divinely persuaded. He had the gift of faith from God. And it was counted to him. It was reckoned to him or reconciled like you reconcile the books. So at the end it was counted to him as righteousness." [47:04] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Faith requires faithfulness. Abraham was given. The gift of faith. Often we would talk about it in that context. Gift of faith. Divine faith. God gave it to him. It wasn't something that Abraham had to work up. It was just a gift. But that gift still required Abraham to be faithful. We hate requirements. We do. We hate requirements. Let's be honest. If we wanted to label the American dream, it would be, I want to be and do whatever I want, whenever I want it." [49:09] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Is your faith centered on the promise or the promise maker? I think about some of the most, most frustrating seasons of my life. And it has been this right here. Is your faith centered on the promise or the promise maker? Waiting to get married. My wife and I were very young when we got engaged. And so we had to wait a decent amount of time for my dad's blessing. And this was the issue. Our faith was centered on getting married. Do you need faith to get married? Resounding yes." [01:02:24] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Why am I required to speak faith? Just like Abraham, faith was not about him. Faith is not about you. Faith is about being centered on the promise maker. And the question, why am I required to speak faith? So that others will know. So that others as well can hear that faith and be changed in their own lives. To be given an opportunity to surrender to Jesus our Lord." [01:06:11] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Faith is seen. Faith is heard. Faith is spoken. Faith is acted out. Faith is meditated on. What are you surrounding yourself with to grow your faith? And remember, growing your faith, not another level, but growing your faith, faithfulness. Are you in a place where you're being built up? Are you in a place where it's being diminished? Faith requires something." [01:01:35] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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