Faith in God's Promises: A Transformative Journey
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound legacy of Pastor David Wilkerson and the ministries he founded, including Teen Challenge, Times Square Church, and World Challenge. These ministries have been instrumental in transforming lives, particularly those entangled in addiction and crime, by preaching the whole counsel of God's Word and planting churches in some of the most challenging regions of the world. The core of our discussion centered on the essence of faith as depicted in Hebrews 11. We delved into the lives of biblical figures like Noah, Abraham, and Sarah, emphasizing that their faith was not in their own abilities but in God's promises.
Faith, as described in Hebrews 11, is not about being a superhero of the faith but about trusting in God's Word and His promises. We must avoid the mistake of placing biblical figures on a pedestal, thinking they were inherently different from us. Instead, we should recognize that they, too, were flawed individuals who trusted in God. True faith is not about having faith in faith itself but in the God who makes and keeps promises. This faith is rooted in the Word of God and is evidenced by a life transformed from the inside out.
We also discussed the importance of understanding the promises of God in their proper context. While some promises were specific to individuals like Noah and Sarah, there are universal promises for all believers, such as God's provision, protection, and eternal security. The journey of faith involves both justification and sanctification, where we are made right with God through Christ's finished work and are continually transformed into His image.
In conclusion, our faith should be evident in our daily lives, reflecting a deep trust in God's Word and His promises. We are called to live as exiles and sojourners, looking forward to a future city whose builder and maker is God. This faith should permeate every aspect of our lives, compelling us to share the gospel with others and live in a way that honors God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Rooted in God's Word: True faith is built on the Word of God. Noah's faith, for example, was demonstrated by his obedience to God's warning about the flood, which led him to build the ark despite the mockery he faced. This faith produced reverent fear and tangible actions that aligned with God's instructions. Our faith, too, should be rooted in God's Word, producing a life that reflects His promises and commands. [37:58]
2. Inward Transformation Precedes Outward Evidence: The outward evidence of faith is always preceded by an inward transformation. This inward change, brought about by the Holy Spirit, produces genuine faith that manifests in a life of holiness and obedience. Unlike works-based religions, Christianity emphasizes that true faith results in a transformed heart, which then leads to outward actions that glorify God. [45:49]
3. Faith in God's Promises: Understanding and rightly dividing the Word of Truth is crucial. While some promises in the Bible were specific to individuals, there are universal promises for all believers, such as God's provision, protection, and eternal security. Our faith should be anchored in these promises, trusting that God will fulfill them in His perfect timing and way. [28:33]
4. Living as Exiles and Sojourners: We are called to live as exiles and sojourners, looking forward to a future city whose builder and maker is God. This perspective helps us navigate the challenges and sufferings of this world, knowing that our ultimate hope and treasure are in the world to come. Our lives should reflect this eternal perspective, influencing how we use our time, resources, and relationships. [55:01]
5. Convinced Witnesses: A convinced witness is a convincing witness. Our faith should be so deeply rooted in our relationship with God that it naturally overflows into our interactions with others. Evangelism is not just a duty but a natural outflow of a heart transformed by God's love and grace. We should be bold in sharing the gospel, knowing that it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. [01:00:19]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[07:06] - Introduction to David Wilkerson's Ministries
[08:36] - Awakening a Sleeping Church
[10:05] - Planting Churches in Difficult Places
[11:30] - The Cost of Discipleship
[13:00] - Personal Testimony of Transformation
[14:29] - The Importance of Faithfulness
[15:53] - Hebrews 11: Lives of Faith
[19:00] - Two Groups of People
[20:31] - Heroes of Faith and Their Imperfections
[22:09] - Genuine Faith in God
[23:50] - Misinterpretation of Biblical Promises
[26:44] - The Lord's Prayer and Faith
[27:42] - Understanding God's Promises
[28:33] - Universal Promises for Believers
[29:33] - Context of Hebrews 11
[30:33] - Source of Faith
[31:28] - The Challenge of Comfort
[32:12] - Presenting the Gospel Truthfully
[32:56] - The Holiness of God
[33:34] - The Beatitudes and Spiritual Emptiness
[34:21] - Magnifying God's Grace
[34:59] - The Misconception of Goodness
[35:36] - The Need for True Conversion
[36:23] - The Role of the Church
[37:08] - The Fear of the Lord
[37:58] - Faith Built on God's Word
[39:12] - The Importance of Reverent Fear
[40:33] - Understanding God's Holiness
[41:19] - The Reality of Salvation
[41:58] - Evidence of True Faith
[42:32] - The Battle Against Sin
[43:09] - The Process of Sanctification
[43:57] - The Ark as a Representation of the Gospel
[45:10] - The Timelessness of God's Word
[45:49] - Inward Transformation and Outward Evidence
[46:37] - The Difference Between True and False Religions
[47:21] - The Beauty of Holiness
[48:03] - The New Nature in Christ
[48:37] - The Greater Love That Replaces Sin
[49:23] - The Process of Sanctification
[50:08] - Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification
[51:36] - The Faith That Preserves
[52:20] - The Example of Richard Wombrant
[53:00] - The Greatest Honor: Suffering for Christ
[54:14] - Faith in God, Not Circumstances
[55:01] - Looking Forward to a Future City
[56:04] - Trusting God's Sovereignty
[57:04] - The Universal Gospel
[58:05] - Evidence of Faith in Our Lives
[58:59] - The Overflow of Evangelism
[59:31] - The Passion of a Convinced Witness
[01:00:19] - The Essence of Faith
[01:00:56] - Living a Convinced Life
[01:01:35] - The Urgency of the Gospel
[01:02:05] - The Good News and the Bad News
[01:02:46] - Paul's Conviction in Romans 8
[01:03:30] - The Assurance of God's Love
[01:04:05] - Overcoming Through Faith
[01:04:52] - More Than Conquerors
[01:05:43] - The Conviction of True Faith
[01:06:37] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 11:6-16
2. Romans 10:17
3. Matthew 5:3-6
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 11:6, what is necessary to please God?
2. How did Noah demonstrate his faith according to Hebrews 11:7?
3. What does Romans 10:17 say about the source of faith?
4. In Matthew 5:3-6, what are the characteristics of those who are blessed?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to have faith that is rooted in God's Word, as exemplified by Noah's obedience? ([37:58])
2. How does the concept of living as exiles and sojourners, looking forward to a future city, influence a believer's daily life? ([55:01])
3. Why is it important to understand the promises of God in their proper context, and how can misinterpretation affect one's faith? ([27:42])
4. How does the inward transformation by the Holy Spirit precede and produce outward evidence of faith? ([45:49])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's Word despite external circumstances. How did that experience shape your faith? ([37:58])
2. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper understanding of God's promises to avoid misinterpretation? What steps will you take this week to study the Bible more contextually? ([27:42])
3. How can you live as an exile and sojourner in today's world, focusing on the eternal rather than the temporal? What practical changes can you make in your daily life to reflect this perspective? ([55:01])
4. Think about an area in your life where you need inward transformation. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in that area, and what outward changes do you hope to see as a result? ([45:49])
5. Identify a specific promise of God that you can anchor your faith in during challenging times. How will you remind yourself of this promise daily?
6. How can you be a convinced and convincing witness of your faith in your community? Share a recent experience where you had the opportunity to share the gospel. ([01:00:19])
7. Consider the ways you use your time, resources, and relationships. How can you align these aspects of your life more closely with the eternal perspective of living for a future city whose builder and maker is God? ([55:01])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Rooted in God's Word
True faith is built on the Word of God. Noah's faith, for example, was demonstrated by his obedience to God's warning about the flood, which led him to build the ark despite the mockery he faced. This faith produced reverent fear and tangible actions that aligned with God's instructions. Our faith, too, should be rooted in God's Word, producing a life that reflects His promises and commands. [37:58]
Hebrews 11:7 (ESV): "By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith."
Reflection: Think of a specific promise or command from God's Word that you have been hesitant to act on. What steps can you take today to align your actions with this promise or command?
Day 2: Inward Transformation Precedes Outward Evidence
The outward evidence of faith is always preceded by an inward transformation. This inward change, brought about by the Holy Spirit, produces genuine faith that manifests in a life of holiness and obedience. Unlike works-based religions, Christianity emphasizes that true faith results in a transformed heart, which then leads to outward actions that glorify God. [45:49]
Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent change in your behavior or attitude. How can you trace this change back to an inward transformation that God has worked in your heart?
Day 3: Faith in God's Promises
Understanding and rightly dividing the Word of Truth is crucial. While some promises in the Bible were specific to individuals, there are universal promises for all believers, such as God's provision, protection, and eternal security. Our faith should be anchored in these promises, trusting that God will fulfill them in His perfect timing and way. [28:33]
2 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."
Reflection: Identify one of God's universal promises that you need to trust more deeply. How can you remind yourself of this promise throughout your day?
Day 4: Living as Exiles and Sojourners
We are called to live as exiles and sojourners, looking forward to a future city whose builder and maker is God. This perspective helps us navigate the challenges and sufferings of this world, knowing that our ultimate hope and treasure are in the world to come. Our lives should reflect this eternal perspective, influencing how we use our time, resources, and relationships. [55:01]
1 Peter 2:11-12 (ESV): "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 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: How does viewing yourself as an exile and sojourner change the way you approach your daily life? What is one practical way you can live out this perspective today?
Day 5: Convinced Witnesses
A convinced witness is a convincing witness. Our faith should be so deeply rooted in our relationship with God that it naturally overflows into our interactions with others. Evangelism is not just a duty but a natural outflow of a heart transformed by God's love and grace. We should be bold in sharing the gospel, knowing that it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. [01:00:19]
Acts 4:20 (ESV): "For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who does not know Christ. How can you share your faith with them in a way that is natural and rooted in your own relationship with God?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Christianity is a religion built on the blood of men because of the blood of one man who died to wreck us from the sin of mankind so God sent his son to die for us and true believers from the beginning of the church to today are going to be where where people don't know the name of Jesus and and this is what we do." [11:30] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The success of a church is not determined by how many people you can amass into a building. If that's the case then the greatest evangelist of our day is named Taylor Swift because she knows how to get lots of people into a room. That's not the answer. The answer is to be faithful to God's word to live as salt and light." [14:29] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Faith is knowing you stand justified before God on the basis of Christ and that God will keep the promises that he's made in his word. This is what faith is. You might say well wait a minute what does that have to do with me I'm not in the bible how can I have faith. Listen the people were healed by Jesus weren't healed because they had faith in faith they were healed because they had faith in Christ." [23:50] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The reason we sin is because we love it. And the reason we stop sinning is because a greater love takes its place. The outward evidence of faith in God's word is always preceded by the inner working of faith. But, hear me, an outward working, and this is point number three, will come. A true inward change will produce a changed life. Not all at once, not perfectly." [48:37] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you fear God, you will not fear man. And if you fear man, it shows that you don't fear God. He said, who's going to judge us? Who can take anything from us? We already have peace with God. And that's evidence in our lives. He says, listen, who can separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword, addiction, marital strife, your financial situation, the collapse of a marriage? What is going to separate you from it?" [01:04:05] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We love to talk about the anointing of God and it's great to say let the oil of anointing touch your hearts and lives but we don't like to talk much about the olive press that produces the oil. We like the end product of of something beautiful and pure but we don't like to talk much about the refiner's fire and so today I just have come to stir your faith." [14:29] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Every true life of faith is built on the word of God. Hear me. Every true life of faith, saving faith, preserving faith, faith that takes you from the transforming work of justification to the very end of your life, the faith that's going to see you through your entire life as a Christian is a faith that is built on the word of God." [37:58] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. What is it saying? Listen, before you have any of the benefits of God and His grace, you've got to realize who God is first, the God who spoke the world into existence with His words, the God who killed everybody in the world but eight people for the sake of His holiness when He flooded the earth. Listen, God is mighty and powerful. He will not be mocked." [40:33] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The reason you're convinced is this. Because neither death, nor life, nor angel, nor demon, nor height, nor depth, and Paul says, nor anything in all of creation will be able to separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus your Lord. And hear me, this, if this is true in your life, if this is true in your life, this will help you overcome any and everything. It doesn't mean that the loss of bearing your loved one too soon doesn't hurt. It doesn't mean that the diagnosis of cancer isn't scary. It doesn't mean the turmoil of the waves aren't real. It just means that nothing can snatch you from his hand if in fact you are one being saved by faith." [01:06:37] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So I'm not giving, I'm not charging God with committing evil. I'm charging God with taking crooked things and making straight paths with it. God didn't make me a drug addict. God didn't make me make all the bad choices I made in my life. But God used that wickedness and that just ash heap of a life I had, and he built me a foundation to stand on. And he built a ministry off of it. So God took something crooked. And he worked it together for the good of someone who was called according to his purpose and today loves him." [56:04] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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