Faith: The Currency of God's Unshakeable Kingdom
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound concept of faith as the currency of the Kingdom of God. Just as every earthly country operates on a currency for trade and survival, the Kingdom of Heaven operates on faith. Faith is not merely a doctrine but a vital element that enables us to engage with God's Kingdom. Without faith, it is impossible to transact or receive anything from God. The quality and strength of our faith are determined by its source and the object in which it is placed.
We delved into the analogy of earthly currencies and banks to illustrate how the value of our faith is contingent upon what backs it. Just as a bank's stability is crucial for the security of our money, the object of our faith must be unshakeable. We are often tempted to place our faith in transient things like jobs, people, or even religious institutions, but these can fail us. True faith must be placed in God alone, who is unchanging and eternal.
We also discussed the inevitability of trials and tests, which are designed to purify and strengthen our faith. These challenges reveal the true nature of our faith and help us to rely solely on God. The story of Job was highlighted to show that faith in God remains steadfast even when everything else is lost. Job's unwavering trust in God, despite severe trials, serves as a powerful example of kingdom faith.
Finally, we were reminded that the Kingdom of God is unshakeable. While everything else in life can be shaken and removed, God's Kingdom remains firm. Our faith should be anchored in this unshakeable Kingdom, ensuring that we remain steadfast regardless of life's circumstances.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith as the Currency of the Kingdom: Just as earthly countries operate on a currency, the Kingdom of God operates on faith. Without faith, it is impossible to transact or receive anything from God. Faith is not merely a doctrine but a vital element that enables us to engage with God's Kingdom. [04:00]
2. The Source and Object of Faith: The quality and strength of our faith are determined by its source and the object in which it is placed. Placing faith in transient things like jobs, people, or institutions can lead to disappointment. True faith must be placed in God alone, who is unchanging and eternal. [09:35]
3. Trials and Tests Purify Faith: Trials and tests are designed to purify and strengthen our faith. These challenges reveal the true nature of our faith and help us to rely solely on God. The story of Job exemplifies unwavering trust in God, even when everything else is lost. [25:20]
4. Unshakeable Kingdom: The Kingdom of God is unshakeable, unlike the transient things of this world. While everything else can be shaken and removed, God's Kingdom remains firm. Our faith should be anchored in this unshakeable Kingdom, ensuring that we remain steadfast regardless of life's circumstances. [28:23]
5. Faith Beyond Circumstances: True faith in God remains steadfast regardless of circumstances. Job's unwavering trust in God, despite severe trials, serves as a powerful example of kingdom faith. We must trust God in everything, not just for everything, recognizing that He is the source of all we need. [56:42]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:43] - Understanding Faith and Its Object
[02:43] - The Currency of the Kingdom
[04:00] - Faith as the Currency
[05:45] - The Value of Faith
[06:42] - Source and Quality of Faith
[09:35] - Object and Quantity of Faith
[12:38] - Trust and Faith in Institutions
[16:26] - Misplaced Faith
[20:04] - Have Faith in God
[25:20] - Trials and Tests of Faith
[28:23] - Unshakeable Kingdom
[32:47] - Foundation of Faith
[39:21] - Trust in the Creator
[45:17] - Accepting Good and Bad from God
[56:42] - Unconditional Kingdom Faith
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Mark 11:22 - "Have faith in God," Jesus answered.
2. Hebrews 12:26-28 - "At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, 'Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.' The words 'once more' indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire.'"
3. Job 2:7-10 - "So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes. His wife said to him, 'Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!' He replied, 'You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?' In all this, Job did not sin in what he said."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus command us to do in Mark 11:22? How does this relate to the concept of faith discussed in the sermon? [20:04]
2. According to Hebrews 12:26-28, what is the purpose of God shaking the earth and the heavens? How does this relate to the unshakeable nature of God's Kingdom? [26:17]
3. In Job 2:7-10, how does Job respond to his wife's suggestion to curse God? What does this reveal about his faith? [45:17]
4. What analogy is used in the sermon to describe the importance of faith in the Kingdom of God? How does this analogy help us understand the role of faith? [04:00]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to have faith in God rather than in transient things like jobs, people, or institutions? How does this align with the message in Mark 11:22? [20:04]
2. How do trials and tests serve to purify and strengthen our faith according to Hebrews 12:26-28? What does this imply about the nature of faith in difficult times? [25:20]
3. What can we learn from Job's unwavering faith despite severe trials? How does his response to his wife in Job 2:7-10 serve as an example for us? [45:17]
4. How does the analogy of earthly currencies and banks help us understand the value and source of our faith? What does this teach us about where to place our faith? [06:42]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you placed your faith in something transient (e.g., a job, a person, or an institution). How did that experience affect your faith in God? What steps can you take to shift your faith back to God? [16:26]
2. Think about a recent trial or test you have faced. How did it impact your faith? What can you do to ensure that your faith is purified and strengthened through such challenges? [25:20]
3. Job's faith remained steadfast even when he lost everything. How can you cultivate a similar unwavering faith in your own life? What practical steps can you take to trust God in both good and bad times? [45:17]
4. The sermon emphasized that the Kingdom of God is unshakeable. How can you anchor your faith in this unshakeable Kingdom in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to remind yourself of this truth? [28:23]
5. Jesus said, "Have faith in God" (Mark 11:22). What does having faith in God look like in your everyday decisions and actions? Identify one area of your life where you need to increase your faith in God and describe how you will do it. [20:04]
6. How can you support others in your small group or community who are going through trials and tests of faith? What practical ways can you encourage them to keep their faith anchored in God? [25:20]
7. Reflect on the analogy of faith as the currency of the Kingdom of God. How can you "invest" more in your faith to ensure it grows and remains strong? What specific practices or habits can you adopt to strengthen your faith? [04:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith as the Currency of the Kingdom
Faith is the essential medium through which we engage with the Kingdom of God. Just as earthly nations rely on currency for transactions, the Kingdom of Heaven operates on faith. Without faith, it is impossible to receive or transact anything from God. Faith is not merely a set of beliefs or doctrines but a vital, living element that connects us to God's promises and provisions. It is through faith that we access the resources of God's Kingdom and experience His presence and power in our lives. [04:00]
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you struggling to trust God fully? How can you begin to exercise faith as the currency to engage with God's Kingdom today?
Day 2: The Source and Object of Faith
The strength and quality of our faith are determined by its source and the object in which it is placed. Placing faith in transient things like jobs, people, or institutions can lead to disappointment and instability. True faith must be anchored in God alone, who is unchanging and eternal. When our faith is rooted in God, it becomes unshakeable, regardless of the circumstances we face. This kind of faith is not dependent on external factors but is sustained by the character and promises of God. [09:35]
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
Reflection: What are some transient things you have been placing your faith in? How can you shift your focus to place your faith solely in God?
Day 3: Trials and Tests Purify Faith
Trials and tests are inevitable in life and are designed to purify and strengthen our faith. These challenges reveal the true nature of our faith and help us to rely solely on God. The story of Job is a powerful example of unwavering trust in God, even when everything else is lost. Job's faith was not dependent on his circumstances but was anchored in his relationship with God. Through trials, our faith is refined, and we learn to trust God more deeply, knowing that He is with us in every situation. [25:20]
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Think of a recent trial you have faced. How did it affect your faith? What steps can you take to allow this trial to strengthen your trust in God?
Day 4: Unshakeable Kingdom
The Kingdom of God is unshakeable, unlike the transient things of this world. While everything else can be shaken and removed, God's Kingdom remains firm. Our faith should be anchored in this unshakeable Kingdom, ensuring that we remain steadfast regardless of life's circumstances. When we place our trust in God's eternal Kingdom, we find stability and security that cannot be found in the temporary things of this world. This perspective helps us to navigate life's challenges with confidence and hope. [28:23]
Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV): "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."
Reflection: How can you anchor your faith more deeply in God's unshakeable Kingdom? What practical steps can you take to focus on the eternal rather than the temporary?
Day 5: Faith Beyond Circumstances
True faith in God remains steadfast regardless of circumstances. Job's unwavering trust in God, despite severe trials, serves as a powerful example of kingdom faith. We must trust God in everything, not just for everything, recognizing that He is the source of all we need. This kind of faith goes beyond seeking God's blessings and focuses on a deep, personal relationship with Him. It is a faith that trusts God's character and promises, even when we do not understand our circumstances. [56:42]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when your circumstances challenged your faith. How can you cultivate a faith that remains steadfast regardless of what you face? What steps can you take to deepen your trust in God's character and promises?
Quotes
1. "The kingdom of heaven is a country. It has a government, it has a king, it has a constitution, it has laws, and it has an economy. And the currency that we use to live in the kingdom of God is a standard currency. The currency of the kingdom of God is faith. You cannot do business in the kingdom of God. Without faith. You must use faith to exchange for anything in the kingdom of God. Nothing works in the kingdom of God without faith." [04:00] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Your faith is only as valuable as what's backing the bank. You're all too quiet. Let me try it again. Okay. You take your money and you put it in your local bank. That's no guarantee you get money. What guarantees that you get money is how strong that bank is. What's backing that bank? And there are other banks that are collapsing." [09:35] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Your faith is as secure as what your faith is in. Don't put your faith in a church. Don't put your faith in a pastor. Don't put your faith in a bishop. Don't put your faith in a denomination, please. Don't put your faith in a doctrine. Don't put your faith in healers and miracle workers. Don't put your faith in television evangelists and famous people. Stop it." [16:26] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Have faith in God. Tell your neighbor, make God the object of your faith. Let me tell you something. There's one thing about God. He's the same yesterday, today, and forever. And with Him, there's no shadow of turning. That means He is stable. He's not Fannie Mae. He's not Lloyd's Bank. Because even Lloyd's could go bankrupt. Fannie Mae proved that. Billions of dollars wiped out in a day. Have faith in God, Jesus says." [20:04] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Trials and tests are designed to strengthen and purify your belief. This is the real issue of tests. I told you in our last session this morning that tests and trials do not work. They do not come to destroy. They come to prove. And that word prove means to validate. Tests and trials are designed to strengthen and purify your faith." [25:20] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "If it is a created thing, don't trust it. Is your car a created thing? Then you could lose it. God could shake it. Is your house a created thing? Yep. You could actually lose your house. Are the clothing that you're wearing, are they created? Yes. God can remove them. He can shake that. The verse says, if it can be shaken, he will shake it. And he's going to shake it so that you will put your faith in what cannot be shaken." [26:17] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "What is your faith in? Here is the kingdom object of faith. Mark 11, 22. Jesus' words. Jesus said, Have faith in God. Simple statement. Finish. Period. What a beautiful statement. Have faith in who? God. Tell your neighbor, have faith in God. Tell your neighbor, make God the object of your faith." [20:04] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Your faith is as stable as the object you put it in. Remember the bank? Yeah. You take a hundred... By the way, I just heard this past week that, you know, the bank that collapsed, they say that only the people who put over $100,000 in the bank are the ones who... who actually lost the money. The one who put the most lost. thought it was the other way around. I had to listen twice. That's what they say. They said the one who put the most. That means if you went over... My God. I was... Personally, I'm nervous now." [18:38] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Your faith is as stable as the object you put it in. here's something I want you to think about. What is your faith in? I think some of you got a lot of testimonies. Some of you all got great experience now. Because you've been through some stuff. People let you down. Matter of fact, some people have lost their trust in humans. They've been so wrecked. They don't trust nobody. That's a horrible thing." [19:30] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Your faith is only as secure as what it is in. Please write this down. Your faith is as stable as the object you put it in. Remember the bank? Yeah. You take a hundred... By the way, I just heard this past week that, you know, the bank that collapsed, they say that only the people who put over $100,000 in the bank are the ones who... who actually lost the money. The one who put the most lost. thought it was the other way around. I had to listen twice. That's what they say. They said the one who put the most. That means if you went over... My God. I was... Personally, I'm nervous now." [18:38] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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