Faith: The Key to Unlocking God's Promises
Summary
Faith is the essential foundation for a meaningful relationship with God. No matter our background, experiences, or disappointments, we are called to continually stir up and feed our faith. God has given us precious promises, but those promises alone are not enough—they must be mixed with faith to become alive and effective in our lives. Faith is not just one way to please God; it is the only way. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him, regardless of how moral, generous, or kind we may be.
Faith is more than mental agreement; it is saying “amen” to God’s promises—believing, receiving, declaring, and acting on them. All of God’s promises are “yes” in Christ, and our response is to say “amen,” aligning ourselves with His will. God’s posture toward His promises is always affirmative in Christ. The question is not whether God wants to keep His promises, but whether we will believe and act on them in faith.
There is often a gap between when God declares something and when we see it fulfilled. This waiting period is not wasted; it is a time for growth, perseverance, and trust. Just as Israel received the promised land little by little, we too may experience God’s promises in stages. Faith is trusting God even when we don’t see immediate results, choosing to walk by faith and not by sight.
Our natural senses can mislead us, especially in seasons of uncertainty or difficulty. Like a pilot flying through fog, we must trust the “instruments”—God’s Word—rather than our feelings or circumstances. We are commanded to live by faith, not as a suggestion, but as a way of life for those born of the Spirit. Jesus Himself modeled this, acting in faith before seeing visible results.
Even a small, genuine faith—like a mustard seed—has great potential when it is rooted in confidence in God’s Word. The issue is not the size of our faith, but its quality and confidence. Faith does not wait for proof to believe; it believes until it sees. By mixing faith with God’s promises, we invite His power into our lives, trusting that He can do the impossible.
Key Takeaways
- Faith is the only way to please God, not just one of many options. Our morality, generosity, or good works are not substitutes for faith. God’s promises require our active trust and response, making faith the non-negotiable starting point for a relationship with Him. [03:53]
- God’s promises are always “yes” in Christ, but they require our “amen”—our agreement, belief, and action. Faith is not passive; it is a declaration and a commitment to live as if God’s Word is already true, even before we see the results. [12:57]
- There is often a gap between God’s promise and its fulfillment, a season that tests our perseverance and trust. This waiting period is not a sign of God’s absence, but an opportunity for growth and preparation, as seen in the gradual possession of the promised land by Israel. [15:38]
- Walking by faith means trusting God’s Word above our natural senses, especially in confusing or difficult times. Like a pilot relying on instruments in the fog, we must let God’s Word guide us, even when our feelings or circumstances suggest otherwise. [24:34]
- The power of faith is not in its size, but in its confidence and purity. Even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains if it is genuine and unwavering. The key is to feed our faith with God’s Word, refuse double-mindedness, and boldly declare God’s promises over our lives. [33:15]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:53] - Water Baptism Announcements
[02:44] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[03:53] - The Urgency and Importance of Faith
[06:49] - God’s Promises Require Faith
[07:46] - Learning God’s Ways and the Role of Faith
[09:43] - The Meaning of “Yes and Amen”
[11:11] - God’s Willingness and Our Response
[12:57] - Saying Amen: Believing and Acting on God’s Word
[15:38] - The Gap Between Promise and Fulfillment
[18:29] - Personal Story: Waiting on God’s Timing
[20:19] - Trusting God Beyond What We See
[21:44] - The Analogy of Trusting the Instruments
[24:34] - Commanded to Walk by Faith
[26:35] - Jesus’ Example of Faith in Action
[28:04] - Faith in Everyday Life
[29:25] - Building Faith and Avoiding Distraction
[31:46] - The Quality of Faith: Confidence vs. Doubt
[33:15] - The Power of Genuine Faith
[33:59] - Mixing Faith with God’s Promises
[35:00] - Invitation to Salvation and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
---
### Bible Reading
- 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."
- 2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV):
"For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory."
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV):
"For we walk by faith, not by sight."
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 11:6, what is required to please God? What does this verse say about the importance of faith?
(see [03:53])
2. In 2 Corinthians 1:20, what does it mean that all of God’s promises are “Yes” in Christ, and what is our role in responding to those promises?
(see [09:43])
3. The sermon mentions that faith is not just believing in your mind, but also saying “amen” to God’s promises. What actions are included in saying “amen” according to the message?
(see [12:57])
4. What does 2 Corinthians 5:7 mean when it says, “we walk by faith, not by sight”? How did the pastor illustrate this with the story about trusting the instruments?
(see [24:34])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that faith is the only way to please God, not just one of many options. Why do you think God values faith so highly, even above good works or morality?
(see [03:53])
2. The pastor explained that God’s promises are always “yes” in Christ, but they require our “amen.” What does it look like in real life to give your “amen” to God’s promises?
(see [12:57])
3. There is often a gap between when God makes a promise and when we see it fulfilled. How can this waiting period be an opportunity for growth rather than discouragement?
(see [15:38])
4. The analogy of trusting the instruments in a plane was used to describe walking by faith. In what ways can our natural senses or feelings mislead us when it comes to trusting God?
(see [24:34])
---
### Application Questions
1. The message said that faith is the “non-negotiable starting point” for a relationship with God. Are there areas in your life where you have been relying more on your own goodness or effort than on faith? What would it look like to shift your focus to faith in those areas?
(see [03:53])
2. The pastor talked about saying “amen” to God’s promises by believing, receiving, declaring, and acting on them. Is there a specific promise from God’s Word that you need to say “amen” to this week? What practical step can you take to act on that promise?
(see [12:57])
3. Think about a time when you were in the “gap” between God’s promise and its fulfillment. How did you respond during that waiting period? Looking back, what helped you persevere, or what would you do differently now?
(see [15:38])
4. The sermon compared trusting God’s Word to a pilot trusting the instruments in the fog. Is there a situation in your life right now where your feelings or circumstances are making it hard to trust God’s Word? What would it look like to “trust the instrument” instead?
(see [24:34])
5. The pastor said that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains if it is genuine and confident. Are there areas where you feel your faith is “small”? How can you feed and strengthen your faith this week?
(see [33:15])
6. The message warned against being double-minded and encouraged us to boldly declare God’s promises. Are there any doubts or double-minded thoughts you need to confront? What is one way you can replace those doubts with faith?
(see [31:46])
7. The pastor encouraged everyone to get into God’s Word to find a promise to stand on. What is one practical way you can make time for God’s Word this week, and how will you remind yourself to mix faith with what you read?
(see [30:22])
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for one another, asking God to strengthen their faith, help them trust His promises, and give them courage to walk by faith and not by sight.
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Is Essential to Please God
Faith is the non-negotiable starting point for a meaningful relationship with God, and without it, we are powerless to please Him. Faith is not just one of many ways to please God—it is the only way, as Scripture makes clear that even our best efforts, good deeds, and moral living are insufficient apart from faith. God’s promises are powerful, but they require the ingredient of faith to become alive and effective in our lives. No matter your background or past disappointments, God calls you to stir up faith again, to trust Him beyond what you see or feel, and to make faith the foundation of your walk with Him. [04:30]
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 area of your life have you been relying on your own efforts or goodness instead of trusting God by faith? How can you intentionally shift your focus to faith in God’s promises today?
Day 2: God’s Promises Are Yes and Amen in Christ
All of God’s promises are fulfilled and made available through Jesus Christ, and our response is to say “Amen”—to believe, receive, and declare them in faith. God is not stingy or hesitant with His promises; His posture toward you is always “yes” in Christ. The question is not whether God wants to keep His promises, but whether you will believe and act on them. When you read a promise in Scripture—whether for healing, provision, peace, or freedom—God’s answer is already “yes” if you are in Christ. Your part is to respond with faith, prayer, perseverance, and obedience, trusting that God is glorified as you step out and see His promises fulfilled in your life. [12:57]
2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV)
"For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory."
Reflection: What is one specific promise from God’s Word that you need to say “Amen” to today—believing, receiving, and declaring it over your life?
Day 3: Faith Perseveres Through the Waiting
There is often a gap between when God declares a promise and when we see its fulfillment, and faith is what carries us through that waiting period. Just as Israel received the promised land little by little, and as there are appointed times for God’s plans, you may find yourself in a season where you must walk out God’s promise before you see it come to pass. This waiting is not wasted; it is a time for spiritual growth, learning, and preparation. Faith leans in, perseveres, and trusts God’s timing, even when the outcome is not immediate or visible. [16:44]
Deuteronomy 7:22 (ESV)
"The LORD your God will clear away these nations before you little by little. You may not make an end of them at once, lest the wild beasts grow too numerous for you."
Reflection: Is there a promise or prayer you are waiting on God to fulfill? How can you choose to persevere in faith and trust His timing, even when you don’t see immediate results?
Day 4: Walk by Faith, Not by Sight
To walk by faith means to trust God’s Word and guidance even when you cannot see the outcome, just as a pilot must trust the instruments in the fog. Our natural senses can mislead us, especially in difficult or uncertain seasons, but God’s Word is our fail-safe instrument and spiritual GPS. We are commanded—not just encouraged—to live by faith, making decisions and moving forward based on God’s promises rather than what we see, feel, or understand in the natural. This kind of faith is rooted in spiritual conviction, not natural evidence, and it is how Jesus Himself lived and acted. [25:49]
2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)
"For we walk by faith, not by sight."
Reflection: Where in your life do you feel “in the fog” or uncertain about the next step? What would it look like for you to trust God’s Word as your instrument and move forward in faith today?
Day 5: Even Small, Genuine Faith Moves Mountains
The power of faith is not in its size but in its quality and confidence—genuine faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can move mountains. Jesus taught that little faith is not about quantity but about a lack of true confidence and trust in God’s Word. When you have a word from God and truly believe it, you can stand firm and act with assurance, refusing to let doubt or double-mindedness take root. Faith is mixing God’s promise with your confident trust, declaring with your mouth that God can do the impossible, even when the odds seem against you. [33:59]
Matthew 17:20 (ESV)
"He said to them, 'Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.'"
Reflection: What is one “mountain” in your life that feels immovable? How can you take a step of confident, mustard-seed faith and speak God’s promise over that situation today?
Quotes
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