Faith: The Transformative Power of Belief
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we delve into the essence of faith, a fundamental aspect of our Christian walk. Faith is not just a concept but a life-altering reality that shapes our actions and decisions. Hebrews 11:1 and 11:6 provide a theological foundation for understanding faith. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. It is essential to believe that God exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him ([01:36]).
Faith has always been the cornerstone of righteousness, from Abel to Abraham, and it remains so today. The righteous shall live by faith, and without it, it is impossible to please God. This has been true since the Old Testament, as seen in the lives of the saints who lived by faith ([04:33]). Faith is not just about intellectual assent but a deep-seated conviction that transforms lives. It is a matter of life and death, as faith preserves the soul while unbelief leads to destruction ([07:05]).
The nature of faith is crucial. There is a counterfeit faith that does not save, and we must distinguish true saving faith from mere belief. True faith is not just about acknowledging God's existence but involves a deep conviction and assurance in His promises and character ([08:34]). Faith is like a sixth sense, enabling us to perceive the unseen realities of God's kingdom. It is a gift from God, a revelation that opens our eyes to the spiritual truths that are otherwise hidden ([24:21]).
Faith is not just theoretical but practical. It frees us from the preoccupations of this world, enabling us to live for the eternal. The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 exemplify this. They turned their backs on worldly riches and pleasures because they were gripped by the reality of God's promises. They saw the unseen and were willing to sacrifice everything for the eternal reward ([35:46]). This kind of faith is what God desires for us. It is not about having the best life now but about living for the eternal weight of glory that far outweighs our present sufferings ([39:04]).
We need to surround ourselves with people of faith, both in Scripture and in real life. Bad companionship corrupts good morals, but surrounding ourselves with heroes of faith inspires us to live righteously. God wants us to have heroes, people we can look up to and imitate in their faith ([45:00]). Practical faith involves being faithful in the little things, recognizing that even mundane tasks like mowing the lawn can have eternal significance when done for God's glory ([46:28]).
In conclusion, faith is not just a belief but a life-transforming conviction. It is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. It frees us from the preoccupations of this world and enables us to live for the eternal. Let us strive to have a faith that pleases God, a faith that is deeply rooted in His character and promises.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith as Assurance and Conviction: Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. It is not just intellectual assent but a deep-seated conviction that transforms our lives. This kind of faith is essential for pleasing God and is the foundation of our Christian walk. [01:36]
2. The Righteous Shall Live by Faith: From Abel to Abraham, the righteous have always lived by faith. This principle remains true today. Faith is a matter of life and death, preserving the soul while unbelief leads to destruction. It is crucial to understand the nature of true saving faith. [04:33]
3. Faith as a Sixth Sense: Faith is like a sixth sense that enables us to perceive the unseen realities of God's kingdom. It is a gift from God, a revelation that opens our eyes to spiritual truths. This faith frees us from the preoccupations of this world and enables us to live for the eternal. [24:21]
4. Living for the Eternal: The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 exemplify a life lived for the eternal. They turned their backs on worldly riches and pleasures because they were gripped by the reality of God's promises. This kind of faith is what God desires for us, focusing on the eternal weight of glory. [35:46]
5. Surrounding Ourselves with People of Faith: It is important to surround ourselves with people of faith, both in Scripture and in real life. Bad companionship corrupts good morals, but heroes of faith inspire us to live righteously. Practical faith involves being faithful in the little things, recognizing their eternal significance. [45:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:36] - Defining Faith
[04:33] - The Righteous Shall Live by Faith
[07:05] - Faith and Soul Preservation
[08:34] - True vs. Counterfeit Faith
[24:21] - Faith as a Sixth Sense
[35:46] - Living for the Eternal
[39:04] - Eternal Weight of Glory
[45:00] - Surrounding Ourselves with People of Faith
[46:28] - Practical Faith in Everyday Life
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
2. Hebrews 11:6 - "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."
3. Hebrews 10:38-39 - "But my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 11:1, how is faith defined? What are the two key components mentioned? [01:36]
2. What does Hebrews 11:6 say is necessary to please God? [01:36]
3. In Hebrews 10:38-39, what is the consequence of shrinking back in unbelief? [06:08]
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between true saving faith and counterfeit faith? [08:34]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to understand that faith is not just intellectual assent but a deep-seated conviction? How does this impact our daily lives? [01:36]
2. How does the concept of faith as a "sixth sense" help us perceive the unseen realities of God's kingdom? What does this mean for our spiritual journey? [24:21]
3. The sermon mentions that faith frees us from the preoccupations of this world. How did the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 exemplify this principle? [35:46]
4. What does it mean to surround ourselves with people of faith, and how can this influence our own faith journey? [45:00]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own faith. Do you see it as an assurance of things hoped for and a conviction of things not seen? How can you deepen this conviction in your daily life? [01:36]
2. The sermon emphasizes that faith is essential for pleasing God. What steps can you take to draw nearer to God and strengthen your belief in His existence and promises? [01:36]
3. Consider the heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11. What worldly preoccupations might you need to turn your back on to live more fully for the eternal? [35:46]
4. Think about the people you surround yourself with. Are they inspiring you to live righteously and deepen your faith? How can you seek out and build relationships with people of strong faith? [45:00]
5. The sermon highlights the importance of being faithful in the little things. Identify a mundane task in your life and consider how you can perform it with eternal significance in mind. [46:28]
6. How can you cultivate a faith that is not just theoretical but practical, impacting your decisions and actions daily? What specific changes can you make this week to live out your faith more fully? [35:46]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt your faith was challenged. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? How can you apply those lessons to future challenges? [06:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith as Assurance and Conviction
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. It is not just intellectual assent but a deep-seated conviction that transforms our lives. This kind of faith is essential for pleasing God and is the foundation of our Christian walk. Faith is more than just believing in God's existence; it is about trusting in His promises and character. This trust shapes our actions and decisions, leading us to live in a way that reflects our hope in the unseen realities of God's kingdom.
Hebrews 11:1 and 11:6 provide a theological foundation for understanding faith. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. It is essential to believe that God exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. This assurance and conviction are what drive us to live lives that are pleasing to God, even when we cannot see the immediate results of our faith. [01:36]
Hebrews 11:1-2 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation."
Reflection: Think about a promise from God that you are holding onto. How does this promise shape your daily actions and decisions?
Day 2: The Righteous Shall Live by Faith
From Abel to Abraham, the righteous have always lived by faith. This principle remains true today. Faith is a matter of life and death, preserving the soul while unbelief leads to destruction. It is crucial to understand the nature of true saving faith. True faith is not just about acknowledging God's existence but involves a deep conviction and assurance in His promises and character. This faith has always been the cornerstone of righteousness, and it remains so today.
The righteous shall live by faith, and without it, it is impossible to please God. This has been true since the Old Testament, as seen in the lives of the saints who lived by faith. Faith is not just about intellectual assent but a deep-seated conviction that transforms lives. It is a matter of life and death, as faith preserves the soul while unbelief leads to destruction. [04:33]
Habakkuk 2:4 (ESV): "Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when your faith was tested. How did you respond, and what did you learn about the nature of true saving faith?
Day 3: Faith as a Sixth Sense
Faith is like a sixth sense that enables us to perceive the unseen realities of God's kingdom. It is a gift from God, a revelation that opens our eyes to spiritual truths. This faith frees us from the preoccupations of this world and enables us to live for the eternal. Faith is not just theoretical but practical. It frees us from the preoccupations of this world, enabling us to live for the eternal.
The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 exemplify this. They turned their backs on worldly riches and pleasures because they were gripped by the reality of God's promises. They saw the unseen and were willing to sacrifice everything for the eternal reward. This kind of faith is what God desires for us. It is not about having the best life now but about living for the eternal weight of glory that far outweighs our present sufferings. [24:21]
2 Corinthians 4:18 (ESV): "As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you are overly focused on worldly concerns. How can you shift your perspective to focus on the unseen realities of God's kingdom?
Day 4: Living for the Eternal
The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 exemplify a life lived for the eternal. They turned their backs on worldly riches and pleasures because they were gripped by the reality of God's promises. This kind of faith is what God desires for us, focusing on the eternal weight of glory. Faith is not just theoretical but practical. It frees us from the preoccupations of this world, enabling us to live for the eternal.
The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 exemplify this. They turned their backs on worldly riches and pleasures because they were gripped by the reality of God's promises. They saw the unseen and were willing to sacrifice everything for the eternal reward. This kind of faith is what God desires for us. It is not about having the best life now but about living for the eternal weight of glory that far outweighs our present sufferings. [35:46]
Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: Identify one worldly pleasure or concern that you can let go of this week to focus more on the eternal promises of God.
Day 5: Surrounding Ourselves with People of Faith
It is important to surround ourselves with people of faith, both in Scripture and in real life. Bad companionship corrupts good morals, but heroes of faith inspire us to live righteously. Practical faith involves being faithful in the little things, recognizing their eternal significance. We need to surround ourselves with people of faith, both in Scripture and in real life.
Bad companionship corrupts good morals, but surrounding ourselves with heroes of faith inspires us to live righteously. God wants us to have heroes, people we can look up to and imitate in their faith. Practical faith involves being faithful in the little things, recognizing that even mundane tasks like mowing the lawn can have eternal significance when done for God's glory. [45:00]
Proverbs 13:20 (ESV): "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who exemplifies strong faith. How can you spend more time with them or learn from their example this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You know, if you really recognize who God is and you believe what He said and you believe what He promises, even things like cleaning up after a service, this is real stuff. I mean, I can remember in my early days, Craig and I painting signs at Pilgrim's Heritage up in Michigan. I can remember coming here and being involved in church plants and, you know, having a work party and being the only one to show up and mowing the lawn and just recognizing there is a God. There is a Christ. There is salvation. It's all real. We're trying to send the Gospel forth here. And you know what? Mowing a lawn actually has a part to do and a place to play in all that." [46:28]
2. "And I'm going to behold Him as He is. Brethren, when that's real and it grips you, it changes your life. And that's what He's doing here. He's setting these people before us because He wants to see us how it is when it really grips somebody's life. It isn't just something you come along and say, oh yeah, I believe in Jesus. If you believe in Jesus, you will turn your back on the riches of this world. That's what He's showing. When you truly believe what is real and unseen and promised in the future, it will grip... Look, it's so fantastic. It's so... It's so much. It's so great that when you look around here, you just laugh." [38:10]
3. "if you don't see these things, if you don't see through to the other side, that doesn't mean that it's not there any more than it means that the sky isn't there if you can't see, or that birds don't sing if you can't hear it. If you've got a problem with your ear, it's there. Listen, I know some of you here, you have never seen the preciousness of Christ, the cross, the power of God demonstrated in this Gospel in the way some others here have. But don't walk out the door and go back to your sin just because you haven't seen it. The reality is it's there. And if you will seek the Lord while He may be found, He promises you He will open this veil to you as well. You call upon Him. He's there. Just because you don't perceive it, you can't see it yet, you don't want to throw this in. It's life and death. Remember that. Life and death." [27:46]
4. "I mean, what I was seeing of Christ, it gripped me. It changed my life. Everything about the way I lived was impacted by what I saw. But I'm all of a sudden being confronted by family members, by friends, by co-workers, and I'm looking at them and they're saying they're Christian. They're saying they have faith, but then I'm looking at their life and it's not impacting them anywhere like this is impacting me. And I suspected there's something not right here. There's something fearfully not right here." [11:52]
5. "I mean, in the same way that an eye can take in the sunset, faith is that sense that has the ability to see through the veil and perceive what is invisible in a way that actually brings evidence and proof and conviction back to our minds. Ephesians 2, we're told that faith... I mean, if you're wondering, well, how does all this work? Ephesians 2, we're told that faith is a gift of God, right? God gives faith." [26:05]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Faith is, jump to the second thing it says, the conviction of things not seen. Now, the word conviction, it has a range of meaning here. I mean, different words could be used here. Evidence. Proof. Argument. It's the idea that faith is an argument. It's a proof. That is speaking about the mind. Faith appeals to the mind. It gives proof to the mind. There's something real about this. But notice what it gives us a conviction or evidence of. Things that are not seen. Which goes hand in hand with the first thing, right? God is. But God is an unseen God. Christ is now an unseen Christ. We love Him, but we have not seen Him, Peter says. He's unseen. The Kingdom is not seen. These patriarchs that we're going to get to. There was a city. There was a country. But it was unseen." [23:12]
2. "Don't shrink back from that. That's what he's saying. But of those who have faith and preserve their souls. Soul preserving faith. I might have called my message that. Soul preserving faith. There is a faith that preserves the soul. There is a way to destruction. There is a way to soul preservation. He's telling us about this. It depends on faith. It's a life and death issue. This is serious stuff. If there's anything that's basic and essential to Christianity and to your well-being and my well-being it's faith. Would you agree? If it's the difference between self-preservation the preservation of my soul and destruction. That has to do with my well-being." [07:05]
3. "You know what? Faith is literally like a sixth sense. With your eyeball you can see a beautiful mountain scenery. With your ears, we hear. With my fingers, I can touch. I can feel the grain. Probably artificial wood. But I can feel there is actually a grain there. We have an organ or a member that is capable of this. I can smell a rose and you know what it is? You know, if somebody said, how do you know that portion of fatties is yellow? I can say because my eyeballs have seen it and it's delivered proof. It's delivered an argument to my brain. But in the same way, faith is an organ and it's real. God gives it to people and suddenly, just like some of these people that Jesus healed of blindness, suddenly, they have an ability that they didn't have before. They can see where they couldn't before. Their eyes have been opened." [25:00]
4. "It's just like I experienced when I first got saved. He wants us to see it. When you're gripped by this kind of reality, when you can see the unseen, and you can believe the promises and the reward of God, He says it frees you from a preoccupation with this world. Do you not read what it says? They had opportunity to go back, but they didn't, because they desired a better country. Because they, look, they had seen that country with these eyes, but they saw that country with the organ of faith that God had given to them. And it was stronger. And they knew it was real. And Moses, he's like, I will not identify with Egypt and with its riches the reproach of Christ. Because that reward is better. And that's what it does to people." [35:46]
5. "Faith is the firm assurance and conviction that the invisible God is who He says He is and will do what He has promised to do. That's my definition based on these four verses. Faith is the firm assurance and conviction you see both those words in verse 1 that the invisible God is who He says He is. The invisible is from verse 1. God says that God is who He says He is. God is. That comes from verse 6. And will do what He has promised to do. He'll give the reward He has promised to give. That comes from the hope of verse 1 and the rewarder of verse 6." [33:02]
6. "And you know, this has everything to do with what he said in chapter 10. He said, you do not want to be exposed to the truth and go on in your sin. He said, rather do what you used to do. You see, when they were so worked up that they said, we don't care if our stuff gets plundered. We're going to identify with the people of God because Christ is real. And because these are His little ones. And He's real. And as much as we do it to them, we do it to Him. And we love Him. We love the unseen Christ. And it's gripped us. And so we're going to the prison and we're going to visit them even if the soldiers come and pillage all of our stuff." [36:51]
7. "And I see His word. And I bank my soul, my life, my all on this reality. That He is going to reward me. He's going to do what He has promised. He's going to fulfill these things. If we took these and we combined them all together and we come up with a definition, it might be like this. Obviously there could be other ways, but faith is the firm assurance and conviction that the invisible God is who He says He is and will do what He has promised to do." [33:02]
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