Faith: Trusting God's Promises Beyond Our Sight
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound concept of faith and its transformative power in our lives. We began by acknowledging the greatness of God and His worthiness of our praise. We then welcomed new members to our church family, emphasizing the importance of community and involvement in God's work. The core of our discussion centered on understanding faith as described in Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Hall of Faith."
Faith, we learned, is believing in what we cannot see and trusting in God's promises even when they are not immediately visible. This belief is not just a passive hope but an active trust that shapes our actions and decisions. We explored how faith requires obedience even when we don't fully understand God's plans, as exemplified by Abraham's journey. Faith also involves giving, even when it seems we don't have enough, trusting that God will provide.
Persistence in faith is crucial, especially when we don't feel like it. Our feelings are fleeting, but our commitment to God must remain steadfast. We discussed the importance of thanking God in advance for His promises, demonstrating our trust in His provision. Finally, we acknowledged that faith sometimes means trusting God even when we don't receive what we ask for, understanding that His plans are greater than ours.
In conclusion, faith is a comprehensive commitment to God, involving belief, obedience, giving, persistence, gratitude, and trust. It is through this faith that we can experience true freedom and fulfill God's purpose for our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith is Believing Without Seeing: Faith involves visualizing the future in the present tense, being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This belief is not a mere wish but a confident assurance in God's promises. We must learn to trust God's vision for our lives, even when it is not immediately visible. [49:56]
2. Faith Requires Obedience Without Full Understanding: Like Abraham, who left everything he knew to follow God's call, we must be willing to obey God even when we don't understand His plans. This obedience is a testament to our trust in God's wisdom and His greater plan for our lives. [52:45]
3. Faith Involves Giving When We Don't Have It: True faith often requires us to give sacrificially, trusting that God will provide for our needs. This act of giving is a demonstration of our reliance on God and our commitment to His work. [15:57]
4. Persistence in Faith Despite Feelings: Our culture often tells us to act based on our feelings, but true faith requires persistence even when we don't feel like it. Mature faith is built on commitments, not fleeting emotions, and it is through this persistence that we grow stronger in our walk with God. [18:12]
5. Thanking God Before Receiving: Faith is not just hoping that God will act but thanking Him in advance for His promises. This proactive gratitude demonstrates our trust in God's provision and His ability to fulfill His promises in our lives. [28:41]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:00] - Praise and Worship
[27:39] - Introduction of New Members
[46:15] - Special Announcements
[48:46] - Introduction to Faith
[49:56] - Believing Without Seeing
[52:45] - Obeying Without Understanding
[54:58] - Giving When You Don't Have It
[01:00:13] - Persistence in Faith
[01:06:36] - Thanking God Before Receiving
[01:28:41] - Trusting Even Without Receiving
[01:39:47] - Conclusion and Prayer
[01:43:18] - Closing Remarks and Invitation for Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
2. Hebrews 11:8 - "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going."
3. Hebrews 11:30 - "By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 11:1, how is faith defined in the Bible?
2. What did Abraham do by faith according to Hebrews 11:8, and what was significant about his obedience? [52:45]
3. How did the Israelites demonstrate their faith at Jericho as described in Hebrews 11:30? [28:41]
4. In the sermon, what are some examples given of how faith requires action and not just belief? [53:42]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1 challenge the way we typically understand belief and trust in our daily lives?
2. What can we learn from Abraham's willingness to obey God without knowing the full plan? How does this apply to our own faith journeys? [52:45]
3. The Israelites thanked God in advance for the victory at Jericho. How does this concept of thanking God before receiving impact our understanding of faith and prayer? [28:41]
4. The sermon mentioned that faith sometimes means trusting God even when we don't receive what we ask for. How can this perspective help us deal with unanswered prayers or unmet expectations? [01:33:31]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in something you couldn't see. How did that experience shape your understanding of faith? [49:56]
2. Abraham obeyed God without knowing the full plan. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith without having all the answers? What steps can you take to obey? [52:45]
3. The Israelites marched around Jericho and thanked God in advance for the victory. Is there a situation in your life where you need to start thanking God in advance? How can you incorporate this practice into your daily routine? [28:41]
4. The sermon emphasized persistence in faith despite feelings. Identify a commitment you have made to God that you find challenging to keep. What practical steps can you take to remain persistent? [01:18:12]
5. Giving when you don't have enough was highlighted as an act of faith. Have you ever experienced a time when you gave sacrificially? How did God provide for you in that situation? [15:57]
6. The pastor mentioned that faith is trusting God even when we don't get what we ask for. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's plans, especially when they differ from your own desires? [01:33:31]
7. Think about a specific area in your life where you are facing a "full-time problem" with "part-time faith." What changes can you make to develop a full-time faith in that area? [01:37:43]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in the Unseen
Faith is believing in what we cannot see and trusting in God's promises even when they are not immediately visible. This belief is not just a passive hope but an active trust that shapes our actions and decisions. Faith involves visualizing the future in the present tense, being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. We must learn to trust God's vision for our lives, even when it is not immediately visible. This kind of faith requires us to step out in confidence, knowing that God is faithful to fulfill His promises.
Hebrews 11:1-2 (ESV) says, "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." This passage reminds us that faith has always been the foundation of a relationship with God, and it is through faith that we can experience His presence and guidance in our lives.
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you are struggling to see God's plan. How can you actively trust Him today, even without seeing the outcome? [49:56]
Day 2: Obedience Without Full Understanding
Faith requires obedience even when we don't fully understand God's plans. Like Abraham, who left everything he knew to follow God's call, we must be willing to obey God even when we don't understand His plans. This obedience is a testament to our trust in God's wisdom and His greater plan for our lives. It involves stepping out in faith, even when the path ahead is unclear, and trusting that God will lead us in the right direction.
In Genesis 12:1-2 (ESV), God calls Abraham to leave his country and go to a land that He will show him. "Now the Lord said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.'" Abraham's obedience, despite not knowing the full plan, is a powerful example of faith in action.
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to step out in faith and obey, even though you don't fully understand His plan? What steps can you take today to follow His leading? [52:45]
Day 3: Sacrificial Giving
True faith often requires us to give sacrificially, trusting that God will provide for our needs. This act of giving is a demonstration of our reliance on God and our commitment to His work. It involves trusting that God will take care of us, even when it seems like we don't have enough to give. By giving out of our scarcity, we show that our faith is not in our own resources but in God's abundant provision.
In 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV), Paul writes, "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." This passage encourages us to give generously, trusting that God will provide for all our needs.
Reflection: Is there something you feel God is asking you to give, whether it be time, resources, or talents? How can you trust Him to provide for your needs as you give sacrificially? [15:57]
Day 4: Persistence in Faith
Our culture often tells us to act based on our feelings, but true faith requires persistence even when we don't feel like it. Mature faith is built on commitments, not fleeting emotions, and it is through this persistence that we grow stronger in our walk with God. This kind of faith involves continuing to trust and obey God, even when it is difficult or when we don't see immediate results. It is a steadfast commitment to follow God, regardless of our circumstances.
James 1:2-4 (ESV) says, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." This passage reminds us that persistence in faith, especially during trials, leads to spiritual maturity and completeness.
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find it difficult to persist in faith? How can you commit to trusting God and remaining steadfast, even when you don't feel like it? [18:12]
Day 5: Thanking God in Advance
Faith is not just hoping that God will act but thanking Him in advance for His promises. This proactive gratitude demonstrates our trust in God's provision and His ability to fulfill His promises in our lives. By thanking God before we see the results, we show that we believe in His faithfulness and His power to bring about His plans. This kind of faith-filled gratitude can transform our perspective and strengthen our trust in God.
In Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV), Paul writes, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This passage encourages us to bring our requests to God with thanksgiving, trusting that He will provide and give us peace.
Reflection: What is one promise of God that you are waiting to see fulfilled in your life? How can you thank Him in advance for His provision and trust in His timing? [28:41]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Faith is believing when I don't see it. Believing when you don't see it. Believe in things that you don't even see. I saw a story about a pastor's son and the mom was talking to the pastor's son. And she said, I need you to wash your hands because there's all kinds of germs in that dirt. And the little boy refused to do it. He didn't want to do it. He refused to. He said, germs in Jesus. Germs in Jesus. That's all I ever hear in this house. Germs in Jesus. And I've never seen either one of them." [01:00:13] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Faith is thanking God in advance. It's believing that God has already done what he said he would do for you. In the present tense, believing that the answer is already on its way. It just hasn't physically manifested in you yet. But it will. That's what faith is. Believe you have already received it. If you wait until you received it, the answer to God, that's not faith. If you wait to thank God until you receive it, I'm not going to say nothing until I receive it. That's not faith. That's just gratitude." [01:31:09] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Faith is trusting God even when you don't get the answer you want. Trusting God even when you don't see it. Trusting God even when you don't understand it. Trusting God even when you don't feel like it. Trusting God anyway. Amen." [01:37:04] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith is a decision. Faith is a determination. Faith is a willingness to produce habits in our life. Faith is a willingness to keep going on even when I don't feel like it, see it or understand it. Faith is believing even though I don't see it. Faith is knowing that the reality of God's promises are yes and amen in my life and I can cash that check knowing that he's able to fulfill everything that he said he would do in and through us." [01:39:13] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Faith is believing without seeing. Do you understand that? So second, faith is obeying when I don't understand it. Obeying God even when I don't understand. Hebrews 11 says... That sounds like a pretty easy thing. Now, maybe many of you might know the story. Abraham is living in a place called Ur. You are Ur. I thought that was always a weird name for a place. Where do you live? Ur. Do you not know? No, no, it's Ur. Ur what? Ur. Jacksonville? Ur. Fort Worth? Abraham lived in a place called Ur. That's it. Just Ur, New Bern. No, Ur." [01:10:40] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Faith that produces freedom requires obedience without full understanding. You see, you want God to tell you the very end of the story right from the beginning and all that. And I'm telling you, it's the journey that solidifies your faith. It's the journey that you go, the twists and turns in life that God is faithful with you in and helps you overcome struggles and trials and problems and issues. It's those things that build up your faith and build up your faith in him." [01:14:01] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Faith is giving when you don't have it. See, faith sometimes requires us to give when we don't have it to give. Giving and faith go together. It's a heart issue. God doesn't need your money, man, I promise you that. But he needs your heart. He needs your heart of faithfulness and trust and love for him. See, God uses finances a lot of times to test us. See, we have one or two things. Two conditions when we're called to give. There's one or two things that you are when you're a giver. You're one or the other every time that you give. You either give by faith or you give by fear." [01:15:10] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Faith is refusing to give up no matter how tired you get. So how do I build that kind of persistence in my life, Pastor Jake? It's great. All that stuff is good. How do I build that? Consider Hebrews 11, 27, it says... He saw him who was invisible and feared God more. Amen. What made him persistent. It's that last part. It's that last part of that phrase. He saw him who was invisible. You might want to write this down. We can only accomplish the impossible in our life when we see the invisible." [01:26:06] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith is thanking God before you receive it. A good example of that is Joshua in Hebrews 11 and 30 when it talks about how by faith the walls of Jericho fell and the people marched around them for seven days. You see, during the time when Israel was marching around and they were nomads, they were moving around, they were coming into the Promised Land. They came up to the most fortified city in the world and the city that was known at that time, Jericho. Jericho had these enormous walls. People lived inside the walls of Jericho, did you know that? They were so big. They lived in the walls." [01:28:01] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Faith is trusting even if you don't get it. You see, here's the reality. Because we're starting a series in prayer in two weeks. Two weeks. So I'm going to give you two points about prayer that are going to help you understand what I'm telling you right now. Two facts. Understand this. We're going to talk about it more in the prayer series in two weeks. You need to be part of that. How to pray to God correctly. See, the first thing I want you to know is God answers prayer. God will always answer the prayer. But the second thing is that he doesn't always answer prayer the way you want him to answer it." [01:33:03] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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