Faith vs. Unbelief: The Path to Spiritual Freedom
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound contrast between unbelief and faith, as illustrated by two biblical texts: Deuteronomy 32:20 and Psalm 40:4. Unbelief is depicted as a grave sin, a form of spiritual fraudulence that distances us from God. It is not merely a passive state but an active rebellion against the truth of God's promises. Unbelief disguises itself in various forms, such as false humility or fear, but at its core, it questions God's truthfulness and power. It is a refusal to accept God's way of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, often demanding unreasonable proofs or signs from God. This form of spiritual obstinacy not only dishonors God but also keeps the soul in bondage, preventing it from experiencing the fullness of life that faith offers.
On the other hand, faith is highly esteemed by God. It is the mark of His elect and the main requirement of the gospel. Faith is not just a mental assent but a deep trust in God's promises, a reliance on His character, and a commitment to His way of salvation. It is the key that unlocks the treasures of God's grace and the means by which we live the spiritual life. Faith brings peace, joy, and a sense of security, even in the midst of trials. It elevates our character and aligns us with God's purposes, enabling us to experience His blessings both in this life and the life to come.
Faith is not a small matter; it is the foundation of our relationship with God. It is the means by which we receive His promises and the assurance of our salvation. As we trust in God, we find rest and peace, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His word. In contrast, unbelief leads to spiritual ruin and separation from God. Therefore, we are called to examine our hearts, to cast off unbelief, and to embrace the blessedness of trusting in the Lord.
Key Takeaways:
- Unbelief as Spiritual Fraudulence: Unbelief is not merely a lack of faith but an active rebellion against God's truth. It disguises itself as humility or fear but ultimately questions God's promises and power. This spiritual obstinacy keeps the soul in bondage and prevents it from experiencing the fullness of life that faith offers. [04:50]
- Faith as the Mark of God's Elect: Faith is the distinguishing mark of God's chosen people. It is the main requirement of the gospel and the means by which we receive God's promises. Faith is not just mental assent but a deep trust in God's character and a commitment to His way of salvation. [27:04]
- The Power of Faith in Trials: Faith brings peace and joy, even in the midst of trials. It enables us to see God's hand at work in our lives and to trust in His goodness and faithfulness. Through faith, we can endure hardships with patience and hope, knowing that God is working all things for our good. [39:10]
- Faith as the Foundation of Our Relationship with God: Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. It is the means by which we receive His promises and the assurance of our salvation. As we trust in God, we find rest and peace, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His word. [43:32]
- The Consequences of Unbelief: Unbelief leads to spiritual ruin and separation from God. It dishonors God and keeps the soul in bondage. Therefore, we are called to examine our hearts, to cast off unbelief, and to embrace the blessedness of trusting in the Lord. [50:30]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Unbelief and Faith
- [00:40] - The Nature of Unbelief
- [01:13] - God's Approval of Faith
- [02:07] - The Deceptive Nature of Unbelief
- [03:39] - The Consequences of Unbelief
- [05:37] - The Certainty of Faith's Blessing
- [06:24] - Illustrations of Unbelief
- [09:41] - The Call to Faith
- [11:10] - Unbelief Disguised as Humility
- [14:21] - Unbelief's Insult to God
- [17:01] - God's Way of Salvation
- [20:14] - Unbelief's Hard Thoughts of God
- [23:57] - Unbelief's Disparagement of Christ
- [27:04] - Faith's Divine Approval
- [39:10] - Faith's Blessing in Trials
- [43:32] - The Peace of Trusting God
- [50:30] - The Consequences of Unbelief
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Deuteronomy 32:20
- Psalm 40:4
- John 3:18
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#### Observation Questions
1. How does Deuteronomy 32:20 describe the generation without faith, and what implications does this have for their relationship with God? [00:40]
2. In Psalm 40:4, what is the blessing associated with trusting in the Lord, and how does this contrast with the consequences of unbelief? [01:13]
3. According to John 3:18, what is the consequence of not believing in the name of the only begotten Son of God? [05:37]
4. What are some of the disguises of unbelief mentioned in the sermon, and how do they prevent individuals from experiencing salvation? [02:34]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of unbelief as a form of spiritual fraudulence, and how does this affect one's spiritual life? [04:50]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of faith as the mark of God's elect, and why is it considered the main requirement of the gospel? [27:04]
3. In what ways does faith provide peace and joy during trials, according to the sermon, and how does this perspective align with the biblical passages? [39:10]
4. How does the sermon explain the relationship between faith and the assurance of salvation, and what role does trust in God play in this assurance? [43:32]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with unbelief. What form did it take, and how did it impact your relationship with God? [04:50]
2. How can you actively cultivate a deeper trust in God's promises in your daily life, especially during challenging times? [39:10]
3. Identify an area in your life where you have been demanding unreasonable proofs or signs from God. How can you shift towards trusting His character and promises instead? [18:21]
4. Consider the disguises of unbelief mentioned in the sermon, such as false humility or fear. Which of these disguises have you encountered in your own spiritual journey, and how can you address them? [02:34]
5. How can you make faith the foundation of your relationship with God, and what practical steps can you take to align your life with His purposes? [43:32]
6. Think of a recent trial you faced. How did your faith influence your response, and what did you learn about God's faithfulness through that experience? [39:10]
7. What specific actions can you take this week to examine your heart for unbelief and embrace the blessedness of trusting in the Lord? [50:30]
Devotional
Day 1: Unbelief as Spiritual Rebellion
Unbelief is not a passive state but an active rebellion against God's truth. It is a form of spiritual fraudulence that questions God's promises and power, often disguising itself as humility or fear. This obstinacy keeps the soul in bondage, preventing it from experiencing the fullness of life that faith offers. Unbelief demands unreasonable proofs or signs from God, dishonoring Him and leading to spiritual ruin and separation. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize unbelief as a serious sin that distances us from God and to actively cast it off. [04:50]
Deuteronomy 32:20 (ESV): "And he said, ‘I will hide my face from them; I will see what their end will be, for they are a perverse generation, children in whom is no faithfulness.’"
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you demanding signs from God instead of trusting His promises? How can you begin to trust Him more today?
Day 2: Faith as the Mark of God's Chosen
Faith is the distinguishing mark of God's elect and the main requirement of the gospel. It is not merely mental assent but a deep trust in God's character and a commitment to His way of salvation. Faith is the means by which we receive God's promises and the assurance of our salvation. It aligns us with God's purposes and enables us to experience His blessings both in this life and the life to come. Embracing faith is essential for a fulfilling spiritual life. [27:04]
1 Peter 1:8-9 (ESV): "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
Reflection: How does your faith distinguish you as one of God's chosen? What steps can you take to deepen your trust in God's character today?
Day 3: The Power of Faith in Trials
Faith brings peace and joy, even in the midst of trials. It enables us to see God's hand at work in our lives and to trust in His goodness and faithfulness. Through faith, we can endure hardships with patience and hope, knowing that God is working all things for our good. This perspective transforms our trials into opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God. [39:10]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What current trial are you facing that you can view as an opportunity for growth? How can you actively trust God to work it for your good?
Day 4: Faith as the Foundation of Our Relationship with God
Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. It is the means by which we receive His promises and the assurance of our salvation. As we trust in God, we find rest and peace, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His word. This foundational faith is not a small matter; it is essential for experiencing the fullness of life that God offers. [43:32]
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 ways can you strengthen the foundation of your faith today? How does trusting in God's faithfulness bring you peace?
Day 5: The Consequences of Unbelief
Unbelief leads to spiritual ruin and separation from God. It dishonors God and keeps the soul in bondage. Therefore, we are called to examine our hearts, to cast off unbelief, and to embrace the blessedness of trusting in the Lord. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's purposes and open ourselves to the fullness of life that faith offers. [50:30]
Hebrews 3:12-13 (ESV): "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."
Reflection: What steps can you take to identify and cast off unbelief in your life? How can you encourage others in your community to do the same?
Quotes
"Unbelief is a very fraud thing. We repeat the statement to go on to prove it because in the first place it gives God the lie. Can anything be worse than this? God saith believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shall be saved, and the unbeliever replies, I cannot believe that Jesus will save me." [00:14:24]
"Unbelief is great floweredness because it refuses God's way of salvation. No man can read the scriptures without seeing that God's way of salvation is not by works, nor by feelings, but by trusting in the Son of God, who is offered a full atonement for sin." [00:16:33]
"Faith has the divine approval. Blessed says God is that man that maketh the Lord his trust. We are sure that it is so. Wherever there is faith God is pleased with it, for faith is the sure mark of God's elect. We can only know them by their believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and to eternal life." [00:27:07]
"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. If thou believest God is thou believers thy friend thou art saved for faith has brought thee into the state of salvation, but this is what men will not come to." [00:32:59]
"Faith in addition to bringing peace creates a holy elevation of character, and that is blessedness. The man who lives by sight and walks according to the judgment of the flesh is cabined and confined within a range too narrow for blessedness." [00:45:42]
"Faith distills a potent medicine from poisonous plants and extracts light out of darkness. Is not this enough to make a man blessed? Faith again releases the afflicted out of trouble. Turn to the psalm again and read, I waited patiently for the Lord and he inclined unto me and heard my cry." [00:40:00]
"Faith will make you to sing with the author of this psalm I waited patiently for the Lord. Faith says I am in deep trial, but all things work together for my good. It is therefore a great gain to me to be as I am." [00:39:36]
"Faith is blessedness. Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust. To believe in God is to be blessed by God. Oh but saith one I believe in God and I am in great trouble. Just so, and within that trouble there dwells a measureless blessing." [00:43:32]
"Faith has so linked him with the one living God that he feels immortality pulsing through his entire nature. When he comes to lie on the bed of sickness and gradually decays, he has no fear of his departure. On the contrary, he looks forward with expectation." [00:49:05]
"Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. It is the means by which we receive His promises and the assurance of our salvation. As we trust in God, we find rest and peace, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His word." [00:43:32]
"Faith is the key that unlocks the treasures of God's grace and the means by which we live the spiritual life. Faith brings peace, joy, and a sense of security, even in the midst of trials. It elevates our character and aligns us with God's purposes." [00:27:07]
"Faith is not a small matter; it is the foundation of our relationship with God. It is the means by which we receive His promises and the assurance of our salvation. As we trust in God, we find rest and peace, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His word." [00:43:32]
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