Faithful Living: Trusting God's Promises and Voice
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound theme of "Living by Faith," drawing from Hebrews 11 and the life of Abraham. Abraham, often called the father of faith, did not start his journey with a deep knowledge of God. He was raised in a culture that worshipped many small gods, but God intervened and called him to a life of faith. This calling was not based on Abraham's initial understanding or righteousness but on God's grace and purpose.
We delved into the power of God's voice, which is unlike any other. Just as Abraham followed God's voice, we too are called to listen and obey. God's word is powerful, creative, and sustaining. It is through His word that the universe was formed, and it is through His word that we are guided and kept. The challenge for us is to not only hear God's word but to act on it, even when we don't have all the details laid out before us.
Abraham's journey was marked by faith, even when his circumstances did not align with God's promises. He lived in tents, felt like a stranger, and faced numerous challenges, yet he kept his faith because he looked forward to a city with foundations designed and built by God. This forward-looking faith is crucial for us as well. Our faith should not be dictated by our current situations but by the character and promises of God.
We also discussed the concept of God being the God of "above and beyond." Abraham learned through his experiences that God is not limited by human understanding or circumstances. Whether it was rescuing Sarah from Pharaoh or defeating a vast military with a small group of men, God consistently showed His faithfulness and power. This same God promises to do more than we can ask or imagine.
Finally, we reflected on the importance of looking back at God's faithfulness in our lives to fuel our faith for the future. Personal testimonies of God's provision, protection, and guidance serve as powerful reminders that He is always faithful. We concluded with a call to place our faith in Jesus, who embodies all of God's promises and offers us a new life.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of God's Voice: God's voice is unlike any other. It is creative, sustaining, and powerful. Just as Abraham followed God's voice, we are called to listen and obey, trusting that His word can guide and keep us through all circumstances. [09:54]
2. Faith Beyond Circumstances: Abraham's faith was not dictated by his present situation but by the character of God and His promises. Even when life does not look like what we believe it should, we are called to keep our faith and look forward to God's ultimate plan. [17:29]
3. God of Above and Beyond: Abraham learned that God is not limited by human understanding or circumstances. Whether it's providing descendants or defeating armies, God consistently shows His faithfulness and power. We should not limit God but trust in His ability to do more than we can ask or imagine. [24:52]
4. Looking Back to Move Forward: Reflecting on God's past faithfulness can fuel our faith for the future. Personal testimonies of God's provision, protection, and guidance remind us that He is always faithful, even in the toughest times. [28:37]
5. Placing Faith in Jesus: The ultimate expression of faith is placing our trust in Jesus, who embodies all of God's promises. This faith leads to a new life, turning away from the old and embracing God's grace, mercy, and purpose for us. [36:59]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:05] - Introduction and Scripture Reading
[01:45] - The Nature of Faith
[02:45] - Examples of Faith in Hebrews 11
[03:36] - Prayer for Guidance
[04:23] - Abraham's Journey of Faith
[05:06] - Abraham's Background
[05:53] - God's Intervention in Abraham's Life
[06:32] - Living by Faith
[07:11] - By Faith We Follow
[08:54] - The Power of God's Voice
[09:54] - God's Creative Word
[11:15] - The Silent Treatment
[12:34] - Listening and Obeying God's Word
[14:15] - Faith and Obedience
[15:04] - Faith Without a Map
[16:22] - Faith in Uncertain Times
[17:29] - Looking Forward in Faith
[18:49] - The New Jerusalem
[20:27] - Faith to the End
[21:24] - By Faith We Enter the Above and Beyond
[24:52] - God's Unlimited Power
[28:37] - Looking Back to Move Forward
[32:24] - God's Faithfulness
[34:21] - Promises of God
[35:31] - Living by Faith Today
[36:59] - Placing Faith in Jesus
[37:46] - Closing Prayer and Celebration
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 11:1-13 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: 'He could not be found, because God had taken him away.' For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. 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. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. All these people were still living by faith when they died."
2. Joshua 24:2-3 - "Joshua said to all the people, 'This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Long ago your ancestors, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the Euphrates River and worshiped other gods. But I took your father Abraham from the land beyond the Euphrates and led him throughout Canaan and gave him many descendants. I gave him Isaac.'"
3. Genesis 1:1-3 - "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light."
### Observation Questions
1. What was Abraham's background before God called him, according to Joshua 24:2-3? [05:06]
2. How does Hebrews 11:1-13 describe the nature of faith and the examples of faith from the Old Testament? [01:45]
3. What does Genesis 1:1-3 reveal about the power of God's voice in creation? [09:54]
4. How did Abraham respond to God's call, even without knowing all the details of his journey? [15:04]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Abraham did not start his journey with a deep knowledge of God? How does this relate to the concept of God's grace and purpose? [05:06]
2. How does the power of God's voice, as described in Genesis 1 and Hebrews 11, impact our understanding of His guidance in our lives? [09:54]
3. In what ways did Abraham's faith go beyond his immediate circumstances, and how can this perspective help us in our own faith journeys? [17:29]
4. How does reflecting on God's past faithfulness, as mentioned in the sermon, fuel our faith for the future? [28:37]
### Application Questions
1. Abraham followed God's voice even when he didn't have all the details. Is there a situation in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith without knowing all the details? How can you take that step this week? [15:04]
2. Reflect on a time when you felt like a stranger in a foreign land, much like Abraham. How did you maintain your faith during that period, and what can you learn from that experience to apply to your current situation? [16:22]
3. The sermon mentioned that God is not limited by human understanding or circumstances. Are there areas in your life where you have been limiting God? How can you start trusting Him to do above and beyond what you can ask or imagine? [24:52]
4. Think about a personal testimony of God's provision, protection, or guidance in your life. How can you share this testimony with someone this week to encourage their faith? [28:37]
5. The ultimate expression of faith is placing our trust in Jesus. If you haven't already, what steps can you take to place your faith in Jesus today? If you have, how can you deepen that faith and trust in Him? [36:59]
6. How can you make a habit of looking back at God's faithfulness in your life to fuel your faith for the future? What practical steps can you take to regularly remind yourself of His past faithfulness? [28:37]
7. Abraham's faith was not dictated by his present situation but by the character and promises of God. How can you shift your focus from your current circumstances to God's promises in your daily life? [17:29]
Devotional
Day 1: The Creative Power of God's Voice
God's voice is unlike any other. It is creative, sustaining, and powerful. Just as Abraham followed God's voice, we are called to listen and obey, trusting that His word can guide and keep us through all circumstances. God's word is not just informative but transformative. It was by His word that the universe was formed, and it is by His word that we are sustained daily. When we listen to God's voice, we are not merely hearing words; we are encountering the very essence of life and creation. This calls for a deep reverence and a willingness to act on what we hear, even when the path is not fully clear. [09:54]
Hebrews 1:3 (ESV): "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high."
Reflection: Think of a recent moment when you felt God was speaking to you. How did you respond, and what steps can you take today to act on His word more faithfully?
Day 2: Faith Beyond Present Circumstances
Abraham's faith was not dictated by his present situation but by the character of God and His promises. Even when life does not look like what we believe it should, we are called to keep our faith and look forward to God's ultimate plan. Abraham lived in tents and faced numerous challenges, yet he kept his faith because he looked forward to a city with foundations designed and built by God. This forward-looking faith is crucial for us as well. Our faith should not be dictated by our current situations but by the character and promises of God. [17:29]
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: What current situation in your life is challenging your faith? How can you shift your focus from your circumstances to the promises of God today?
Day 3: Trusting the God of Above and Beyond
Abraham learned that God is not limited by human understanding or circumstances. Whether it's providing descendants or defeating armies, God consistently shows His faithfulness and power. We should not limit God but trust in His ability to do more than we can ask or imagine. This same God promises to do more than we can ask or imagine. Abraham's life is a testament to the fact that God's plans often exceed our wildest dreams and expectations. Trusting in God's unlimited power means letting go of our limited perspectives and embracing His grander vision for our lives. [24:52]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: In what areas of your life have you been limiting God? What steps can you take today to trust in His ability to do above and beyond what you can imagine?
Day 4: Reflecting on God's Faithfulness
Reflecting on God's past faithfulness can fuel our faith for the future. Personal testimonies of God's provision, protection, and guidance remind us that He is always faithful, even in the toughest times. Looking back at God's faithfulness in our lives helps us to trust Him more deeply in the present and future. These reflections serve as powerful reminders that God is always at work, even when we cannot see it. By remembering His past deeds, we can find the strength and courage to face current and future challenges with unwavering faith. [28:37]
Psalm 77:11-12 (ESV): "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds."
Reflection: Take a moment to write down three instances where you have experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can these memories encourage you in your current situation?
Day 5: Placing Faith in Jesus
The ultimate expression of faith is placing our trust in Jesus, who embodies all of God's promises. This faith leads to a new life, turning away from the old and embracing God's grace, mercy, and purpose for us. Jesus is the fulfillment of all God's promises, and placing our faith in Him means embracing a new identity and purpose. This transformative faith calls us to leave behind our old ways and fully commit to the life that Jesus offers, marked by grace, mercy, and divine purpose. [36:59]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What old habits or mindsets do you need to let go of to fully embrace your new life in Christ? What practical steps can you take today to deepen your faith in Jesus?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God can still use you irrespective of where you've been, what you've done and where you think you're going. God's butt can move in your life. So Abraham goes on this journey from the intervention of God. And he goes on this journey of living by faith." [06:32] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The voice is powerful. How did Abraham follow God? It says in verse 8, when God called Abraham, when he called Abraham to go to a place, I'm trying to think, what was the difference between God and all of these other small G gods and these idols? Here's the thing. None of these had the power to talk. But yet when, when Abraham heard the voice of the God, he says, I know there is power and there is might." [08:54] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If his word was able to create you, then guess what? His word can keep you. It can lead you. It can direct you. This word is powerful and it is a word, church, that you can follow by faith, with confidence for your kids and for your marriage and for your business and for the house that you're believing for or for the walls and the mountains that you face and you do not know how you're going to get through around all of them." [10:46] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The way that you can look forward and have faith for today is often by looking back at the faithfulness of God throughout your life. I want to remind you this morning church as we close that he's faithful. I don't know what is going on in your life I don't know what you have walked through these doors carrying the victories and the losses the pains and the successes don't know but what I do know is that he's faithful." [31:58] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The faith that was promised in the scripture is not that life will be all fantastic happy go lucky no problems ever every day is going to be a breeze but rather that the promises of God are good that he can do amazing things and he gives you the ability to endure and make it through the toughest days of your life by faith." [35:04] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "How do you have faith when your life does not look like what you believe God said it would look like? I'm living in tents. I feel like a stranger in a foreign land. What do I do when life is not going the way that God I thought you said it was meant to go? That this relationship is not working the way that I thought you said it was going to go, God. That I'm not getting the job opportunities the way that I thought you said that they would go, God." [16:22] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "True faith rests upon the character of God and asks no further proof than the moral perfections of the one who cannot lie. It wasn't that Abraham was this spiritual giant overnight once he followed God and encountered God it was a walk and a journey with God teaching Abraham and Abraham learning something about the character of God each and every single time along the way." [25:06] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The way that you can have faith to look forward and make it to the end is often by looking back. If I look back on my life and I guarantee if you look back on your life your heart will overfill with joy and gratitude towards the Lord of what he has brought you from and where he has brought you to." [28:37] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Despite what happens to me in life despite what happens to you in life let's be a people that live by faith confidence in him he is until the day that we die the faith that was promised in the scripture is not that life will be all fantastic happy go lucky no problems ever every day is going to be a breeze but rather that the promises of God are good that he can do amazing things and he gives you the ability to endure and make it through the toughest days of your life by faith." [34:48] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If these people in Hebrews chapter 11 were living by faith with just a small understanding of who God was imagine what we can live with 66 books of the Bible the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ his Holy Spirit in us and thousands of years of his church being alive and being active you can keep the faith this morning you can live by faith this morning." [35:31] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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