Keeping Faith Alive: Action, Assurance, and Focus
Summary
### Summary
Today's message focuses on the importance of keeping our faith alive. Faith is a crucial element in our Christian walk, as it is the foundation that supports our hopes and the assurance of things not seen. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, and it is through faith that we experience God's promises and breakthroughs in our lives. The scripture from Hebrews 10:23 encourages us to hold fast to the profession of our faith without wavering, for God is faithful to His promises.
Faith is not just a belief that God can do something; it is also an action that demonstrates our belief. When we act on God's commands, He is committed to perform. Faith is an act, not just a noun. It requires us to take steps and actions that align with our belief in God's promises. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that without faith, it is impossible to please God, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.
Faith originates from God and is allotted to us. It comes by hearing the Word of God, and our intimacy with the Word determines the results in our lives. To keep our faith alive, we must engage with the Word of God, meditate on it, and act on it. Faith also grows through our experiences and the testimonies of others. When we face challenges, our faith must be strong enough to withstand the storms, just as Jesus calmed the storm in Matthew 8:23-27.
Another key aspect of keeping our faith alive is to continuously look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Our focus on Him helps us grow in faith and navigate through life's challenges. Faith engages the Word of God for performance, and without it, the Word will not produce results. Therefore, we must mix the Word with faith to see its manifestations in our lives.
In conclusion, keeping our faith alive requires deliberate and conscious efforts. We must look to Jesus, find inspiration in biblical figures, be inspired by other believers' testimonies, hear and meditate on the Word, be regular in church and Christian gatherings, be prayerful, exercise the faith we already have, and show compassion and do good.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith as the Foundation of Our Hopes: Faith is the assurance and confidence in things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. It is the foundation that supports our hopes and the conviction of things not seen. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, and it is through faith that we experience His promises and breakthroughs in our lives. [31:04]
2. Faith Requires Action: Faith is not just believing that God can do something; it is also an action that demonstrates our belief. When we act on God's commands, He is committed to perform. Faith is an act, not just a noun. It requires us to take steps and actions that align with our belief in God's promises. [38:11]
3. Faith Comes from God and Grows Through His Word: Faith originates from God and is allotted to us. It comes by hearing the Word of God, and our intimacy with the Word determines the results in our lives. To keep our faith alive, we must engage with the Word of God, meditate on it, and act on it. [43:02]
4. Looking to Jesus to Grow Our Faith: Continuously looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, helps us grow in faith and navigate through life's challenges. Our focus on Him enables us to withstand the storms and challenges we face. [53:04]
5. Faith Engages the Word of God for Performance: Faith engages the Word of God for performance, and without it, the Word will not produce results. We must mix the Word with faith to see its manifestations in our lives. This requires deliberate and conscious efforts to keep our faith alive. [01:02:10]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[29:57] - Importance of Keeping Faith Alive
[31:04] - Faith as the Foundation of Our Hopes
[31:58] - Holding Fast to Our Faith
[33:18] - The Devil's Attack on Faith
[34:31] - Faith as Assurance and Conviction
[35:10] - Faith as the Sixth Sense
[36:33] - Faith as a Response to God's Word
[37:18] - Faith Requires Action
[39:07] - Faith Demonstrated by Actions
[40:32] - Faith Brings Rewards
[41:31] - Origin of Faith
[43:02] - Faith Comes from Hearing the Word
[45:54] - Keeping Faith Alive Through the Word
[47:28] - Overcoming Fear with Faith
[50:01] - Growing Faith Through Challenges
[53:04] - Looking to Jesus
[56:12] - Faith and the Word of God
[01:02:10] - Faith Engages the Word for Performance
[01:07:27] - Faith Without Works is Dead
[01:11:51] - Summary and Conclusion
[01:22:29] - Prayer and Reflection
[01:30:34] - Announcements and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 10:23 - "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised."
2. Hebrews 11:6 - "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
3. Matthew 8:23-27 - The story of Jesus calming the storm.
### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 10:23, what are we encouraged to do with our faith? ([31:58])
2. In Hebrews 11:6, what two things must we believe about God to please Him? ([39:48])
3. How did Jesus respond to the disciples' fear during the storm in Matthew 8:23-27? ([47:28])
4. What does the sermon say about the relationship between faith and fear? ([33:18])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to "hold fast" to our faith according to Hebrews 10:23? How does this apply to our daily lives? ([31:58])
2. What does it mean that "without faith it is impossible to please God" as stated in Hebrews 11:6? How does this shape our understanding of faith's role in our relationship with God? ([39:48])
3. Reflecting on Matthew 8:23-27, what can we learn about the nature of faith in the midst of life's storms? How does Jesus' reaction to the disciples' fear inform our own responses to fear? ([47:28])
4. The sermon mentions that faith is both a belief and an action. How do these two aspects of faith work together to produce results in our lives? ([38:11])
### Application Questions
1. Hebrews 10:23 encourages us to hold fast to our faith without wavering. What are some practical steps you can take to strengthen your grip on your faith during challenging times? ([31:58])
2. Hebrews 11:6 states that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. What are some ways you can diligently seek God in your daily routine? ([39:48])
3. In Matthew 8:23-27, the disciples were fearful during the storm. Can you identify a current "storm" in your life where you need to trust Jesus more? How can you actively seek His peace in that situation? ([47:28])
4. The sermon emphasizes that faith requires action. Think of a promise from God that you believe in. What specific action can you take this week to demonstrate your faith in that promise? ([38:11])
5. The sermon suggests looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, to keep our faith alive. What are some distractions in your life that prevent you from focusing on Jesus? How can you minimize these distractions this week? ([53:04])
6. The sermon mentions the importance of hearing and meditating on the Word of God to keep our faith alive. What is one new habit you can start this week to engage more deeply with the Bible? ([43:02])
7. Reflect on a testimony from another believer that has inspired you. How can you use this testimony to encourage your own faith journey and the faith of others around you? ([01:14:31])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith as the Foundation of Our Hopes
Faith is the assurance and confidence in things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. It is the foundation that supports our hopes and the conviction of things not seen. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, and it is through faith that we experience His promises and breakthroughs in our lives. Faith is not just a passive belief but an active trust in God's promises, even when we cannot see the outcome. This kind of faith is essential for our spiritual journey, as it anchors us in God's truth and keeps us steadfast in the face of life's uncertainties. [31:04]
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 of a specific promise from God that you are holding onto. How can you actively trust in this promise today, even if you cannot see the outcome yet?
Day 2: Faith Requires Action
Faith is not just believing that God can do something; it is also an action that demonstrates our belief. When we act on God's commands, He is committed to perform. Faith is an act, not just a noun. It requires us to take steps and actions that align with our belief in God's promises. This means that our faith must be visible through our actions, as true faith always results in obedience to God's Word. By taking steps of faith, we show our trust in God's ability to fulfill His promises and bring about His will in our lives. [38:11]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you need to take a step of faith. What specific action can you take today to demonstrate your trust in God's promises?
Day 3: Faith Comes from God and Grows Through His Word
Faith originates from God and is allotted to us. It comes by hearing the Word of God, and our intimacy with the Word determines the results in our lives. To keep our faith alive, we must engage with the Word of God, meditate on it, and act on it. The more we immerse ourselves in Scripture, the more our faith will grow and be strengthened. This process of engaging with God's Word is crucial for developing a robust and enduring faith that can withstand life's challenges. [43:02]
Romans 10:17 (ESV): "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."
Reflection: How can you increase your engagement with God's Word this week? What specific steps will you take to meditate on and act upon the Scriptures you read?
Day 4: Looking to Jesus to Grow Our Faith
Continuously looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, helps us grow in faith and navigate through life's challenges. Our focus on Him enables us to withstand the storms and challenges we face. By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, we draw strength and inspiration from His example and His promises. This focus helps us to remain steadfast and resilient, even when circumstances are difficult. Jesus is our ultimate source of faith, and by looking to Him, we can grow in our trust and reliance on God. [53:04]
Hebrews 12:2 (ESV): "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally focus on Jesus today? How can this focus help you navigate a current challenge you are facing?
Day 5: Faith Engages the Word of God for Performance
Faith engages the Word of God for performance, and without it, the Word will not produce results. We must mix the Word with faith to see its manifestations in our lives. This requires deliberate and conscious efforts to keep our faith alive. By actively believing and applying God's Word, we can experience its transformative power in our lives. This engagement with the Word through faith is essential for seeing God's promises come to fruition and for living a life that reflects His glory. [01:02:10]
Hebrews 4:2 (ESV): "For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened."
Reflection: Think of a specific promise or command from God's Word that you need to see manifested in your life. How can you actively mix this Word with faith today to see its performance?
Quotes
1. "Faith is the substantiation of things hoped for. Hence it is the assurance. The confidence. The confirmation. The reality. The essence. The supporting ground of things hoped for. Go and read Hebrews chapter 11 verse 1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for. Right? So the amplifies it. Now faith is the assurance. The title deed. Confirmation. Of the things. Of the things hoped for. Divinely granted. And the evidence of things not seen. The conviction of their reality. That is faith." [34:31] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Faith is the foundation that supports the things that we hope for. Faith is also the conviction of things not seen. It convinces us of what we do not see. Amen. Hence it is the evidence. The proof of things not seen. So that is what faith basically is all about. It is that thing that keeps you going. It is that thing that enables you to continue to hold on to the promise of God until it has come to pass. Amen." [35:48] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Faith, simply put, is your response to God's word. Hallelujah. Your response to God's word. Hebrews 11. Now faith is. Faith is a present thing. It must be present with you all the time. You must not leave faith in the past. Faith must be present in any day at any time. Amen. The way you respond to the present tense is what will determine your future. Amen. The way you respond to your present tense when it comes to faith is what will determine the future that you are expecting." [37:18] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith is not just believing that God can do something. It's part of it. It is believing that God can do something. But it's not just that. Amen. It is being moved to do something to prove that we believe. Amen. It is, it's also, it's something that moves you to do something to prove that you believe what God has said. So that is also faith. So faith is believing that God is able to do. And faith is also that thing that makes you do something knowing that God is going to do." [38:11] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Faith is an act. It is not something that you just, it's not just an enum. It's an action. Amen. Faith is what? An act. You can't just say I have faith and you are just sitting there and think that magically or somehow some way things are going to happen. It doesn't work like that. When you have faith, your faith is demonstrated by the steps you take. The actions you take. That's how your faith is demonstrated. Because that's how you will see the hand of God and be able to have a testimony." [39:07] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Faith is the only way to move God in our direction. Faith is the only way to move God in our direction. And the only way to stop the devil from molesting us. Amen. So faith is the only way to move God in our direction. And it is also the only way to stop the devil. Amen. So if the devil is advancing in any area of your life, check your faith. Of course, promise in that area of your life." [40:32] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Faith comes from God. Praise the Lord. 2 Peter 1 verse 1 says, To those who have been allotted faith. Amen. So faith is what? Allotted. When something is allotted, it is giving. Praise the Lord. So that's the starting point. God gives you the seed of faith and you must grow in the faith. Amen. God gives you the seed of faith and you must grow in the faith. Or you must increase in the faith. That is the point." [42:08] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Faith counts what by hearing and what hearing the word of god so any christian that is not hearing the word of god will not increase in faith praise the lord the raw material for faith is the word of god the word was now amen the word was what now so the word of god is now and faith is now we take the word of god now and we believe that the word of god is going to begin to work for us so for you for you to be productive in your faith you need to be a friend to the word of god you need to be acquainted with the word of god you need to be intimate with the word of god your intimacy with the word of god will determine the kind of results that will happen in your life" [44:26] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Faith engages the word of God for performance. So it is good to hear the word it is good to study the word it is good to meditate on the word but the word by itself does not perform unless it is mixed with faith the word of God by itself will not profit you God they heard the gospel for they heard the gospel Hebrews 4 verse 2 for indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them but the word which they heard did not profit them so the profitability of the word to you and to me is our ability to mix it with faith the word by itself will not perform Amen so faith engages the word for performance so without the word of God faith will not produce results and without faith the word of God will just be dead also there must be a fusion of these two the word of God must connect faith must connect with the word of God Amen" [01:03:11] (83 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Faith engages the word of God in order to enforce the delivery of our destiny and desires Amen faith engages the word of God in order to enforce the delivery of our destinies and desires Mary had to do the same thing when we look at chapter 1 verse 18 Behold the handmaid of the Lord being it unto you according to thy word and the angel departed from her Amen Mary did not understand what was going happen accept it just have to believe it Amen you just have to accept it just have to believe it so you must bring yourself to the level where you have faith when you say that even if it didn't make sense I will still do it because the word of God says so that's how you keep your faith alive otherwise other people confuse you people will confuse you" [01:06:19] (72 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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