Living a Life of Faith and Trust in God

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth of God's unwavering faithfulness and the power of faith in our lives. We began by acknowledging the importance of faith as the foundation of our relationship with God. Faith is not just a belief but a substance and evidence of things hoped for, as described in Hebrews 11. It is through faith that we understand the world and our place in it, even when circumstances seem challenging or unclear.

We reflected on the stories of biblical figures like Abraham, who left everything behind to follow God's promise, and how their faith was rewarded. This serves as a reminder that faith often requires us to step out of our comfort zones, trusting in God's promises even when we cannot see the outcome. Faith is not about understanding every detail of God's plan but about trusting in His character and His word.

We also discussed the practical application of faith in our daily lives, particularly in the area of finances. Faith in finances is not about prosperity gospel but about trusting God with our resources and putting Him first. When we honor God with our substance, He promises to bless us abundantly. This principle is not just about money but about aligning our entire lives with God's will and trusting Him to provide for our needs.

Moreover, we emphasized the importance of speaking and acting in faith. Our words and actions should reflect our belief in God's promises. When we face challenges, we should speak with faith, declaring God's goodness and provision. Faith without works is dead, and our actions should demonstrate our trust in God.

Finally, we encouraged everyone to embrace the promises of God, to see them, be persuaded by them, and act upon them. Whether it's in our finances, health, or relationships, God is faithful to fulfill His promises. We are called to live a life of faith, trusting that God will supply every need and bless us beyond measure.

Key Takeaways:

- Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. It is the substance and evidence of things hoped for, and through faith, we understand the world and our place in it. Faith requires us to trust in God's character and His promises, even when we cannot see the outcome. [38:12]

- The stories of biblical figures like Abraham remind us that faith often requires stepping out of our comfort zones. We must be willing to leave behind what is familiar and safe to follow God's promises, trusting that He will reward our faithfulness. [44:22]

- Faith in finances is about trusting God with our resources and putting Him first. When we honor God with our substance, He promises to bless us abundantly. This principle extends beyond money to every area of our lives, aligning us with God's will. [01:12:45]

- Our words and actions should reflect our belief in God's promises. Faith without works is dead, and our actions should demonstrate our trust in God. When we face challenges, we should speak with faith, declaring God's goodness and provision. [52:18]

- Embracing God's promises involves seeing them, being persuaded by them, and acting upon them. Whether in finances, health, or relationships, God is faithful to fulfill His promises, and we are called to live a life of faith, trusting in His provision. [01:29:52]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[24:49] - The Joy of Giving
[33:15] - Praise and Worship
[34:21] - Prayer for the Sick
[36:26] - Reverence for God's Word
[37:29] - The Nature of Faith
[38:12] - Understanding Through Faith
[39:31] - Examples of Faith
[42:08] - Seeking God's Promises
[44:22] - Abraham's Journey of Faith
[47:10] - The Simplicity of Faith
[50:21] - Miracles and Evidence of Faith
[52:18] - Faith and Action
[55:22] - Expectancy in Faith
[01:12:45] - Faith in Finances

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 11:1-3, 6-12

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Hebrews 11, what is the definition of faith, and how does it help us understand the world? [37:29]

2. How did the faith of biblical figures like Abraham and Sarah manifest in their actions, according to the sermon? [44:22]

3. What examples from the sermon illustrate the concept that "faith without works is dead"? [52:18]

4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between faith and finances? [01:12:45]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean to have "now faith" as described in Hebrews 11, and how does this concept apply to the challenges we face today? [37:29]

2. How does the sermon suggest that faith can lead to practical outcomes in our lives, particularly in the context of financial challenges? [01:12:45]

3. In what ways does the sermon encourage believers to act upon God's promises, and how does this relate to the examples of faith in Hebrews 11? [47:10]

4. How does the sermon interpret the idea of "faith without works is dead" in the context of everyday life and decision-making? [52:18]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you had to step out of your comfort zone in faith. What was the outcome, and how did it affect your relationship with God? [44:22]

2. The sermon emphasizes trusting God with our resources. What is one specific area of your finances where you can practice more faith and trust in God's provision? [01:12:45]

3. Consider the words you speak during challenging times. How can you ensure that your words reflect faith in God's promises rather than doubt or fear? [56:25]

4. Identify a promise from God that you have been hesitant to embrace fully. What steps can you take this week to act upon that promise with faith? [47:10]

5. The sermon discusses the importance of aligning our actions with our faith. What is one practical way you can demonstrate your faith through your actions this week? [52:18]

6. How can you incorporate the principle of "honoring God with your substance" into your daily life, beyond just financial giving? [01:12:45]

7. Think of a situation where you need "now faith." How can you apply the lessons from Hebrews 11 to approach this situation with confidence and trust in God? [37:29]

Devotional

Day 1: Faith as the Foundation of Understanding
Faith is the cornerstone of a believer's relationship with God, serving as both the substance and evidence of things hoped for. It is through faith that individuals gain a deeper understanding of the world and their place within it, even when faced with challenging or unclear circumstances. This understanding is not about having all the answers but about trusting in God's character and His promises. Faith invites believers to see beyond the immediate and tangible, encouraging them to trust in the unseen and eternal. [38:12]

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life are you struggling to trust God fully? How can you begin to see this situation through the lens of faith today?


Day 2: Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
The stories of biblical figures like Abraham illustrate that faith often requires stepping out of comfort zones. Abraham left everything familiar to follow God's promise, demonstrating that faith involves trusting in God's promises even when the outcome is unseen. This journey of faith is not about understanding every detail of God's plan but about trusting in His character and His word. Believers are called to leave behind what is familiar and safe, trusting that God will reward their faithfulness. [44:22]

"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area in your life where God might be calling you to step out in faith? What steps can you take today to move out of your comfort zone?


Day 3: Trusting God with Resources
Faith in finances is about trusting God with one's resources and putting Him first. This principle is not about the prosperity gospel but about honoring God with one's substance, trusting that He will provide abundantly. It extends beyond money to every area of life, aligning believers with God's will. When individuals trust God with their resources, they open themselves to His blessings and provision, demonstrating a life aligned with His purposes. [01:12:45]

"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you honor God with your resources today? What practical steps can you take to put Him first in your financial decisions?


Day 4: Faith in Words and Actions
Faith is not just a belief but is demonstrated through words and actions. Believers are encouraged to speak with faith, declaring God's goodness and provision, especially when facing challenges. Faith without works is dead, and actions should reflect trust in God. This involves aligning one's speech and behavior with the promises of God, showing that faith is alive and active in every aspect of life. [52:18]

"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." (James 2:17, ESV)

Reflection: How do your words and actions reflect your faith in God's promises? What is one specific way you can demonstrate your faith through action today?


Day 5: Embracing God's Promises
Embracing God's promises involves seeing them, being persuaded by them, and acting upon them. Whether in finances, health, or relationships, God is faithful to fulfill His promises. Believers are called to live a life of faith, trusting that God will supply every need and bless them beyond measure. This involves a deep conviction in God's faithfulness and a willingness to act on His promises, trusting in His provision and timing. [01:29:52]

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23, ESV)

Reflection: What is one promise of God that you need to embrace more fully in your life? How can you act on this promise today, trusting in His faithfulness?

Quotes

"God is faithful. Somebody speak that out loud. God is faith. You know, if God wasn't faithful, how could you count on him for anything? It's one of his greatest qualities. God will be there when you need him. Amen. It's good to have Parker in the house. Is Debbie here? Hey, we got a new Parker in the house. Praise God. Hey, I'm sorry, a new hassle. Amen. Amen. Praise God. So excited for them. Remember, keep your hands off the babies. Amen. No, these newborns are you. They're developing their immune system. Be conscious of the mother. Amen. It's not nearly the baby. The baby's probably resilient, but first-time moms are not as resilient. So praise God. No, they'll make it. Amen. I remember our first baby boy. If the binky touched something, it was like clean it was soap and water. The fourth child was like lick the floor. It just makes him stronger. Amen. God's been faithful. Are you ready to give?" [00:20:59] (70 seconds)


"By faith, Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous. God, testifying of his gifts, and by it, he being dead, yet speaketh. By faith, Enoch was translated that he should not see death and was not found, because God had translated it. For before his translation, he had this testimony that he pleased God. But without faith, it is slightly possible. You can squeeze by and please Him. You can kind of please God. Without faith, what does the Scripture say? It is impossible. It is impossible. It is impossible to please Him. For he that cometh to God must believe that He is. And, not just that I believe in God, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." [00:40:22] (87 seconds)


"Abraham was 75 years old, Sarai was 65, and they did not have a child. And God spoke to them and said, you are going to be a father of nations. He told him that I'm going to bless every family and I'm going to make you a great people. And Abraham left everything of comfort and everything that was safe. To chase a word from God. How many of you have left things behind just simply on a word from God? Anybody here? I would assume everybody here. And if you don't realize it, when you came out of the world, you were coming out because of a word from God. You left sin because of a word from God. You pulled up stakes on your life of immorality, sin, and self-will, and you said I'm staking my claim in a kingdom that does not have an earthly presence but I'm putting my confidence and treasure into a kingdom that is without end. It was the kingdom of God." [00:44:22] (85 seconds)


"Faith without works is dead. If faith doesn't have evidence, it's no good. If faith doesn't have action, it's not faith. Or it may be faith, but it's not. It's dead. It's lifeless. Yea, a man may say, you have faith, and I have works. Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show you my faith by my works. James is saying, you can say you have faith, but if you don't have works, what good is it? But I can show you my works, and it's evidence of my faith. I want to tell you how you know the heart. The Bible says, out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. But I'm going to tell you also, the way you handle your money is evidence of your internal value system." [00:52:18] (55 seconds)


"God owns the cattle on a thousand hills for a reason because he's got enough meat in his storehouse in his storehouse. To put on your kitchen table, you ain't starving. God's going to supply your need. God is going to meet you right where your faith is at and he's going to do a miracle according to your measure of faith. Believe him. If you feel something stirring inside of you, you need to respond to that word and say, God, I'm going to put faith back in my finances. Finances are tied to faith. You don't believe it. Do you believe in your job? Do you believe in your ability to work? Of course you do. Do you believe in your boss's ability to pay you? I hope you do. Change jobs if you don't. If he's not paying you, go somewhere else. We work believing we're going to get a paycheck." [00:58:45] (62 seconds)


"God is going to supply my need. God is going to be there when nobody else is there. My faith is evidence of what I cannot see. Now, in James, chapter 2, amen. You know, I believe in God. I believe in God. In James, chapter 2, he says, verse 17, even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Faith without works is dead. If faith doesn't have evidence, it's no good. If faith doesn't have action, it's not faith. Or it may be faith, but it's not. It's dead. It's lifeless. Yea, a man may say, you have faith, and I have works. Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show you my faith by my works." [01:00:08] (61 seconds)


"God's going to supply your need. God is going to meet you right where your faith is at and he's going to do a miracle according to your measure of faith. Believe him. If you feel something stirring inside of you, you need to respond to that word and say, God, I'm going to put faith back in my finances. Finances are tied to faith. You don't believe it. Do you believe in your job? Do you believe in your ability to work? Of course you do. Do you believe in your boss's ability to pay you? I hope you do. Change jobs if you don't. If he's not paying you, go somewhere else. We work believing we're going to get a paycheck. Why? Why? Hopefully because the last pay period you got paid and now you know paycheck's coming. So you work. Hopefully you work hard. Hopefully you give 100%." [01:02:21] (69 seconds)


"God is going to supply my need. God is going to be there when nobody else is there. My faith is evidence of what I cannot see. Now, in James, chapter 2, amen. You know, I believe in God. I believe in God. In James, chapter 2, he says, verse 17, even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Faith without works is dead. If faith doesn't have evidence, it's no good. If faith doesn't have action, it's not faith. Or it may be faith, but it's not. It's dead. It's lifeless. Yea, a man may say, you have faith, and I have works. Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show you my faith by my works." [01:03:20] (61 seconds)


"God is going to supply my need. God is going to be there when nobody else is there. My faith is evidence of what I cannot see. Now, in James, chapter 2, amen. You know, I believe in God. I believe in God. In James, chapter 2, he says, verse 17, even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Faith without works is dead. If faith doesn't have evidence, it's no good. If faith doesn't have action, it's not faith. Or it may be faith, but it's not. It's dead. It's lifeless. Yea, a man may say, you have faith, and I have works. Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show you my faith by my works." [01:04:00] (61 seconds)


"God is going to supply my need. God is going to be there when nobody else is there. My faith is evidence of what I cannot see. Now, in James, chapter 2, amen. You know, I believe in God. I believe in God. In James, chapter 2, he says, verse 17, even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Faith without works is dead. If faith doesn't have evidence, it's no good. If faith doesn't have action, it's not faith. Or it may be faith, but it's not. It's dead. It's lifeless. Yea, a man may say, you have faith, and I have works. Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show you my faith by my works." [01:05:00] (61 seconds)


"God is going to supply my need. God is going to be there when nobody else is there. My faith is evidence of what I cannot see. Now, in James, chapter 2, amen. You know, I believe in God. I believe in God. In James, chapter 2, he says, verse 17, even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Faith without works is dead. If faith doesn't have evidence, it's no good. If faith doesn't have action, it's not faith. Or it may be faith, but it's not. It's dead. It's lifeless. Yea, a man may say, you have faith, and I have works. Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show you my faith by my works." [01:06:00] (61 seconds)


"God is going to supply my need. God is going to be there when nobody else is there. My faith is evidence of what I cannot see. Now, in James, chapter 2, amen. You know, I believe in God. I believe in God. In James, chapter 2, he says, verse 17, even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Faith without works is dead. If faith doesn't have evidence, it's no good. If faith doesn't have action, it's not faith. Or it may be faith, but it's not. It's dead. It's lifeless. Yea, a man may say, you have faith, and I have works. Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show you my faith by my works." [01:07:00] (61 seconds)


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Transcript
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