Living by Faith: Embracing the Unseen
Summary
Living by faith requires us to prioritize our spiritual vision over our physical sight. Faith, by its very nature, is rooted in the unseen. When we demand to see before we believe, we undermine the essence of faith. Walking in faith means living according to the teachings and mindset of Christ, not just during church services but in every aspect of our lives. This journey is about moving with the mind of Christ, allowing His principles to guide our daily actions and decisions.
In times of distress, rather than letting our troubles push us away from God, we should let them draw us closer. Like Jacob, who wrestled with God and refused to let go until he received a blessing, we too should cling to God in our struggles, seeking His presence and answers. This is the essence of drawing near to God—an unwavering commitment to hold on until we experience His intervention.
When we genuinely desire to live for God, to please, honor, and exalt Him, we open ourselves to a deeper relationship with Him. This desire to draw near to God invites His presence into our lives, allowing us to experience the warmth and intensity of His love and guidance. It is in this closeness that heaven opens up, and we find the answers and peace we seek.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith is about trusting in the unseen. When we place sight before faith, we negate the very essence of faith. True faith requires us to believe and act on God's promises, even when we cannot see the outcome. [00:14]
- Walking in faith means living with the mind of Christ. This is not limited to Sunday mornings but is a daily commitment to align our thoughts and actions with His teachings. [00:27]
- In times of distress, let your struggles draw you closer to God. Like Jacob, hold on to God and refuse to let go until you receive His blessing and answers. [00:38]
- A genuine desire to live for God opens the door to a deeper relationship with Him. When we seek to please, honor, and exalt Him, we invite His presence into our lives. [00:57]
- Drawing near to God allows us to experience His love and guidance. It is in this closeness that we find the answers and peace we seek, as heaven opens up to us. [00:57]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:14] - Faith Beyond Sight
[00:27] - Walking with the Mind of Christ
[00:38] - Clinging to God in Distress
[00:57] - The Desire to Draw Near
[01:10] - Experiencing Heaven's Open Door
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion 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. Genesis 32:24-26 - The story of Jacob wrestling with God.
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Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what does it mean to "walk with the mind of Christ" in our daily lives? [00:27]
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between faith and sight? [00:14]
3. What example from the Bible does the sermon use to illustrate clinging to God in times of distress? [00:38]
4. What happens when we genuinely desire to live for God, according to the sermon? [00:57]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of faith being "rooted in the unseen" challenge our natural inclinations to rely on what we can see and understand? [00:14]
2. In what ways does living with the mind of Christ extend beyond Sunday services into our everyday actions and decisions? [00:27]
3. What does the story of Jacob wrestling with God teach us about persistence in seeking God's presence and answers during difficult times? [00:38]
4. How does the desire to draw near to God open the door to experiencing His love and guidance in our lives? [00:57]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you relied more on your physical sight than on faith. How might you approach a similar situation differently in the future?
2. Identify one area of your life where you struggle to live with the mind of Christ. What practical steps can you take to align your thoughts and actions with His teachings? [00:27]
3. Think of a current struggle or distress in your life. How can you, like Jacob, hold on to God and seek His blessing and answers? [00:38]
4. What specific actions can you take this week to express your genuine desire to live for God and invite His presence into your life? [00:57]
5. Consider a time when you felt distant from God. What changes can you make to draw nearer to Him and experience His love and guidance more fully? [00:57]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God in your daily routine, beyond just attending church services?
7. What is one promise of God that you find difficult to believe without seeing? How can you strengthen your faith in that area?
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting the Unseen
Faith is about trusting in the unseen, a principle that challenges our natural inclination to rely on what we can see and understand. When we demand to see before we believe, we undermine the very essence of faith. True faith requires us to believe and act on God's promises, even when we cannot see the outcome. This means stepping out in trust, knowing that God is faithful to fulfill His word. It is a call to live beyond the limitations of our physical sight and to embrace the spiritual vision that God provides. [00:14]
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you are struggling to trust God because you cannot see the outcome? How can you take a step of faith today, trusting in His promises?
Day 2: Living with the Mind of Christ
Walking in faith means living with the mind of Christ, a daily commitment to align our thoughts and actions with His teachings. This is not limited to Sunday mornings but extends to every aspect of our lives. It involves adopting the mindset of Christ, allowing His principles to guide our decisions and interactions. By doing so, we reflect His love and truth in the world around us, becoming living testimonies of His grace and power. [00:27]
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:5, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally align your thoughts and actions with the teachings of Christ today? Consider a specific situation where you can apply His mindset.
Day 3: Clinging to God in Distress
In times of distress, rather than letting our troubles push us away from God, we should let them draw us closer. Like Jacob, who wrestled with God and refused to let go until he received a blessing, we too should cling to God in our struggles, seeking His presence and answers. This is the essence of drawing near to God—an unwavering commitment to hold on until we experience His intervention. [00:38]
"And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day." (Genesis 32:24, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a current struggle you are facing. How can you hold on to God in this situation, seeking His presence and guidance?
Day 4: The Desire to Draw Near
A genuine desire to live for God opens the door to a deeper relationship with Him. When we seek to please, honor, and exalt Him, we invite His presence into our lives. This desire to draw near to God allows us to experience the warmth and intensity of His love and guidance. It is in this closeness that heaven opens up, and we find the answers and peace we seek. [00:57]
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." (James 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to draw nearer to God? Consider how you can intentionally seek His presence in your daily routine.
Day 5: Experiencing Heaven's Open Door
Drawing near to God allows us to experience His love and guidance. It is in this closeness that we find the answers and peace we seek, as heaven opens up to us. This experience is not just a momentary feeling but a transformative encounter that shapes our lives and perspectives. By living in this divine intimacy, we are empowered to face life's challenges with confidence and hope. [00:57]
"And behold, a door standing open in heaven!" (Revelation 4:1, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt particularly close to God. How did that experience impact your life, and how can you seek to experience His open door again today?
Quotes
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