Living by Faith: Trusting God Through Trials
Summary
In today's gathering, I shared the exciting developments within the Great Commission Collective, highlighting our efforts in church planting both domestically and internationally. We are in a season of growth, with several new churches being planted and a new class of church planters being trained. Our recent leaders' conference was a time of rich teaching and fellowship, where we rolled out a multiplication plan to help local churches cultivate a culture of church planting. This is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of community in spreading the gospel.
Transitioning to the heart of our discussion, we delved into Hebrews 11, exploring the theme of faith and what it truly means to live by it. Faith is not about looking inward or relying on our own strength; it is about looking upward to God, trusting in His existence and His goodness. We examined the lives of biblical figures like Abel, Enoch, Noah, and Abraham, who exemplified faith by trusting in God's promises despite uncertainty and adversity.
I shared the story of Lalani from Sri Lanka, whose faith allowed her to see God's goodness even in the midst of persecution and loss. Her perspective challenges us to view our circumstances through the lens of faith, trusting that God is real and rewards those who seek Him. This is particularly relevant for the Hebrew congregation, who, like us, faced trials that tested their faith.
Faith calls us to sacrifice and suffer, trusting in God's goodness despite the risks and vulnerabilities we face. It is in these moments of struggle that our faith is tested and refined. We are reminded that faith is not about having perfect clarity or control over our future, but about trusting in God's plan and His timing.
As we navigate the complexities and adversities of life, we are encouraged to look back at God's faithfulness in the past and draw strength from the stories of those who have gone before us. Faith is about remembering God's best moments and trusting that He is with us in our present challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith is about looking upward to God, trusting in His existence and His goodness. It is not about relying on our own strength or understanding, but about centering our lives on God and His promises. [57:46]
- The story of Lalani teaches us that faith allows us to see God's goodness even in the midst of suffering and loss. Her perspective challenges us to trust that God is real and rewards those who seek Him. [49:01]
- Faith calls us to sacrifice and suffer, trusting in God's goodness despite the risks and vulnerabilities we face. It is in these moments of struggle that our faith is tested and refined. [01:01:09]
- The Hebrew congregation, like us, faced trials that tested their faith. We are reminded that faith is not about having perfect clarity or control over our future, but about trusting in God's plan and His timing. [01:22:55]
- As we navigate the complexities and adversities of life, we are encouraged to look back at God's faithfulness in the past and draw strength from the stories of those who have gone before us. Faith is about remembering God's best moments and trusting that He is with us in our present challenges. [01:19:41]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[45:47] - Introduction to Faith
[46:41] - Examples of Faith in Hebrews
[47:57] - The Joy of Suffering
[49:01] - Lalani's Story
[55:33] - Investigating Unbelief
[57:46] - Faith Looks Up
[59:26] - The Call to Sacrifice
[01:01:09] - The Call to Suffer
[01:05:14] - Self-Pity and Faith
[01:10:20] - Looking Up in Faith
[01:12:06] - Drawing Near to God
[01:13:32] - Faith Looks Back
[01:16:18] - Remembering God's Faithfulness
[01:19:41] - Faith in the Past
[01:22:55] - The Call to Mission
[01:26:04] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 11:4-8
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Observation Questions:
1. What examples of faith are highlighted in Hebrews 11:4-8, and how did these individuals demonstrate their faith?
2. How does the story of Lalani from Sri Lanka illustrate the concept of faith as discussed in the sermon? [49:01]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between faith and sacrifice? [01:01:09]
4. How does the sermon describe the Hebrew congregation's experience with faith and adversity? [55:33]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that faith is about looking upward to God rather than inward to ourselves? [57:46]
2. How does the story of Lalani challenge the common perceptions of suffering and faith? [49:01]
3. What does the sermon imply about the role of past experiences and biblical examples in strengthening our faith? [01:19:41]
4. How does the sermon interpret the call to mission as a call to faith, and what implications does this have for believers today? [01:22:55]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did you respond, and in what ways could you have looked upward to God in faith? [57:46]
2. Consider a time when you felt called to make a sacrifice. How did you handle the risks and vulnerabilities involved, and what might you do differently now? [01:01:09]
3. How can Lalani's perspective on suffering inspire you to see God's goodness in your own difficult circumstances? [49:01]
4. Think about a situation where you felt your faith was being tested. How can the examples from Hebrews 11 encourage you to trust in God's promises? [01:19:41]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel God is calling you to stretch your faith. What steps can you take to respond to this call? [01:22:55]
6. How can you incorporate the practice of looking back at God's faithfulness in your life to strengthen your faith during current challenges? [01:19:41]
7. What practical steps can you take this week to ensure that your faith is centered on God and not on your own understanding or strength? [57:46]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Existence and Goodness
Faith is about looking upward to God, trusting in His existence and His goodness. It is not about relying on our own strength or understanding, but about centering our lives on God and His promises. Faith requires a shift in focus from our own abilities and understanding to the divine nature and promises of God. It is an invitation to trust in something greater than ourselves, acknowledging that our strength and wisdom are limited. This perspective encourages believers to live with a sense of dependence on God, recognizing His sovereignty and goodness in all circumstances. By looking upward, we are reminded that God is the source of all that is good and true, and that His plans for us are rooted in His love and faithfulness. [57:46]
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 areas of your life are you relying on your own strength instead of trusting in God's goodness and promises? How can you begin to shift your focus upward today?
Day 2: Seeing God's Goodness in Suffering
The story of Lalani teaches us that faith allows us to see God's goodness even in the midst of suffering and loss. Her perspective challenges us to trust that God is real and rewards those who seek Him. Lalani's experience is a powerful reminder that faith is not dependent on our circumstances but on our perception of God's presence and goodness. Even in the face of persecution and loss, she was able to see God's hand at work, providing comfort and hope. This challenges us to view our own trials through the lens of faith, trusting that God is with us and that He is working all things for our good. It is a call to look beyond our immediate struggles and to trust in the eternal perspective that faith provides. [49:01]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 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: Think of a recent challenge or loss you have faced. How can you begin to see God's goodness in that situation, trusting that He is working for your eternal good?
Day 3: Embracing Sacrifice and Suffering
Faith calls us to sacrifice and suffer, trusting in God's goodness despite the risks and vulnerabilities we face. It is in these moments of struggle that our faith is tested and refined. The call to sacrifice and suffer is a central theme in the life of faith. It requires a willingness to let go of our own desires and comforts, trusting that God's plans are better than our own. This is not an easy path, but it is one that leads to growth and maturity in our relationship with God. By embracing the challenges and trials that come our way, we allow our faith to be strengthened and our character to be shaped. It is through these experiences that we come to know God more deeply and to trust Him more fully. [01:01:09]
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 is one area of your life where you are currently facing sacrifice or suffering? How can you embrace this challenge as an opportunity for your faith to be tested and refined?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Plan and Timing
The Hebrew congregation, like us, faced trials that tested their faith. We are reminded that faith is not about having perfect clarity or control over our future, but about trusting in God's plan and His timing. The journey of faith often involves uncertainty and waiting. It requires a willingness to let go of our need for control and to trust that God's plans are good, even when we cannot see the full picture. This is a challenging aspect of faith, as it calls us to surrender our own desires and to trust in God's timing. By doing so, we open ourselves up to the possibility of experiencing God's best for our lives, even when it looks different from what we had imagined. [01:22:55]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you are struggling to trust in God's plan and timing? What steps can you take today to surrender your need for control and to trust in His guidance?
Day 5: Remembering God's Faithfulness
As we navigate the complexities and adversities of life, we are encouraged to look back at God's faithfulness in the past and draw strength from the stories of those who have gone before us. Faith is about remembering God's best moments and trusting that He is with us in our present challenges. The stories of faith from the past serve as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and love. By reflecting on these stories, we are encouraged to trust that the same God who was with those who came before us is with us today. This perspective helps us to face our own challenges with confidence, knowing that God is faithful and that He will see us through. It is a call to remember the ways in which God has been present in our lives and to trust that He will continue to be with us in the future. [01:19:41]
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 reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can this memory encourage you to trust in His presence and guidance in your current circumstances?
Quotes
Faith is not positive thinking. Faith doesn't start with us, nor does it move us to the center of the discussion. Faith centers on God. Faith looks up. That's what I mean by looking up. [00:56:53] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The world, the devil, and the flesh attack us at any point where we are prepared to make a sacrifice for the kingdom of God. Make a sacrifice for the gospel. [01:04:15] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Faith exists because ambiguity exists. Faith exists because clarity does not. Faith exists because we don't understand the future. We don't understand where things are going. [01:22:53] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Ask God to correct your vision. Ask him to help you to look up and look back, to see that despite the thatched roof burning out there, God is real and he is a rewarder of those who seek him. [01:26:04] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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