Living by Faith: Trusting God's Promises in Action

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound message of living by faith, drawing from Hebrews chapters 10 through 12. The early believers faced severe persecution, yet they remained steadfast in their faith, a testament to their unwavering trust in God's promises. This historical context serves as a powerful reminder for us today, as we navigate the period between Christ's resurrection and His anticipated return. The call to "live by faith" is not merely a passive waiting but an active engagement with the world, trusting in the unseen and the promises of God.

Faith, as described in Hebrews, is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. It is through faith that the ancients received commendation from God. This faith is not blind but is rooted in the assurance of God's character and His promises. The examples of Abraham, Moses, and others illustrate that faith often requires stepping into the unknown, trusting that God will guide and provide. Abraham's journey, for instance, was marked by obedience to God's call without knowing the destination, a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey.

Moreover, the resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith. It is not just a historical event but a transformative reality that shapes our beliefs, ethics, and relationships. The resurrection assures us that death is not the end and that God's promises are true. This assurance empowers us to live boldly, knowing that our faith is not in vain.

In our daily lives, faith must be accompanied by action. It is not enough to believe; we must also act on that belief, trusting that God will honor our steps of faith. This active faith is what pleases God and aligns us with His purposes. As we step out in faith, we are called to be good stewards of the resources and opportunities God has given us, using them to further His kingdom on earth.

Key Takeaways:

- Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God, providing the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. It is through faith that we please God and align ourselves with His will. [04:24]

- The examples of faith in Hebrews, such as Abraham and Moses, teach us that faith often requires stepping into the unknown, trusting in God's guidance and provision. This journey of faith is marked by obedience and trust in God's promises. [09:23]

- The resurrection of Jesus is central to our faith, transforming our understanding of life, death, and eternity. It assures us that God's promises are true and empowers us to live with boldness and hope. [17:48]

- Faith without action is incomplete. We are called to act on our faith, trusting that God will honor our steps and use them to accomplish His purposes. This active faith is what pleases God and brings His promises to fruition. [25:07]

- As stewards of God's resources, we are entrusted with the responsibility to use them wisely and for His glory. Our faith should inspire us to be diligent and faithful in managing what God has given us, knowing that He will provide for our needs. [44:40]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:24] - The Call to Live by Faith
- [09:23] - Examples of Faith: Abraham and Moses
- [17:48] - The Centrality of the Resurrection
- [25:07] - Faith in Action
- [32:29] - Stewardship and Faith
- [37:32] - Personal Testimonies of Faith
- [44:40] - God's Provision and Our Responsibility
- [51:27] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living by Faith

Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 10:35 - 12:2

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Observation Questions:

1. What challenges did the early believers face according to Hebrews, and how did they respond to these challenges? [04:24]

2. How does the sermon describe the nature of faith as presented in Hebrews? [09:23]

3. What role does the resurrection of Jesus play in the foundation of our faith according to the sermon? [17:48]

4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of faith requiring action? [25:07]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the historical context of the early believers' persecution enhance our understanding of living by faith today? [04:24]

2. How does the sermon explain the relationship between faith and God's promises, particularly through the examples of Abraham and Moses? [09:23]

3. Why is the resurrection of Jesus considered a transformative reality rather than just a historical event, according to the sermon? [17:48]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of stewardship in the life of a believer? [44:40]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you had to step into the unknown, trusting in God's guidance. How did that experience shape your faith? [09:23]

2. The sermon emphasizes that faith without action is incomplete. Identify one area in your life where you feel called to act on your faith. What steps can you take this week to move forward? [25:07]

3. How does the assurance of the resurrection empower you to live with boldness and hope in your daily life? [17:48]

4. Consider the resources and opportunities God has given you. How can you be a better steward of these gifts to further His kingdom? [44:40]

5. The sermon highlights the importance of trusting in the unseen. What is one promise of God that you find challenging to trust, and how can you work on strengthening your faith in that area? [04:24]

6. How can the examples of faith from Hebrews inspire you to remain steadfast in your own spiritual journey, especially during difficult times? [09:23]

7. In what ways can you actively engage with the world around you, demonstrating your faith through actions and relationships? [25:07]

Devotional

Day 1: Faith as the Foundation of Assurance
Faith is the bedrock of a believer's relationship with God, providing the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. This assurance is not based on visible evidence but on the trustworthiness of God's character and His promises. The early believers, despite facing severe persecution, remained steadfast in their faith, demonstrating an unwavering trust in God's promises. This historical context serves as a powerful reminder for us today, as we navigate the period between Christ's resurrection and His anticipated return. Living by faith is not a passive waiting but an active engagement with the world, trusting in the unseen and the promises of God. [04:24]

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: In what area of your life do you need to trust God more deeply, even when you cannot see the outcome? How can you actively engage with this area today, trusting in God's promises?


Day 2: Stepping into the Unknown with Trust
The examples of faith in Hebrews, such as Abraham and Moses, teach us that faith often requires stepping into the unknown, trusting in God's guidance and provision. Abraham's journey was marked by obedience to God's call without knowing the destination, a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey. This journey of faith is marked by obedience and trust in God's promises, even when the path is unclear. The ancients received commendation from God because their faith was not blind but rooted in the assurance of God's character and His promises. [09:23]

Genesis 12:1-2 (ESV): "Now the Lord said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.'"

Reflection: What is one unknown area in your life where God might be calling you to step out in faith? How can you take a step of obedience today, trusting in His guidance?


Day 3: The Resurrection as the Cornerstone of Faith
The resurrection of Jesus is central to our faith, transforming our understanding of life, death, and eternity. It assures us that God's promises are true and empowers us to live with boldness and hope. The resurrection is not just a historical event but a transformative reality that shapes our beliefs, ethics, and relationships. This assurance empowers us to live boldly, knowing that our faith is not in vain. The resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith, providing the foundation for our hope and the assurance of eternal life. [17:48]

1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (ESV): "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive."

Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection influence your daily life and decisions? What is one way you can live more boldly today, knowing that Christ has conquered death?


Day 4: Faith in Action
Faith without action is incomplete. We are called to act on our faith, trusting that God will honor our steps and use them to accomplish His purposes. This active faith is what pleases God and brings His promises to fruition. In our daily lives, faith must be accompanied by action. It is not enough to believe; we must also act on that belief, trusting that God will honor our steps of faith. As we step out in faith, we are called to be good stewards of the resources and opportunities God has given us, using them to further His kingdom on earth. [25:07]

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: What is one specific action you can take today to demonstrate your faith in a tangible way? How can you trust God to use this action for His purposes?


Day 5: Stewardship and God's Provision
As stewards of God's resources, we are entrusted with the responsibility to use them wisely and for His glory. Our faith should inspire us to be diligent and faithful in managing what God has given us, knowing that He will provide for our needs. This stewardship is not just about financial resources but also about time, talents, and opportunities. We are called to be good stewards, using what God has given us to further His kingdom on earth. This active faith is what pleases God and aligns us with His purposes. [44:40]

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."

Reflection: How can you be a better steward of the resources God has entrusted to you? What is one practical step you can take today to use your gifts for His glory?

Quotes


So we are talking about how Jesus had gone to the grave and been resurrected and now they are saying, what would we do in the meantime between when he was resurrected and sitting in heaven and when he comes again? What do we do? Now the just shall live by faith. This is what we do. [00:02:29] (23 seconds)


But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country, therefore God is not ashamed to be called to God, for he has prepared a seed for them. It would go again by faith. Abraham, when he was tested, offered to Isaac, and he who had received the promise of this offer of his only God's Son, of whom they said, And Isaac received I will be called, concluding that God was able to raise him up even [00:09:43] (31 seconds)


And what more should I say? For the time would fail me to tell Gideon, and Brock, and Simpsons, if I also made and sangled the prophets, who proved to be the good kings, worked to righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mountain of lions, clinched the vows of iron, escaped the end of the sky, I've beaten this room to be strong, I've become valiant in battle, turned to fight the armies of kings, members, either defaced life again, others, or both, by the same people who had lived and died to have better resurrection. They wanted to have a big, high, big hand, and low value attraction, that he had received a month from a sure death back to the world and from a better resurrection. [00:12:20] (59 seconds)


So the Lord had found out the monkeys and the sturdies, the destined of any timber, that will stone, will stone a few, will be tempted, will slung with a sword, be wandered by the sheepskin and the goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, or mentored, of whom the world was not worthy, but wandering in the deserts and mountains and dens and caves of the earth. So these people, they accomplished tremendous stuff by [00:13:18] (32 seconds)


He knew that he had to go through with it. He had to do it because it was God's purpose and plan. He had to fill out all that he could do with it. What gave him the motivation to get through it is a word from God that said, You will not leave him in jail, and you will not allow your Holy One to sit in the cross. You will show me the path of life in your presence, and it's full of joy at your right -hander pleasures forevermore. So Jesus had a word from God that said, You will not leave him in jail. [00:26:34] (35 seconds)


Faith without any action is just a mental sin. Faith doesn't make it up. Faith without any action is just a mental spirit toramascularlishic Hope has changed. Faith without any action is just a mental sin. Faith without any action is just a mental sin. I'm going to work for you [00:27:29] (14 seconds)


We're blessed to take the church between us and people that take us step in. Thank God. And listen to your voice. And have a word for you. And have a purpose in your heart. But God did that. Take action on that. And God, you honored their actions and blessed them by showing them that you are here for us on this earth. Not just by our time to come back, Lord. But just to be there until you come back and just try to make it worth it. [00:50:41] (35 seconds)


On the day of Pentecost, all the rocks like the people happened around, and Peter stood up, and the truth of the Holy Spirit began to declare, and in the start of his sermon, he said, Jesus, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowing of God, you have taken by all his hands, have crucified, and have the dead. If y 'all did it, y 'all put the man down. Okay? When God raised up, having loosed to the name of Jesus, because it was [00:21:23] (47 seconds)


The sin of the psalm. David says, concerning him, I ever saw the Lord all this for my face, for he said, I right hand, that I may not be shaken, therefore my heart and my tongue is glad, nor over my flesh, also a flesh, and hope, for you will not leave my soul in hate, he prophesying here. You will not leave my soul in hate, nor will you allow your Holy One to seek corruption. You have made known to me a waste of life. You will make me full of your Holy Presence. [00:22:21] (39 seconds)


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Transcript
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