Living Faith: Authority, Obedience, and Transformation
Summary
In our gathering tonight, we explored the profound themes of authority, obedience, and faith, drawing inspiration from Jesus' submission to the Father's will. This submission is a powerful reminder of the importance of aligning our lives with God's authority. We delved into the concept of faith, not just as a belief but as an active, dynamic force that should transform our lives. Faith is not merely intellectual assent; it is demonstrated through our actions and obedience to God.
We examined the vastness of God's creation, reflecting on the speed of light and the enormity of the universe, to remind ourselves of God's greatness and the authority He holds over all things. This perspective should encourage us to trust in His power and wisdom, especially when faced with challenges.
Through practical illustrations, such as the chair and trust exercises, we highlighted the difference between professing faith and living it out. True faith is evidenced by our willingness to act on what we believe, much like the examples of Abraham and Rahab, who demonstrated their faith through obedience and action, even when it defied natural circumstances.
We also discussed the distinction between saving faith and the gift of faith, emphasizing that while all believers possess saving faith, not everyone has the spiritual gift of faith. This gift is meant for the edification of the body of Christ, and it is important to recognize that our spiritual gifts may not align with our natural abilities or roles.
Finally, we addressed the types of faith described in the book of James: dead faith, demonic faith, and dynamic faith. Dynamic faith is the goal for believers, as it is a faith that produces works and is alive with action. We are called to live out our faith in obedience to God, allowing it to transform our lives and bear fruit.
Key Takeaways:
- Authority and Obedience: Jesus' submission to the Father's will exemplifies the importance of recognizing and aligning with God's authority. Our faith should lead us to obedience, reflecting our trust in His wisdom and power. [00:45]
- Faith in Action: True faith is not just belief but is demonstrated through our actions. Like Abraham and Rahab, our faith should lead us to act in obedience to God, even when it challenges our natural understanding. [12:41]
- The Vastness of God: Reflecting on the enormity of the universe reminds us of God's greatness and authority. This perspective should encourage us to trust in His power and wisdom, especially in times of difficulty. [05:38]
- Distinction of Faith: While all believers have saving faith, the gift of faith is a spiritual gift meant for the edification of the church. Our spiritual gifts may not align with our natural abilities, and we should be open to how God wants to use us. [19:21]
- Dynamic Faith: James describes three types of faith: dead, demonic, and dynamic. Dynamic faith is alive and produces works, demonstrating our obedience to God. We are called to live out our faith actively, allowing it to transform our lives. [34:42]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Authority and Obedience
- [01:39] - Challenging Preconceived Ideas
- [03:02] - The Vastness of God
- [04:08] - Speed of Light and God's Greatness
- [06:21] - Faith and Action
- [08:21] - Trust Exercise: The Chair
- [10:55] - Trust Exercise: Falling Back
- [12:41] - Faith That Transforms
- [14:21] - Service and Obedience
- [16:57] - Faith and Obedience
- [19:21] - Saving Faith vs. Gift of Faith
- [23:19] - Jesus and the Roman Officer
- [25:53] - Authority and Obedience in Faith
- [30:17] - Abraham and Rahab's Faith
- [34:42] - Types of Faith in James
- [37:08] - Dynamic Faith and Action
- [39:35] - Call to Obedience and Repentance
- [41:17] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 40:12
2. James 2:20-26
3. Luke 17:5-10
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Observation Questions:
1. In Isaiah 40:12, how is God's greatness described, and what does this imply about His authority over creation? [05:38]
2. According to James 2:20-26, what examples are given to illustrate the relationship between faith and actions? How do these examples demonstrate dynamic faith? [26:58]
3. In Luke 17:5-10, what does Jesus teach about faith and obedience through the parable of the servant? How does this relate to the concept of authority? [16:57]
4. What practical illustrations were used in the sermon to differentiate between professing faith and living it out? How did these examples help clarify the concept of dynamic faith? [09:39]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the vastness of God's creation, as described in Isaiah 40:12, influence our understanding of His authority and our response to it? [05:38]
2. In what ways do the examples of Abraham and Rahab in James 2:20-26 challenge our preconceived ideas about faith and obedience? How do their actions reflect a deeper trust in God's authority? [26:58]
3. How does the parable in Luke 17:5-10 illustrate the connection between faith and obedience? What does this suggest about the nature of true faith in the life of a believer? [16:57]
4. The sermon mentioned the distinction between saving faith and the gift of faith. How can understanding this distinction impact the way we view our spiritual gifts and their purpose within the church? [19:21]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to align your actions with your professed faith. What steps can you take to ensure your faith is dynamic and active in your daily life? [12:41]
2. Consider the vastness of God's creation and His authority over it. How can this perspective help you trust in His wisdom and power during challenging times? [05:38]
3. Identify an area in your life where you find it difficult to submit to God's authority. What practical steps can you take to cultivate obedience in this area? [25:53]
4. How can you discern whether you possess the gift of faith, and how might you use it to edify the body of Christ? What steps can you take to explore and develop your spiritual gifts? [19:21]
5. Reflect on the examples of Abraham and Rahab. How can their stories inspire you to act in faith, even when it defies natural circumstances? What specific action can you take this week to demonstrate your faith in a challenging situation? [30:17]
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of recognizing and aligning with God's authority. How can you practically apply this principle in your relationships, work, or community involvement? [00:45]
7. Consider the types of faith described in the book of James. How can you move from dead or demonic faith to dynamic faith in your spiritual journey? What changes might be necessary in your life to achieve this transformation? [34:42]
Devotional
Day 1: Aligning with Divine Authority
In the life of Jesus, His submission to the Father's will serves as a profound example of recognizing and aligning with divine authority. This submission is not a passive act but a conscious choice to trust in God's wisdom and power. As believers, we are called to reflect this alignment in our own lives, allowing our faith to lead us to obedience. This obedience is a testament to our trust in God's overarching plan, even when it challenges our understanding or desires. By aligning with God's authority, we open ourselves to His guidance and the transformative power of His will. [00:45]
Hebrews 13:17 (ESV): "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."
Reflection: In what area of your life are you struggling to submit to God's authority, and how can you take a step towards obedience today?
Day 2: Faith as a Catalyst for Action
Faith is not merely an intellectual exercise but a dynamic force that compels us to act. The examples of Abraham and Rahab illustrate how true faith leads to obedience, even when it defies natural circumstances. This active faith is a demonstration of our trust in God, prompting us to step out in obedience despite uncertainties. It challenges us to move beyond mere belief and into a life that reflects our convictions through our actions. By living out our faith, we allow it to transform us and bear witness to God's work in our lives. [12:41]
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 a specific area where your actions have not aligned with your professed faith. What practical step can you take today to bridge this gap?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Greatness
Reflecting on the vastness of the universe and the speed of light serves as a reminder of God's greatness and the authority He holds over all creation. This perspective encourages us to trust in His power and wisdom, especially when faced with life's challenges. By acknowledging the enormity of God's creation, we are reminded of His ability to handle our struggles and guide us through difficult times. Trusting in God's greatness allows us to find peace and assurance, knowing that He is in control and His plans are far greater than we can comprehend. [05:38]
Isaiah 40:26 (ESV): "Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power, not one is missing."
Reflection: When you consider the vastness of God's creation, how does it change your perspective on a current challenge you are facing?
Day 4: Understanding the Gift of Faith
While all believers possess saving faith, the gift of faith is a spiritual gift meant for the edification of the church. This gift may not align with our natural abilities or roles, but it is given to us for a specific purpose within the body of Christ. Recognizing and embracing this gift allows us to contribute to the growth and strengthening of the church community. It is important to remain open to how God wants to use us, even if it means stepping outside of our comfort zones or preconceived notions of our capabilities. [19:21]
1 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "To another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues."
Reflection: Reflect on your spiritual gifts. How can you use them to serve and edify your church community this week?
Day 5: Pursuing Dynamic Faith
The book of James describes three types of faith: dead, demonic, and dynamic. Dynamic faith is alive and produces works, demonstrating our obedience to God. This type of faith is characterized by action and transformation, as it compels us to live out our beliefs in tangible ways. Pursuing dynamic faith means allowing it to shape our decisions, actions, and interactions with others. It calls us to a life of active obedience, where our faith is not just a private belief but a public testimony of God's work in our lives. [34:42]
James 2:26 (ESV): "For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead."
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where your faith feels stagnant. What specific action can you take to cultivate a more dynamic faith today?
Quotes
"I love what Mark said about when we were doing communion, and he brought up the part where Jesus said, not my will be yours. And that really ties in with what I'm talking tonight. Jesus recognised the authority of the Father. He recognised the authority of the Father. He recognised the authority of the Father. And Jesus was obedient to the Father. Authority and obedience." [00:00:24] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"So next time you have a problem, or you think you have a problem, if it's night, go outside and have a look up. Maybe it'll remind you. If you have a problem, how big is our universe? How much bigger is our God that we serve and that we give our authority to?" [00:06:08] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"If your faith hasn't changed you, I'm going to question your faith to begin with. Your faith should change how you live, act, respond to listen, before you begin to dream your circumstances in your everyday life. This isn't just me. I'm going to read some verses from the Bible, some words that Jesus said that say that." [00:12:47] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Our soul wants to think of service as slavery or bondage. And it's really, it's a divine thing. It's a spiritual concept. And having been a servant, given the authority over to who we believe, and understanding who God is and what Christ did for us, it's not a negative life of suppression, as people would think, or as in the natural, in our soul, that we would think. It's actually a positive life of newness and freedom." [00:14:39] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"The apostles started with a question, show us how to increase our faith. And that's how Jesus responded to them. So, for me, that teaches that faith is all about obedience and servant, having a servant heart. And who's it obedience to? It's obedience to God." [00:17:36] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus saw that he understood authority and obedience. Authority and obedience. And we need to be on that same path. We need to obey who we put in authority. So, who have you given authority to in your life? It's actually a simple question. It's either God, or it's not God." [00:25:26] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Can't you see that faith without good deeds is useless? And some interpretations, they say, dead. Dead. Don't you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete." [00:26:14] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works, good actions. Let's not get caught up in that. I love the contrast James uses here. The moral man versus the immoral woman. Abraham, Rahab." [00:27:55] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Faith is acting on what we know to be true. Faith is not believing in spite of evidence, but rather obeying in spite of consequence. It's not believing in spite of evidence, but obeying in spite of consequence." [00:37:17] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Some of us may need to repent before God because we have dead faith. That's okay. God's a loving God. God forgives us. And if you need to do that tonight, you can just pray to God and say I'm sorry and start living out your faith." [00:40:01] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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