Living Out Faith: Humility, Compassion, and Trust

God has created each of us with a unique purpose and plan, and the only way to truly fulfill that purpose is by living a life of faith. Faith is not just a matter of words or feelings, but is demonstrated by our actions—especially in how we respond to the needs of others with compassion and initiative. The story of the Roman centurion in Luke 7 is a powerful example of genuine faith. Despite being a Gentile and a Roman officer—someone doubly despised by the Jews—he showed remarkable humility and compassion for his servant, seeking help from Jesus through Jewish elders. His faith was not rooted in entitlement or status, but in a deep recognition of Jesus’ authority and a willingness to submit to it.

Humility is a key ingredient of faith. The centurion did not consider himself worthy to have Jesus come under his roof, even though he was respected and had done much for the Jewish people. True humility acknowledges that every good thing we have is a gift from God, and serving Him is an honor, not a burden. Faith, then, is not about making demands of God or seeking signs, but about confidently obeying His word, trusting His authority, and saying “yes, Lord” even when the outcome is uncertain.

God operates through authority and order, and faith recognizes and submits to that divine order. The centurion understood the chain of command, both in the military and in the spiritual realm. Real faith does not insist on its own way or require proof; it stands on the promises of God and acts in obedience, regardless of feelings or circumstances.

When we walk in humble, confident faith, God often meets us in that place and does the impossible. Our faith is the trigger that releases God’s power in our lives—not our education, wealth, or status. If we want to see God move, we must be willing to step out of our comfort zones, act on His word, and trust Him with the results. Faith grows as we hear and respond to God’s word, and it is tested and refined through the storms and crises of life.

David’s story in 1 Samuel 30 reminds us that even when everything seems lost, God is able to restore what the enemy has stolen. But restoration comes as we turn to God in faith, seek His direction, and take courageous steps of obedience. God is close to the brokenhearted and rescues those who trust in Him. Let us be people whose faith causes God to marvel—people who not only talk about faith, but live it out in every area of our lives.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Faith Begins with Compassionate Action Genuine faith is not passive or self-focused; it starts when we recognize the needs of others and respond with compassion and initiative. Compassion is more than a feeling—it is love in action, meeting real needs even when it costs us something. This is the kind of faith that reflects the heart of Jesus and opens doors for God to work through us. [07:56]
• 2. Humility is the Foundation of True Faith The centurion’s humility was evident in his recognition of his own unworthiness and his willingness to seek help through others. True humility acknowledges that every good thing comes from God, and serving Him is an honor, not a right. When we serve out of humility, we position ourselves to receive God’s grace and to be used by Him in ways that go beyond our abilities. [18:20]
• 3. Faith Submits to God’s Authority, Not Our Emotions Real faith is not about demanding signs or waiting for feelings; it is about submitting to God’s authority and obeying His word. Like the centurion, we are called to recognize the chain of command in God’s kingdom and to say “yes, Lord” even when we don’t fully understand. Faith is confident obedience, not emotional certainty. [25:32]
• 4. God is Amazed by Faith that Trusts His Word Alone Jesus was astonished by the centurion’s faith because it rested solely on His authority and word, not on visible proof or religious background. This kind of faith triggers God’s power and releases the impossible in our lives. The question for us is whether our faith causes God to marvel—or to be amazed at our unbelief. [27:25]
• 5. Restoration Comes Through Faith-Fueled Perseverance When life falls apart and the enemy has stolen what matters most, God invites us to turn to Him in faith, seek His direction, and take bold steps of obedience. Like David at Ziglag, restoration is not automatic; it requires us to fight in faith and prayer, trusting that God is able to recover what was lost. God is close to the brokenhearted and rescues those who refuse to give up.
  
  ** [45:09]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:34] - Created for Purpose: The Necessity of Faith
• [01:15] - Introduction to Luke 7 and the Centurion’s Story
• [03:11] - The Unlikely Faith of a Roman Gentile
• [05:50] - Compassion in Action: Valuing the Servant
• [07:56] - Faith Begins with Recognizing and Meeting Needs
• [10:39] - Sacrificial Love and Generosity
• [13:54] - Giving, Reward, and the Heart of Faith
• [16:22] - The Centurion’s Humility and Approach to Jesus
• [20:57] - Understanding Authority: The Key to Faith
• [24:54] - Faith Submits, Not Demands
• [26:50] - Jesus Marvels at Great Faith
• [30:49] - Measuring and Growing Your Faith
• [32:48] - How to Increase Faith: Hearing and Obeying God’s Word
• [37:54] - Faith in Crisis: David at Ziglag
• [45:09] - God Restores What the Enemy Has Stolen
• [48:33] - A Call to Live Out Faith
• [50:42] - Closing and Invitation

Bible Reading

Luke 7:1-10 (ESV) – The Faith of the Centurion —
> After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.

1 Samuel 30:1-8, 18-19 (ESV) – David at Ziklag —
> Now when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, the Amalekites had made a raid against the Negeb and against Ziklag. They had overcome Ziklag and burned it with fire and taken captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great. They killed no one, but carried them off and went their way. ... And David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.” ... David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and David rescued his two wives. Nothing was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that had been taken. David brought back all.

Observation Questions

1. What actions did the centurion take to seek help for his servant, and what do these actions reveal about his character? ([07:14])
2. How did the centurion describe his own worthiness and his understanding of authority when he sent word to Jesus? ([17:00])
3. According to the sermon, what was Jesus’ reaction to the centurion’s faith, and how did it compare to the faith he found in Israel? ([27:25])
4. In the story of David at Ziklag, what did David do when he faced a crisis and loss? ([43:13])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why is the centurion’s humility significant, especially considering his status as a Roman officer and a Gentile? How does this humility relate to genuine faith? ([18:20])
2. The centurion recognized Jesus’ authority and did not require Jesus to physically come to his house. What does this teach about the nature of faith and how we approach God’s power? ([20:57])
3. The sermon says that faith is “confident obedience to God’s word, not emotional certainty.” What does it look like to obey God even when we don’t feel certain or see immediate results? ([25:32])
4. When David lost everything at Ziklag, he turned to God for direction and took action. What does this show about the relationship between faith, prayer, and perseverance in hard times? ([43:13])

Application Questions

1. The centurion’s faith began with compassion and action for someone in need. Is there a specific need you’ve noticed in someone’s life recently? What practical step could you take this week to respond with compassion, even if it costs you something? ([07:56])
2. Humility was a key part of the centurion’s faith. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to admit your need for help or to give God credit for your abilities? What would it look like to practice humility in those areas? ([18:20])
3. The centurion submitted to Jesus’ authority without demanding a sign or proof. Are there areas where you find yourself waiting for a feeling or a sign before obeying God? What would it look like to say “yes, Lord” and act in faith this week? ([25:32])
4. Jesus was amazed by the centurion’s faith. If Jesus looked at your faith today, would he be amazed by your trust or by your unbelief? What is one area where you want to grow in faith so that God would marvel at your trust in Him? ([27:25])
5. When life falls apart, like it did for David at Ziklag, do you tend to give up, isolate, or turn to God for help? What is one practical way you can turn to God and seek His direction in a current challenge or loss? ([45:09])
6. The sermon said that faith grows as we hear and respond to God’s word. What is one promise or command from Scripture that you need to act on this week, even if it feels uncomfortable or risky? ([36:41])
7. Restoration in David’s story came through faith-fueled perseverance. Is there something in your life that feels lost or stolen—like hope, joy, or a relationship? What step of faith or prayer could you take to begin seeking God’s restoration? ([47:16])