Marveling at God: Faith, Unbelief, and His Promises

Summary

### Summary

Tonight, we delved into the concept of marveling—both our marveling at God and God's marveling at us. We began by examining the story of Simeon in Luke 2, who marveled at the sight of the infant Jesus, recognizing Him as the salvation prepared for all people. This led us to explore various instances in the New Testament where people marveled at Jesus' wisdom, power, and actions. From calming storms to casting out demons, Jesus consistently left people in awe. This should prompt us to take moments in our lives to marvel at God's goodness and blessings.

However, the sermon took a turn to ask a profound question: Does God ever marvel at us? We explored two instances in the New Testament where Jesus marveled at people. The first was in Mark 6, where Jesus marveled at the unbelief of the people in His hometown. Despite hearing His teachings and witnessing His miracles, they doubted Him because they were too familiar with His earthly origins. This skepticism hindered Jesus from performing many miracles there, highlighting how our unbelief can limit God's work in our lives.

The second instance was in Luke 7, where Jesus marveled at the faith of a Roman centurion. This centurion, despite being a Gentile and a Roman officer, demonstrated remarkable faith by believing that Jesus could heal his servant with just a word. His faith was coupled with humility, acknowledging his unworthiness to have Jesus come under his roof. This story underscores the importance of having a faith that is both humble and confident in God's power.

In conclusion, we are challenged to reflect on whether our lives cause God to marvel at our faith or our unbelief. We are encouraged to live by faith, trusting in God's promises, His strength, His supply, and His schedule, rather than succumbing to fear and skepticism.

### Key Takeaways

1. Marveling at God's Goodness: We should regularly take moments to marvel at God's goodness in our lives. Reflecting on His blessings, salvation, and the transformation He brings can fill us with awe and gratitude. This practice helps us recognize our dependence on an infinite God who loves us deeply. [33:35]

2. Unbelief Hinders God's Work: In Mark 6, Jesus marveled at the unbelief of His hometown. Despite witnessing His teachings and miracles, their familiarity bred skepticism. This unbelief limited Jesus' ability to perform miracles there, teaching us that our skepticism can hinder God's power in our lives. [36:25]

3. Faith Coupled with Humility: The Roman centurion in Luke 7 demonstrated a faith that was both humble and confident. He acknowledged his unworthiness and believed in Jesus' authority to heal with just a word. This kind of faith, which combines humility with confident expectation, pleases God and moves Him to act. [54:30]

4. God's Promises Are Reliable: We often doubt God's promises regarding salvation, security, strength, and supply. However, Scripture assures us that God is faithful to His word. Trusting in His promises, even when circumstances are challenging, allows us to experience His provision and strength in profound ways. [41:16]

5. Living by Faith, Not Fear: In a world filled with uncertainties, we are called to live by faith rather than fear. Faith in God's promises and His character should guide our actions and decisions. This faith not only pleases God but also enables us to experience His power and presence in our lives. [55:01]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[29:23] - Introduction to Simeon
[30:07] - Marveling at Jesus
[30:55] - Jesus' Wisdom and Power
[31:37] - Calming the Storm
[32:16] - Teaching on Taxes
[32:51] - The Woman at the Well
[33:35] - Marveling at God's Goodness
[34:50] - Jesus Marvels at Unbelief
[36:25] - Skepticism and God's Promises
[39:11] - Trusting God's Security
[41:16] - God's Strength and Supply
[44:31] - God's Ordered Steps
[52:06] - Hindrance of Unbelief
[53:21] - Jesus Marvels at Faith
[54:30] - The Centurion's Humility and Faith
[55:01] - Living by Faith, Not Fear
[01:13:40] - Prayer and Reflection

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 2:25-32 - The story of Simeon marveling at the sight of the infant Jesus.
2. Mark 6:1-6 - Jesus marveling at the unbelief of the people in His hometown.
3. Luke 7:1-10 - Jesus marveling at the faith of the Roman centurion.

#### Observation Questions
1. What was Simeon's reaction when he saw the infant Jesus in Luke 2:25-32?
2. In Mark 6:1-6, what caused Jesus to marvel at the people in His hometown? [34:50]
3. How did the Roman centurion demonstrate his faith in Luke 7:1-10? [54:30]
4. What were some of the miracles and teachings of Jesus that caused people to marvel, as mentioned in the sermon? [30:55]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Simeon recognized Jesus as the salvation prepared for all people? What does this tell us about his faith and understanding of God's promises?
2. How does the unbelief of the people in Jesus' hometown in Mark 6:1-6 illustrate the impact of familiarity on faith? [35:35]
3. What can we learn from the Roman centurion's combination of humility and confident faith in Luke 7:1-10? [54:30]
4. How does the sermon suggest that our skepticism can hinder God's work in our lives? [36:25]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent moment when you marveled at God's goodness in your life. How did this experience impact your faith and gratitude? [33:35]
2. Have you ever experienced a situation where your unbelief or skepticism limited what God could do in your life? How did you overcome it? [36:25]
3. The Roman centurion showed both humility and confidence in Jesus' power. How can you cultivate a similar faith in your daily life? [54:30]
4. Think about a promise of God that you find difficult to trust. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in this area? [41:16]
5. In what ways can you live by faith rather than fear in your current circumstances? Identify one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate your trust in God's promises. [55:01]
6. How can you remind yourself regularly to marvel at God's blessings and goodness? Consider setting a daily or weekly practice to reflect on His work in your life. [33:35]
7. Discuss a time when you felt unworthy of God's attention or blessings. How can the story of the Roman centurion help you understand God's grace and love for you? [54:30]

Devotional

### Day 1: Marveling at God's Goodness

Description:
Taking moments to marvel at God's goodness is essential for a vibrant spiritual life. Reflecting on His blessings, salvation, and the transformation He brings can fill us with awe and gratitude. This practice helps us recognize our dependence on an infinite God who loves us deeply. When we pause to consider the ways God has been good to us, it shifts our focus from our problems to His provision, fostering a heart of worship and thankfulness.

In the New Testament, people often marveled at Jesus' wisdom, power, and actions. From calming storms to casting out demons, Jesus consistently left people in awe. This should prompt us to take moments in our lives to marvel at God's goodness and blessings. By doing so, we cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and awareness of His presence in our daily lives. [33:35]

Bible Passage:
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy." — Psalm 103:2-4 (ESV)

Reflection:
Think of three specific instances in your life where you have experienced God's goodness. How can you take a moment today to express your gratitude for these blessings?

### Day 2: Unbelief Hinders God's Work

Description:
Unbelief can significantly hinder God's work in our lives. In Mark 6, Jesus marveled at the unbelief of His hometown. Despite witnessing His teachings and miracles, their familiarity bred skepticism. This unbelief limited Jesus' ability to perform miracles there, teaching us that our skepticism can hinder God's power in our lives.

When we allow doubt and skepticism to take root, we essentially close the door to the miraculous. Our lack of faith can prevent us from experiencing the fullness of God's power and blessings. It's crucial to examine areas in our lives where unbelief may be present and ask God to help us overcome it. [36:25]

Bible Passage:
"And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief." — Matthew 13:58 (ESV)

Reflection:
Identify an area in your life where you struggle with unbelief. What steps can you take to replace that skepticism with faith in God's promises?

### Day 3: Faith Coupled with Humility

Description:
The Roman centurion in Luke 7 demonstrated a faith that was both humble and confident. He acknowledged his unworthiness and believed in Jesus' authority to heal with just a word. This kind of faith, which combines humility with confident expectation, pleases God and moves Him to act.

Humility and faith are powerful when combined. The centurion's humility did not diminish his faith; rather, it amplified it. He recognized his own limitations and Jesus' limitless power. This story underscores the importance of having a faith that is both humble and confident in God's power. [54:30]

Bible Passage:
"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." — Luke 7:8 (ESV)

Reflection:
Reflect on a situation where you need to exercise faith. How can you approach this situation with both humility and confidence in God's power?

### Day 4: God's Promises Are Reliable

Description:
We often doubt God's promises regarding salvation, security, strength, and supply. However, Scripture assures us that God is faithful to His word. Trusting in His promises, even when circumstances are challenging, allows us to experience His provision and strength in profound ways.

God's promises are a firm foundation upon which we can build our lives. When we trust in His promises, we align ourselves with His will and open the door to His blessings. It's essential to remind ourselves of God's faithfulness and rely on His promises, especially during difficult times. [41:16]

Bible Passage:
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." — Hebrews 10:23 (ESV)

Reflection:
Think of a promise from God that you find hard to believe. How can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness and choose to trust in that promise today?

### Day 5: Living by Faith, Not Fear

Description:
In a world filled with uncertainties, we are called to live by faith rather than fear. Faith in God's promises and His character should guide our actions and decisions. This faith not only pleases God but also enables us to experience His power and presence in our lives.

Living by faith means trusting in God's plan and timing, even when we don't understand it. It involves surrendering our fears and anxieties to Him and choosing to believe that He is in control. This kind of faith brings peace and confidence, allowing us to navigate life's challenges with assurance. [55:01]

Bible Passage:
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)

Reflection:
Identify a fear that is holding you back. How can you take a step of faith today to trust God in that area?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "I hope that from time to time, you take a step back in your life and just take a moment to marvel at God's goodness to you. To just kind of marvel that, hey, I'm saved. I'm on my way to heaven. I'm going to be changed one day to be like him and maybe think back on some of his blessings in your life and some of the goodness of God in your life and it really is a marvel for who are we?" [33:35] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Sometimes people, we doubt the promise of his strength. We say, oh, Lord, I'm tired. I'm worn out. I mean, I just, I don't know if I can keep going. I don't know if I can be the Christian I'm supposed to be. I'm just weary of it. Lord, I don't know if I can be the husband I'm supposed to be or the parent I'm supposed to be. I just, I'm worn out. I'm weary. And then at the church, they want me to do this, and I have this opportunity, and I just, I don't have the strength to do it. Wait a minute. I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens." [41:16] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "But do we doubt the promise of his security? Sometimes people, we doubt the promise of his strength. We say, oh, Lord, I'm tired. I'm worn out. I mean, I just, I don't know if I can keep going. I don't know if I can be the Christian I'm supposed to be. I'm just weary of it. Lord, I don't know if I can be the husband I'm supposed to be or the parent I'm supposed to be. I just, I'm worn out. I'm weary. And then at the church, they want me to do this, and I have this opportunity, and I just, I don't have the strength to do it. Wait a minute. I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens." [41:16] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "But do we doubt the promise of his security? We live in a world that is messed up. And we live in a world that, quite frankly, is becoming dangerous. I was preaching in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during the George Floyd trial. And there was a lady in the church. She was in her 60s, retired widow lady. And she lived right across the street from the Brooklyn Center Police Station. And every night, when it would get dark, this meeting was in March, and so it got dark about 530. And when it got dark, the streets in front of her house filled with people in protest against that police station. And they would burn cars, and they would riot, and they would yell. And they would throw bricks at the windows of this police station and try to get inside. And yet every night, this widow lady in her 60s would go out to her garage, get in her car, back out, and come to church." [39:11] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "But do we doubt the promise of his security? We live in a world that is messed up. And we live in a world that, quite frankly, is becoming dangerous. I was preaching in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during the George Floyd trial. And there was a lady in the church. She was in her 60s, retired widow lady. And she lived right across the street from the Brooklyn Center Police Station. And every night, when it would get dark, this meeting was in March, and so it got dark about 530. And when it got dark, the streets in front of her house filled with people in protest against that police station. And they would burn cars, and they would riot, and they would yell. And they would throw bricks at the windows of this police station and try to get inside. And yet every night, this widow lady in her 60s would go out to her garage, get in her car, back out, and come to church." [39:11] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "But our hesitancy toward God's promises brings a hindrance to God's power. Did you notice it here in our text? In verse five, he could do no mighty work there. Oh, he healed a few sick folk, but that's not why he went there. He could do no mighty work there. Why? Because of their unbelief. Wouldn't it be a sad thing if God looked at Heritage Baptist Church tonight and said to the angels in heaven, hey, see that place right there? Hazlitt, Texas. See that church? Heritage Baptist. Yeah, that one. They're having a service right now. See that one? Yeah, that's where I'm gonna start the next great awakening, right there. It's gonna carry to the entire world. Right there is the starting point. No, wait, cancel that. We gotta find someplace else. There's no faith there." [52:06] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "But the word ordered also has the idea of sequence, doesn't it? If a teacher gives a test, grades the test, and before she or he would put the grades into the database for safekeeping, they probably would be wise to put those tests in alphabetical order, since that's the way they appear in the digital copy. And so I find as a teacher, I'm way ahead if I alphabetically arrange those tests by last name so that I can just zip them right into my computer base. Everybody knows how to put something in alphabetical order. Did you know that God says the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord? Job said, thou numberest all my steps. And right now, you're on a step that God has ordered and it's part of a sequence of steps that God wants you to take throughout your entire life in order to fulfill all the will of God in your life." [51:19] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "But our hesitancy toward God's promises brings a hindrance to God's power. Did you notice it here in our text? In verse five, he could do no mighty work there. Oh, he healed a few sick folk, but that's not why he went there. He could do no mighty work there. Why? Because of their unbelief. Wouldn't it be a sad thing if God looked at Heritage Baptist Church tonight and said to the angels in heaven, hey, see that place right there? Hazlitt, Texas. See that church? Heritage Baptist. Yeah, that one. They're having a service right now. See that one? Yeah, that's where I'm gonna start the next great awakening, right there. It's gonna carry to the entire world. Right there is the starting point. No, wait, cancel that. We gotta find someplace else. There's no faith there." [52:06] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "But the word ordered also has the idea of sequence, doesn't it? If a teacher gives a test, grades the test, and before she or he would put the grades into the database for safekeeping, they probably would be wise to put those tests in alphabetical order, since that's the way they appear in the digital copy. And so I find as a teacher, I'm way ahead if I alphabetically arrange those tests by last name so that I can just zip them right into my computer base. Everybody knows how to put something in alphabetical order. Did you know that God says the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord? Job said, thou numberest all my steps. And right now, you're on a step that God has ordered and it's part of a sequence of steps that God wants you to take throughout your entire life in order to fulfill all the will of God in your life." [51:19] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "But our hesitancy toward God's promises brings a hindrance to God's power. Did you notice it here in our text? In verse five, he could do no mighty work there. Oh, he healed a few sick folk, but that's not why he went there. He could do no mighty work there. Why? Because of their unbelief. Wouldn't it be a sad thing if God looked at Heritage Baptist Church tonight and said to the angels in heaven, hey, see that place right there? Hazlitt, Texas. See that church? Heritage Baptist. Yeah, that one. They're having a service right now. See that one? Yeah, that's where I'm gonna start the next great awakening, right there. It's gonna carry to the entire world. Right there is the starting point. No, wait, cancel that. We gotta find someplace else. There's no faith there." [52:06] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

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