Overcoming Unbelief: Embracing Faith and God's Grace

There are moments in life when we find ourselves weighed down by things we can’t seem to shake—habits, attitudes, or patterns that cling to us and slow our spiritual progress. These are what the writer of Hebrews calls “besetting sins.” Each of us has something that tries to entangle us, whether it’s a sharp tongue, a critical spirit, a struggle with self-control, or even the subtle sin of unbelief. Sometimes, we become so accustomed to these things that our conscience grows numb, and we stop noticing their impact on our lives and those around us.

The heart of the matter, as Hebrews 12 reminds us, is not just the individual struggles we face, but the universal challenge of unbelief. Throughout history, God’s people have stumbled not because of a lack of knowledge or opportunity, but because of a failure to trust God fully. Unbelief is a grief to the Lord—it limits what He can do in our lives, blocks blessings, and keeps us from experiencing the fullness of His love and power. Even Jesus, at the tomb of Lazarus, was moved to tears not only by loss, but by the unbelief of those around Him.

But there is hope and a way forward. The cure for little faith begins with honesty—confessing our doubts and struggles to God and to trusted companions in faith. We are called to pray for discernment, to seek understanding of God’s will, and to remember His faithfulness in our past. Reflecting on how God has provided before strengthens our trust that He will do it again. We grow in faith by making prayer a daily habit, immersing ourselves in Scripture, staying connected to the community of believers, and practicing gratitude for both the big and small blessings.

Above all, we are to keep our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him and now sits at the right hand of God. He is both the author and perfecter of our faith. As we lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles, we make room for God’s grace to work in us and through us, not just for our own sake, but for the sake of those around us. May we always thank God for Calvary, where Christ made a way for us to run this race with endurance and hope.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Besetting sins are personal, persistent struggles that can numb our conscience and hinder our spiritual growth. These are not always dramatic or obvious, but often subtle habits or attitudes we justify or ignore. Recognizing and naming these sins is the first step toward freedom, as we bring them into the light of God’s grace. [10:02]
• 2. Unbelief is the root besetting sin that affects all believers, regardless of the specific struggles we face. It is a refusal to trust God’s love, plan, and power, and it grieves the heart of Christ. Unbelief limits what God can do in our lives and keeps us from experiencing His miracles and blessings. [15:19]
• 3. God’s faithfulness in the past is a foundation for our faith in the present. Taking time to reflect on how God has provided, healed, or delivered us before strengthens our trust that He will do it again. Remembering these moments, both big and small, builds gratitude and confidence in God’s ongoing work. [24:10]
• 4. Growing in faith requires intentional practices: honest prayer, seeking discernment, studying Scripture, and staying connected to the church. Faith is not a passive feeling but an active pursuit. By making these practices a regular part of our lives, we create space for God to increase our faith and transform our hearts. [25:06]
• 5. Gratitude, even for the smallest blessings, is a powerful antidote to unbelief and spiritual stagnation. Thanking God for every provision, no matter how minor it seems, keeps our hearts soft and our eyes open to His presence. Above all, we are to thank God for Jesus and the gift of salvation made possible at Calvary. [27:36]
  ** [27:36]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [02:07] - Honoring Family and Church
• [03:10] - Reflections on a Busy Weekend
• [04:27] - Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12
• [05:30] - Opening Prayer
• [06:26] - The Race of Faith and Besetting Sins
• [08:20] - What Is a Besetting Sin?
• [10:02] - Naming Our Besetting Sins
• [12:03] - The Dangers of Drunkenness and Other Sins
• [13:07] - The Sin of Unbelief
• [15:19] - How Unbelief Grieves Jesus
• [17:44] - The Example of Lazarus
• [19:19] - Waiting on God’s Timing
• [20:24] - The Cure for Little Faith
• [22:17] - Remembering God’s Faithfulness
• [24:10] - Faith in Everyday Life
• [25:06] - Growing Faith Through Spiritual Practices
• [26:07] - Practicing Gratitude
• [27:36] - Thanking God for the Small Things
• [28:35] - Thanking God for Calvary
• [29:28] - Invitation to Prayer and Discipleship
• [30:32] - Closing Invitation
• [38:47] - Benediction and Closing Song

Bible Reading

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV) — Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Observation Questions

1. According to Hebrews 12:1, what are we told to lay aside, and why is this important for running the race of faith?
2. In the sermon, what are some examples of “besetting sins” that were mentioned? ([10:02])
3. How does the writer of Hebrews describe Jesus’ role in our faith journey? ([06:26])
4. What did the preacher say about how unbelief affected Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus? ([17:44])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why might the writer of Hebrews compare the Christian life to running a race? What does this image help us understand about following Jesus? ([06:26])
2. The sermon says that unbelief is a “besetting sin” common to all believers. Why is unbelief so serious, and how does it impact our relationship with God? ([15:19])
3. The preacher shared that sometimes we become numb to our besetting sins. What does it mean for our conscience to become numb, and how does that affect our spiritual growth? ([08:20])
4. The sermon talks about remembering God’s faithfulness in the past. Why is looking back at God’s past provision important for building faith in the present? ([24:10])

Application Questions

1. The sermon asked, “What is your besetting sin?” Take a moment to honestly consider: Is there a habit, attitude, or pattern in your life that you’ve grown used to, but you know is holding you back? What would it look like to bring this into the light? ([10:02])
2. The preacher said that unbelief can block God’s blessings and grieve Jesus. Can you think of a time when your lack of trust in God kept you from experiencing His best? What would it look like to trust Him more in that area now? ([15:19])
3. The message encouraged us to confess our doubts to God and to trusted friends. Is there a doubt or struggle you need to share with someone this week? Who could you talk to? ([20:24])
4. The sermon challenged us to remember times when God has provided, healed, or delivered us. Can you share a specific story from your life where you saw God’s faithfulness? How does that memory help you trust Him today? ([24:10])
5. The preacher said, “Let prayer become a part of your life. Study your Bible. Attend Bible study when you can.” Which of these practices is hardest for you to keep up with? What is one small step you could take this week to grow in that area? ([25:06])
6. Practicing gratitude, even for small things, was highlighted as a way to keep our hearts soft. What is one small blessing you can thank God for right now? How can you make gratitude a daily habit? ([27:36])
7. The sermon ended by reminding us to thank God for Calvary and the gift of Jesus. How does remembering what Jesus did on the cross help you run your race with endurance and hope? ([28:35])