Stepping Out in Faith: Trusting God's Promises
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church. Today, we gather in fellowship, love, and faith. We often find ourselves in situations that don't make sense, requiring us to step out in faith. I shared a story about a pump in the desert, illustrating the importance of trusting the process and having faith even when it seems risky. This story reminds us that sometimes we need to prime the pump of our faith, trusting that God will provide what we need if we follow His instructions.
We face dilemmas in life, whether in our families, work, or church. These moments require us to step out in faith, trusting that God is in control. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. This biblical definition encourages us to trust in God's promises, even when we can't see the outcome.
God has always supplied our needs, though not always our wants. He promises to fulfill our needs according to His will. Hebrews 11, often called the faith chapter, provides examples of faith in action, such as Abel, Enoch, and Noah. These individuals trusted God and acted in faith, setting an example for us to follow.
Faith is not just about believing; it's about acting on that belief. We must step out in faith, trusting that God will guide us and provide for us. This requires prayer and a deep trust in God's promises. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. We must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.
In our daily lives, we often take small steps of faith without realizing it. But when faced with significant challenges, we must consciously choose to trust God. The beauty of creation and the consistency of God's provision remind us of His faithfulness. We are called to live by faith, trusting in God's plan and His ability to fulfill His promises.
Are you living by faith? If not, it's time to step out and trust God. Whether you need to strengthen your faith or seek prayer, we are here to support you. Let's live by faith, following God's guidance, and trusting in His promises.
### Key Takeaways
1. Stepping Out in Faith: Life often presents us with situations that don't make sense, requiring us to step out in faith. Trusting God in these moments, even when the outcome is uncertain, is crucial. Faith involves taking risks and believing in God's promises, knowing that He will provide what we need if we follow His instructions. [37:22]
2. Biblical Definition of Faith: Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. This means trusting in God's promises even when we can't see the outcome. Faith is not about guessing or hoping but knowing the truth in what we do not see. [44:57]
3. God Supplies Our Needs: God promises to supply our needs according to His will, though not always our wants. This distinction is important as it teaches us to trust in God's provision and timing. We must ask according to His will and trust that He knows what is best for us. [45:44]
4. Examples of Faith: Hebrews 11 provides examples of faith in action, such as Abel, Enoch, and Noah. These individuals trusted God and acted in faith, setting an example for us to follow. Their stories remind us that faith involves action and obedience to God's guidance. [48:23]
5. Living by Faith: Faith is not just about believing; it's about acting on that belief. We must step out in faith, trusting that God will guide us and provide for us. This requires prayer and a deep trust in God's promises. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. [54:12]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:40] - Fellowship and Food
[37:22] - Stepping Out in Faith
[38:05] - Desert Pete's Story
[39:59] - Facing Life's Dilemmas
[41:34] - Priming the Pump
[42:43] - Faith in Daily Decisions
[44:20] - Definition of Faith
[45:44] - God's Provision
[47:06] - Examples of Faith
[49:39] - Power of Faith
[51:27] - Faith in Everyday Life
[53:13] - Faith and Creation
[54:12] - Pleasing God with Faith
[56:18] - Living by Faith
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
2. Hebrews 11:4-7 - "By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain... By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death... By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household."
3. Hebrews 11:6 - "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 11:1 define faith as, and how does this definition relate to trusting in God's promises? [44:57]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the story about the pump in the desert? How does it illustrate the concept of faith? [38:05]
3. Who are some of the examples of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11, and what actions did they take that demonstrated their faith? [47:06]
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between God supplying our needs versus our wants? [45:44]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1 challenge or affirm your current understanding of faith? [44:57]
2. In what ways do the examples of Abel, Enoch, and Noah in Hebrews 11:4-7 inspire you to act in faith in your own life? [47:06]
3. The sermon mentions that faith involves taking risks and believing in God's promises. How do you interpret this in the context of your personal life and decisions? [37:22]
4. What does it mean to you that "without faith it is impossible to please God" as stated in Hebrews 11:6? How does this influence your daily walk with God? [54:12]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you had to step out in faith. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome? What might you do differently next time? [37:22]
2. The sermon talks about the importance of prayer when stepping out in faith. How can you incorporate more prayer into your decision-making processes? [44:20]
3. Think about a time when you felt God did not supply your wants. How did you respond, and what did you learn about trusting in God's provision? [45:44]
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to "prime the pump" of your faith. What steps can you take to trust God more in this area? [38:05]
5. How can the examples of faith from Hebrews 11 (Abel, Enoch, Noah) serve as a model for you in your current life circumstances? [47:06]
6. Are there any aspects of your life where you feel your faith is weak? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith in these areas? [54:12]
7. The sermon encourages us to live by faith and trust in God's plan. What is one specific action you can take this week to live out this principle in your daily life? [56:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Stepping Out in Faith
Life often presents us with situations that don't make sense, requiring us to step out in faith. Trusting God in these moments, even when the outcome is uncertain, is crucial. Faith involves taking risks and believing in God's promises, knowing that He will provide what we need if we follow His instructions. The story of the pump in the desert illustrates this beautifully. Just as the traveler had to trust that the water would come if he primed the pump, we too must trust that God will provide for us if we follow His guidance. This act of faith can be challenging, but it is essential for our spiritual growth and relationship with God. [37:22]
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Reflection: Think of a current situation in your life that seems uncertain or risky. How can you step out in faith and trust God to guide you through it?
Day 2: Biblical Definition of Faith
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. This means trusting in God's promises even when we can't see the outcome. Faith is not about guessing or hoping but knowing the truth in what we do not see. This biblical definition encourages us to trust in God's promises, even when the path ahead is unclear. It challenges us to move beyond mere belief and into a deep, unwavering trust in God's plan for our lives. [44:57]
2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV): "For we walk by faith, not by sight."
Reflection: Reflect on a promise from God that you find difficult to trust fully. What steps can you take to deepen your conviction in this promise?
Day 3: God Supplies Our Needs
God promises to supply our needs according to His will, though not always our wants. This distinction is important as it teaches us to trust in God's provision and timing. We must ask according to His will and trust that He knows what is best for us. This understanding helps us to align our desires with God's will and to trust that He will provide what we truly need, even if it differs from what we want. It encourages us to rely on God's wisdom and timing, knowing that His provision is always perfect. [45:44]
Philippians 4:19 (ESV): "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Identify a need in your life that you have been anxious about. How can you trust God to provide for this need according to His will?
Day 4: Examples of Faith
Hebrews 11 provides examples of faith in action, such as Abel, Enoch, and Noah. These individuals trusted God and acted in faith, setting an example for us to follow. Their stories remind us that faith involves action and obedience to God's guidance. By studying their lives, we can learn how to live out our faith in practical ways, trusting God even when the path is difficult or unclear. These examples inspire us to take bold steps of faith, knowing that God is faithful to His promises. [48:23]
James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: Think of a biblical figure whose faith you admire. How can you emulate their faith in your own life today?
Day 5: Living by Faith
Faith is not just about believing; it's about acting on that belief. We must step out in faith, trusting that God will guide us and provide for us. This requires prayer and a deep trust in God's promises. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. We must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him. Living by faith means making daily decisions that reflect our trust in God, even when it is challenging. It involves a continuous commitment to follow God's guidance and to trust in His provision. [54:12]
Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Reflection: Consider a daily habit or decision that you can change to better reflect your trust in God. What practical steps can you take to live more fully by faith?
Quotes
1. "You may have even heard it said that there's times when we need to step out in faith. We do. And we have to step out in faith." [38:05] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The beautiful part of that is is that's the way it is with our lives. We can drink right now what we want we can follow the instructions and probably have to wait a while. Not long, but we may have to wait a while to drink what we want and what we need. We face difficult dilemmas like that all the time." [42:08] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Too many times in our lives, we nullify the work of God by simply not putting our faith on the line. Step out in faith even when things are uncertain. That's an oxymoron, isn't it? Amen. That's an oxymoron. You don't know what's coming, but yet we sit here and we think about it. We say, well, that sounds awfully good. It is awfully good." [44:20] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Stepping out on faith or in faith is some of the most powerful times in our lives, but it also must be also some of the most prayerful times of our lives. Never step out in faith without prayerfully considering. God in the equation. Never step out in faith whenever God is the primary goal and without making Him the primary goal." [44:20] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Trust, pray, trust in God's ability to fulfill what He has promised because He even gives us examples of that faith as He tells us what faith is. We call Hebrews 11 the faith chapter and it's rightly written that way. And the writer gives us an opportunity to look at some of the most important aspects of what our lives should be like." [47:06] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We must have power of faith as we walk through this Christian life that we live. In Hebrews chapter 11, verse 3, it says, By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God so that what is seen is not made out of the things that are visible. There is power in the creation." [49:39] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We must believe that He is and that He will reward with the reward that we're looking for. He will reward our faith when we leave this world. See, we prove God by showing active faith which puts to flight all adverse appearances. Our active faith will help us to overcome the obstacles in our lives just as those who came before us did." [55:13] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Are you living by faith? Are you in your life today walking in faith? Are you living in faith? Hebrews 12, 1. Therefore, look around. Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." [56:18] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Do you want to go to heaven? You've got to have faith in God. You've got to have faith in Him to take you there and believe that. You have to have faith that you believe that He created this world. You've got to have faith that God sent His Son to live and die on this earth for us. You've got to have faith that what He says to do is what we're supposed to do." [57:16] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We want you to become a child of God. We want you to step out in faith and follow Him so that we can all be in heaven together. And if you need to respond this morning, won't you do so while we stand and while we sing?" [58:19] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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