Understanding the Depth of Saving Faith
Summary
In today's reflection, we delved into the profound question of what it truly means to have saving faith, as opposed to believing in vain. We began by examining a popular country song by Kenny Chesney, which humorously yet poignantly highlights common misconceptions about heaven, sin, and atonement. The song suggests that everyone wants to go to heaven, but not just yet, and implies that a small monetary offering can atone for one's sins. This perspective, while lighthearted, lacks the depth and truth of biblical theology, which paints a much richer picture of heaven as the dwelling place of God, where all things are made new and evil is banished forever.
We then turned to 1 Corinthians 15, a foundational passage that will guide our Easter celebrations. This chapter emphasizes the historical reality of the resurrection and its essential role in Christian faith. It challenges the notion that mere belief in heaven or a higher power is sufficient for salvation. Instead, it calls for a faith that is active, enduring, and transformative.
The Apostle Paul outlines four key aspects of saving faith: receiving the gospel, standing firm in it, being saved by it, and holding fast to it. Receiving the gospel means more than intellectual agreement; it involves internalizing its truth and allowing it to transform every aspect of our lives. Standing firm in the gospel requires abiding in Christ, even amidst doubts and challenges. Being saved is an ongoing process, acknowledging our need for rescue from sin and recognizing that only Jesus can save us. Holding fast to the gospel means steering our lives according to its truth, with Christ as our captain.
As we approach Easter, we are invited to examine our own faith. Are we truly living out a saving faith, or are we merely believing in vain? This is a call to deepen our relationship with Christ, to allow His saving grace to work in us continually, and to chart our lives according to His gospel. Let us pray for ourselves and for those we love, that this Easter season would be a time of genuine transformation and renewal.
Key Takeaways:
- The Nature of Saving Faith: Saving faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves receiving the gospel into our lives, allowing it to transform us from within. It is a faith that permeates every aspect of our being, not something compartmentalized or distant. [21:45]
- Standing Firm in Faith: True faith endures through trials and doubts. It is characterized by abiding in Christ, even when we feel forsaken or when circumstances challenge our beliefs. This steadfastness is a testament to genuine faith. [24:56]
- The Ongoing Process of Salvation: Salvation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. We are continually being saved by the grace of Christ, who sustains us daily. This understanding calls us to rely on Him continually for our spiritual growth and perseverance. [17:35]
- Holding Fast to the Gospel: Our lives should be directed by the gospel, with Christ as our captain. This involves a conscious decision to steer our lives according to His truth, allowing His teachings to guide our actions and decisions. [27:17]
- Self-Examination and Prayer: As we approach Easter, we are encouraged to examine our faith and ensure it aligns with the biblical understanding of saving faith. We are also called to pray for others, that they too may experience the transformative power of genuine faith. [30:11]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:57] - Opening Prayer and Reflection
- [03:42] - Analyzing Kenny Chesney's Song
- [06:35] - The Question of Eternal Consequence
- [10:19] - Introduction to 1 Corinthians 15
- [14:22] - Understanding Saving Faith
- [17:35] - The Process of Being Saved
- [21:45] - Receiving the Gospel
- [24:56] - Standing Firm in Faith
- [27:17] - Holding Fast to the Gospel
- [30:11] - Self-Examination and Prayer
- [33:00] - Invitation to Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 15:1-8
- Colossians 1:21-23
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the four key aspects of saving faith as outlined by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15? [14:22]
2. How does the song by Kenny Chesney contrast with the biblical understanding of heaven and atonement? [06:35]
3. According to Colossians 1:21-23, what transformation occurs in those who continue in the faith?
4. What does Paul mean when he says, "by which you are being saved" in 1 Corinthians 15:2? [17:35]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "receiving the gospel" go beyond mere intellectual agreement, according to the sermon? [21:45]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that "standing firm in faith" is demonstrated in a believer's life? [24:56]
3. How does the sermon describe the ongoing process of salvation, and why is it important for believers to understand this? [17:35]
4. What does it mean to "hold fast to the gospel," and how does this shape a believer's life direction? [27:17]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own faith journey. Can you identify moments where you have "received the gospel" in a transformative way? How did it change you? [21:45]
2. Think about a time when your faith was challenged. How did you "stand firm" during that period, and what helped you to remain steadfast? [24:56]
3. The sermon emphasizes the ongoing nature of salvation. How can you actively rely on Christ's grace in your daily life to continue this process? [17:35]
4. Consider the direction of your life. Are there areas where you need to "hold fast to the gospel" more intentionally? What steps can you take to align your life more closely with Christ's teachings? [27:17]
5. As Easter approaches, how can you deepen your relationship with Christ and ensure your faith is not "in vain"? What specific actions or practices can you incorporate into your life to foster genuine transformation? [30:11]
6. Identify someone in your life who may be struggling with their faith. How can you support them in experiencing the transformative power of genuine faith this Easter season? [30:11]
7. Reflect on the misconceptions about heaven and atonement presented in the Kenny Chesney song. How can you engage in conversations with others to share a more biblically accurate understanding of these concepts? [06:35]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Receiving the Gospel
Receiving the gospel is more than just agreeing with its message; it involves allowing its truth to penetrate and transform every aspect of our lives. This transformation is not a superficial change but a profound reorientation of our hearts and minds towards God. It requires us to internalize the gospel, letting it shape our values, decisions, and actions. The gospel calls us to a life of holiness and love, reflecting the character of Christ in all we do. As we receive the gospel, we are invited to let go of our old ways and embrace a new identity in Christ, one that is marked by grace, truth, and love. [21:45]
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12 ESV)
Reflection: What specific area of your life needs to be transformed by the gospel today? How can you invite God to begin this work in you?
Day 2: Enduring Faith Through Trials
True faith is not shaken by trials or doubts; it endures and grows stronger through them. This kind of faith is characterized by a deep abiding in Christ, even when circumstances are challenging or when we feel forsaken. It is a faith that holds on to the promises of God, trusting in His goodness and sovereignty. Enduring faith is a testament to the authenticity of our relationship with Christ, as it demonstrates our reliance on Him rather than on our own understanding or strength. In times of trial, we are called to lean into our faith, allowing it to sustain us and guide us through the storm. [24:56]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4 ESV)
Reflection: What current trial are you facing that challenges your faith? How can you choose to abide in Christ and trust Him through this situation?
Day 3: Salvation as a Continuous Journey
Salvation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of being saved by the grace of Christ. It involves a continual acknowledgment of our need for rescue from sin and a reliance on Jesus as our Savior. This understanding of salvation calls us to daily dependence on Christ for our spiritual growth and perseverance. As we journey through life, we are invited to experience the fullness of salvation, which includes not only forgiveness of sins but also transformation and renewal. This ongoing process requires us to remain open to the work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live out our faith in practical ways. [17:35]
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in the ongoing process of your salvation today? How can you rely on God's grace to sustain you?
Day 4: Steering Life by the Gospel
Holding fast to the gospel means allowing it to direct every aspect of our lives, with Christ as our captain. This involves a conscious decision to align our actions, decisions, and priorities with the truth of the gospel. It requires us to be intentional about living out our faith in practical ways, letting the teachings of Christ guide us in our daily interactions and choices. By steering our lives according to the gospel, we demonstrate our commitment to following Jesus and living out His mission in the world. This commitment calls us to be ambassadors of His love and truth, reflecting His light in a world that desperately needs it. [27:17]
"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." (Philippians 1:27 ESV)
Reflection: What specific decision or action can you take today to align your life more closely with the gospel? How can you let Christ guide you in this area?
Day 5: Examining Faith and Praying for Transformation
As we approach Easter, we are encouraged to examine our faith and ensure it aligns with the biblical understanding of saving faith. This self-examination involves reflecting on whether our faith is active, enduring, and transformative. It is an opportunity to assess whether we are truly living out our faith or merely believing in vain. In this process, we are also called to pray for ourselves and for those we love, that we may all experience the transformative power of genuine faith. Prayer becomes a vital tool in seeking God's guidance and strength as we strive to deepen our relationship with Christ and live out His gospel. [30:11]
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV)
Reflection: As you prepare for Easter, what aspect of your faith needs examination and renewal? How can you pray for transformation in your life and in the lives of those you love?
Quotes
In order for us to be saved, there must be a fundamental shift in our understanding of the nature and the consequences of sin. We can no longer approach it as the fun we're having down here. We have to understand that it is rebellion against the Creator. It is rebellion against the moral rule of the universe. It leads to death. It leads to destruction. It is the absence of life. We must be convicted of that and desire to repent. [00:18:43] (27 seconds)
The New Testament uses all three tenses when it talks about our salvation. You have been saved, you are being saved, and you will be saved. All three of those tenses. And so, their response is, by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you. That word translated hold fast means to keep secure, to keep possession of. It's also used metaphorically to describe steering the ship. [00:13:55] (27 seconds)
To receive the gospel is more than just mental agreement. It's more than just saying, I agree that that is true, but it is taking that gospel reality and it is joining to you internally. See, saving faith is not something that stays over there. It's not something that gets compartmentalized. It's not something that stays distant from our life. It's not like joining a cooking class. [00:21:22] (24 seconds)
Saving faith is in the midst of all of those questions in doubt, saying, but I still trust Him. This famous quote from the Screwtape Letters, you've probably heard it before. This is C .S. Lewis' book where it's a senior devil tempting a junior devil. And the senior devil is telling the junior devil how to tempt. [00:22:52] (22 seconds)
And the senior devil says to the junior devil, do not be deceived. Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending to do our enemy's will, looks around upon a universe from which every trace of him seems to have vanished, asks why he has been forsaken, and yet still obeys. That's abiding faith. [00:23:26] (26 seconds)
I stand in the gospel. Can you say, I am holding fast? I am charting my course according to the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is my destination. He is the wind in my sails. He is the captain of my ship. He has completely revolutionized the direction of my life. I am holding fast. [00:27:32] (22 seconds)
So, as we draw near to Resurrection Sunday, as we draw near to Holy Week, let me just ask you the question, how do you know that you're saved? Can you say this morning, I am being saved? I know that I am a sinner in need of salvation. I know there's nothing I can do on my own to save myself. [00:26:06] (27 seconds)
I know the only way that I am reconciled with God is through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. I have asked Christ to come into my life and His saving grace continues to be at work on me even now. Can you say I have received the gospel to myself? It has become part of me. It is within me. [00:26:32] (24 seconds)
Can you think about things in your life that would cause you to doubt and cause you to have questions or period that you've been through and wondering all of these things? Can you point to those and name them and number them and say, but still through it all, I am choosing to put my faith and trust in Him. [00:27:20] (16 seconds)
You see, the concern is it's always been possible in the gathered church for there to be people who are believing in vain. You know, we used to think of this more of a problem when cultural Christianity was more of a thing. You know, back in the 50s and 60s when everyone wanted to go to church because you wanted to be seen as a good person or you wanted business contacts or whatever. [00:28:03] (25 seconds)
So this morning, as we've lifted up what saving faith really looks like, my prayer this morning is the Holy Spirit has been at work in this room. And if this is true of anyone who identifies with First Baptist Church Benbrook as their home, who has a faith that falls short of saving faith, that the Holy Spirit would be convicting you and calling you today to make that right. [00:28:45] (26 seconds)
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