Unlocking Divine Action Through Faith and Trust
Summary
Faith is a powerful force in our lives, but it's important to recognize the equally potent power of unbelief. Many times, the things God desires to accomplish in us, through us, for us, and by us are hindered because we fail to trust Him. Faith is the essential ingredient that God requires from us to perform many of the things He chooses and desires to do. While there are certain things God will do because He sovereignly decrees them, there are others that He will not do until He sees our faith in action.
When we operate in unbelief, we are not blocking God's ability, but rather His decision to act on our behalf. God chooses not to do things for those who do not believe in His power and will. Therefore, faith is crucial for divine intervention in various aspects of our lives. It is essential to prioritize getting to know the One we are called to trust. By learning to trust Him through our actions and words, we open the door for God to work in our lives in unexpected ways.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith is the key that unlocks God's willingness to act in our lives. While God is capable of doing anything, He often waits for us to demonstrate our faith before He intervenes. This means that our belief can either invite or hinder divine action. [00:20]
- Unbelief is a barrier to experiencing God's full potential in our lives. It doesn't limit God's power but rather His decision to act. When we doubt, we essentially tell God that we don't trust Him to fulfill His promises, which can prevent us from receiving His blessings. [01:08]
- God's sovereignty means He can act independently of our faith, but He often chooses to work in partnership with us. This partnership requires us to exhibit faith, which is a demonstration of our trust in His character and promises. [00:53]
- Building a relationship with God is foundational to developing faith. By prioritizing our relationship with Him, we learn to trust Him more deeply. This trust is cultivated through our actions and words, which reflect our belief in His power and will. [01:26]
- Expect the unexpected when you trust God. As we grow in faith and align our actions with our beliefs, we open ourselves to experiencing God's work in ways we never anticipated. This journey of faith leads to a life filled with divine surprises and blessings. [01:40]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:20] - The Power of Unbelief
[00:37] - Faith as a Divine Ingredient
[00:53] - God's Sovereign Decrees
[01:08] - Blocking God's Decision
[01:26] - Prioritizing Trust
[01:40] - Unexpected Divine Actions
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 11:6 - "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
2. Mark 9:23-24 - "'If you can?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for one who believes.' Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'"
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Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what role does faith play in God's decision to act in our lives? [00:37]
2. How does the sermon describe the impact of unbelief on our relationship with God? [01:08]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between God's sovereignty and our faith? [00:53]
4. How does the sermon propose we can cultivate a deeper trust in God? [01:26]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does Hebrews 11:6 emphasize the necessity of faith in our relationship with God?
2. How does the story in Mark 9:23-24 illustrate the struggle between belief and unbelief, and what does it teach about seeking God's help in overcoming doubt?
3. What does the sermon imply about the consequences of unbelief on receiving God's blessings? [01:08]
4. How can the concept of God's sovereignty working in partnership with our faith be understood in practical terms? [00:53]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when your unbelief may have hindered God's work in your life. How can you address this unbelief moving forward? [01:08]
2. What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate your faith in God's promises? [00:37]
3. How can you prioritize building a relationship with God to strengthen your faith? Consider practical steps you can take daily. [01:26]
4. Identify an area in your life where you need to trust God more. What steps can you take to actively place your faith in Him in that area? [01:40]
5. How can you encourage others in your community to overcome unbelief and grow in faith? What role can you play in supporting their journey?
6. Consider a situation where you are waiting for God's intervention. How can you align your actions with your belief to invite His work in your life? [01:40]
7. What unexpected blessings have you experienced when you chose to trust God? How can these experiences encourage you to continue trusting Him in the future? [01:40]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Unlocks Divine Will
Faith is the key that unlocks God's willingness to act in our lives. While God is capable of doing anything, He often waits for us to demonstrate our faith before He intervenes. This means that our belief can either invite or hinder divine action. Faith is not just a passive belief but an active trust that God will fulfill His promises. When we choose to believe, we align ourselves with God's will, opening the door for His intervention in our lives. [00:20]
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: Identify an area in your life where you need God's intervention. How can you actively demonstrate your faith in this area today?
Day 2: Unbelief as a Barrier
Unbelief is a barrier to experiencing God's full potential in our lives. It doesn't limit God's power but rather His decision to act. When we doubt, we essentially tell God that we don't trust Him to fulfill His promises, which can prevent us from receiving His blessings. Unbelief is a form of resistance that can block the flow of divine grace and blessings. By recognizing and addressing our doubts, we can remove these barriers and allow God's power to manifest in our lives. [01:08]
Mark 9:24 (ESV): "Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, 'I believe; help my unbelief!'"
Reflection: What doubts are you holding onto that might be blocking God's work in your life? How can you begin to release these doubts today?
Day 3: Partnership with God
God's sovereignty means He can act independently of our faith, but He often chooses to work in partnership with us. This partnership requires us to exhibit faith, which is a demonstration of our trust in His character and promises. God desires a relationship with us where our faith acts as a bridge for His actions. By trusting in His sovereignty and aligning our actions with His will, we become active participants in His divine plan. [00:53]
2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV): "For we walk by faith, not by sight."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively partner with God in your daily life? What steps can you take to align your actions with His will?
Day 4: Building Trust through Relationship
Building a relationship with God is foundational to developing faith. By prioritizing our relationship with Him, we learn to trust Him more deeply. This trust is cultivated through our actions and words, which reflect our belief in His power and will. As we grow closer to God, our faith becomes more robust, enabling us to rely on Him in all circumstances. [01:26]
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with God today? What specific actions can you take to build trust in Him?
Day 5: Expecting the Unexpected
Expect the unexpected when you trust God. As we grow in faith and align our actions with our beliefs, we open ourselves to experiencing God's work in ways we never anticipated. This journey of faith leads to a life filled with divine surprises and blessings. Trusting God means being open to His plans, even when they differ from our own expectations. [01:40]
Ephesians 3:20 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us."
Reflection: Are you open to the unexpected ways God might work in your life? How can you prepare your heart to receive His surprises and blessings?
Quotes
Faith is the ingredient that God has determined man to exhibit for Him to do many of the things He chooses and desires to do. Some things God is going to do because He's sovereignly decrees to do it, but then there are other things He won't do until He sees our faith at work. [00:32:38]
If you operate in unbelief, you and I, we can literally be blocking God. We're not blocking His ability; we are blocking His decision because He will decide not to do things for people who don't believe in His power to do it and His will to do it. [00:54:52]
Faith is critical for divine function in many areas of our lives, so prioritize getting to know the One you're called to trust. Learn to trust Him by your deeds and by your words, and watch Him do things in your life that you didn't expect. [01:19:36]
Chatbot
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