Unlocking God's Promises Through Active Faith

Summary

Faith is the essential ingredient that pleases God and unlocks the fullness of His promises in our lives. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him, no matter how many good deeds we perform or how diligently we serve. God has given us thousands of promises—salvation, forgiveness, peace, provision, healing, victory, and more—but these remain dormant unless we actively mix them with faith. Faith is not just intellectual agreement or belief in God’s existence; it is a confident, ongoing trust in His character and His Word, fully persuaded that He is able and faithful to do what He has promised.

God’s promises are not vague hopes or wishful thinking; they are binding assurances from a faithful God. Yet, as powerful as these promises are, they do not automatically manifest in our lives. Like seed sown on different types of soil, the promises require the right environment—faith—to grow and bear fruit. Many people, like the Israelites in the wilderness, hear God’s promises but fail to experience their fulfillment because they do not mix them with faith. Instead, doubt, fear, and unbelief can creep in, causing us to settle for less than what God intends.

Faith is both a gift and a responsibility. God has given each of us a measure of faith, and even faith as small as a mustard seed can ignite the power of God’s promises. Just as a tiny match can set a forest ablaze, a small spark of faith can release God’s power into every area of our lives—our families, marriages, finances, health, and future. But nothing happens until we strike the match; the promises remain unapplied potential until faith is activated.

We are called to be people who walk by faith, not by sight, feelings, or fear. This means trusting God even when the facts seem overwhelming or when circumstances appear impossible. God responds to faith, not to doubt or double-mindedness. When we release faith, we open the door for God to do the unexpected, to provide, restore, heal, and deliver. Let us be those who ignite the promises of God with faith, believing for souls to be saved, lives to be transformed, and God’s purposes to be fulfilled in and through us.

Key Takeaways

- Faith is the only way to truly please God. Good works and admirable efforts are valuable, but without faith, they do not fulfill God’s deepest desire for us. Faith is an active, ongoing trust in God’s character and His promises, not just a passive belief in His existence. [03:36]

- God’s promises are powerful and numerous, but they require faith to become reality in our lives. Simply knowing or hearing about God’s promises is not enough; we must mix them with faith, just as the right ingredients are needed for a seed to grow in good soil. [08:10]

- Doubt, fear, and unbelief are the wrong ingredients that can neutralize the power of God’s promises. When we focus on the facts or our limitations instead of God’s ability, we miss out on the supernatural provision and favor He wants to give. God functions by faith, and He calls us to do the same. [16:11]

- Faith is both a gift from God and a responsibility we must steward. Even a small amount of faith, like a mustard seed or a tiny match, can ignite great power when applied. The issue is not the size of our faith, but whether we are willing to activate it and trust God with what He has promised. [24:25]

- The promises of God are like a banquet included in the price of our ticket, but many live on crumbs because they never claim what is theirs by faith. We must not leave God’s promises unused, but instead, ignite them with faith and expect God to move in our lives, families, and communities. [22:17]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:50] - Opening Prayer and Setting the Stage
[03:36] - The Necessity of Faith to Please God
[04:57] - Understanding “Impossible” Without Faith
[06:21] - The Nature and Number of God’s Promises
[08:10] - Why Promises Alone Are Not Enough
[09:00] - The Example of Israel and Unmerited Blessing
[10:48] - Testimonies of Unexpected Provision
[14:31] - Appropriating Promises Requires Faith
[16:11] - The Right Ingredients: Faith vs. Doubt
[18:42] - Facts vs. Faith: The Report of the Spies
[21:14] - Hearing the Word vs. Mixing with Faith
[22:17] - The Unused Banquet: Accessing God’s Promises
[23:38] - Faith: Both Gift and Responsibility
[24:25] - The Matchstick: Igniting Faith’s Power
[25:39] - Releasing Faith for Every Area of Life
[27:27] - Prayer of Salvation and Closing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Igniting God’s Promises by Faith

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### Bible Reading

- 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.

- Hebrews 4:2 (ESV)
> For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.

- James 1:6-8 (ESV)
> But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Hebrews 11:6, what is required to please God? What does the verse say about those who seek Him?
2. In Hebrews 4:2, what was the reason the message did not benefit the Israelites in the wilderness? [09:00]
3. What does James 1:6-8 say about the person who doubts when asking God for something? What is the result of being double-minded?
4. The sermon mentioned that God has given us thousands of promises, but they remain dormant unless we mix them with faith. What are some of the promises listed in the sermon? [06:21]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that faith is not just believing God exists, but an ongoing trust in His character and promises. How is this different from simply believing in God? [03:36]
2. Why do you think God requires faith, and not just good works or effort, to please Him? What does this reveal about God’s heart? [03:36]
3. The Israelites heard God’s promises but did not experience them because they didn’t mix them with faith. What does this teach us about the relationship between hearing God’s Word and acting on it? [09:00]
4. The sermon compares faith to a matchstick that can ignite great power. Why is it important to “strike the match” and not just hold onto it? [24:25]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon said, “Faith is both a gift and a responsibility.” In what area of your life do you sense God is asking you to take a step of faith right now? What would it look like to “strike the match” in that area? [24:25]
2. Are there any promises of God that you know about but have not actively claimed or mixed with faith? What is holding you back—doubt, fear, or something else? [16:11]
3. The pastor shared stories of unexpected provision and blessing. Can you recall a time when God provided for you in a way you didn’t expect? How did that experience affect your faith? [10:48]
4. The sermon warned that doubt, fear, and unbelief can neutralize the power of God’s promises. What are some practical ways you can guard your heart against these “wrong ingredients”? [16:11]
5. The illustration of the man on the ship who lived on crackers and cheese, not realizing the banquet was included, was used to show how we sometimes live below what God has provided. Are there areas in your life where you are “living on crumbs” instead of enjoying the fullness of God’s promises? What would it look like to step into the banquet? [22:17]
6. The sermon encouraged us to release faith for our families, marriages, finances, health, and future. Which of these areas do you most need to see God move in? How can the group pray with you to activate faith in that area? [25:39]
7. The pastor said, “We are called to walk by faith, not by sight, feelings, or fear.” What is one practical step you can take this week to walk by faith instead of by what you see or feel? [04:57]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for one another, specifically asking God to help each person “ignite” the promises He has given them by faith. Pray for courage to take practical steps of faith in the week ahead.

Devotional

Day 1: Faith Is Essential to Pleasing God
To truly please God, we must walk by faith, not by feelings, fear, or sight. Faith is more than just believing that God exists; it is being fully persuaded and confident in God's character, His Word, and His faithfulness. Without faith, all our good deeds and efforts fall short of what truly delights the Lord. God calls us to trust Him, to step out in faith even when circumstances seem impossible, and to believe that He is able to do what He has promised. Let this truth sink in: faith is the key ingredient that makes us God-pleasers, and it is impossible to please Him without it. [03:36]

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: In what area of your life are you relying on your own strength or understanding instead of trusting God by faith? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him today?


Day 2: God’s Promises Require Faith to Be Activated
God has given us thousands of precious promises in His Word—promises of salvation, provision, healing, peace, and more. Yet, these promises do not automatically come to pass in our lives just because we read or know about them. Like a recipe missing a key ingredient, the promises remain dormant unless we mix them with faith. When we choose to believe and act on God’s promises, they come alive and become a reality in our lives. Faith is the special ingredient that activates the power of God’s Word, turning encouraging words into life-changing experiences. [08:10]

Hebrews 4:2 (ESV)
"For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened."

Reflection: What is one promise from God’s Word that you have not yet seen fulfilled in your life? How can you intentionally mix faith with that promise this week?


Day 3: Doubt and Unbelief Block God’s Blessings
God desires to bless His people with provision, favor, and resources beyond what we can earn or imagine. However, when we mix doubt, unbelief, or fear with His promises, we block their power in our lives. Just as the children of Israel missed out on the Promised Land because they did not mix faith with what they heard, we too can miss God’s best by focusing on the facts or our limitations instead of God’s ability. God responds to faith, not to double-mindedness or wavering. Let us be people who believe and do not doubt, so we can receive all that God has for us. [18:42]

James 1:6-8 (ESV)
"But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."

Reflection: Where have you allowed doubt or fear to creep in and overshadow God’s promises? What practical step can you take today to replace that doubt with faith?


Day 4: Faith Is Both a Gift and a Responsibility
Every believer has been given a measure of faith by God, but it is our responsibility to use and grow that faith. Faith is like a match—small and seemingly insignificant, but when struck, it can ignite great power and bring about transformation. God’s promises are like a banquet table set before us, but unless we use our faith to access them, we will miss out on what is already ours in Christ. Don’t let the promises of God remain untouched in your life; ignite them with faith and watch God release His power in your circumstances. [24:25]

Romans 12:3 (ESV)
"For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned."

Reflection: What is one area where you have been waiting for God to move, but have not yet “struck the match” of faith? How can you take a step of faith today to activate God’s promise?


Day 5: Faith Unlocks Salvation and New Life
The greatest promise of all is the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Just as a match must be struck to release its fire, the promise of salvation is released in your life when you respond in faith. God wants you to know that eternal life is available to all who believe and receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. This is not about religious effort, but about trusting in the finished work of Christ and inviting Him into your life. If you have never done so, today is the day to ignite the promise of salvation by faith and begin a new life in Christ. [27:27]

1 John 5:13 (ESV)
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life."

Reflection: If you have never placed your faith in Jesus for salvation, what is holding you back from taking that step today? If you have, how can you share the promise of salvation with someone else this week?

Quotes

Without faith, somebody shall faith, it is impossible to please God. I want that just to sink in. There's a lot of good things we can do in life. There's a lot of admirable things, serving, but what really pleases the Lord is exercising faith. I want you to think about that, faith. [00:03:25] (24 seconds)  #FaithPleasesGod Edit Clip

It's not just belief that God exists. Watch this. It's an acting, ongoing truth in his character, in the word, and in his faithfulness. Thank you. Can I get an amen? And actually, actually one commentator says, it carries the idea of being fully persuaded and confident in God's ability and promises. Faith. There's something about faith. Can you say amen? [00:04:06] (28 seconds)  #FaithIsAction Edit Clip

I just want to talk to you in these next few weeks about mixing our faith with the promises of God and appropriating the promises of God. And I really believe God has given tremendous promises in the Word of God. 2 Peter 1 .4 talks about these precious promises that are in the Scripture. Actually, the Greek, it means divine assurance of good things to happen. A pledge, talking about a promise, a guarantee of divine commitment. It's not a vague hope. They are binding assurances of a faithful God. [00:06:07] (37 seconds)  #DivinePromisesAssured Edit Clip

As powerful as all these truths, these promises are that God has given, as encouraging, as inspiring as they can be, can be, watch this, by themselves, these promises won't do you any good. Won't do you any good at all. On their own, you won't see any change just because you read them. You won't, you won't appropriate any of those on your own. They're just nice, encouraging words. [00:07:56] (28 seconds)  #FaithActivatesPromises Edit Clip

What is it saying? I believe it's a spiritual principle that's still for us today. That what is that? That God, watch this, that God can bless his people with provision they didn't earn by human effort, favor, and resources. Now when you say that to some people, it's like, well, I earned everything that I have, and I worked for everything that I have, and I worked hard for that, and that is admirable. Amen? But how many know we serve a God that's more than enough? [00:10:03] (29 seconds)  #FaithRequiresGrowth Edit Clip

Just because God promises something for you, watch this, doesn't mean it's going to automatically happen. Ooh, really, Pastor Mike? Yeah. Well, he's all -powerful. He's omniscient. If he says what's going to happen, yeah, his word is. But there are some things that we have to learn to grow in, in faith. [00:15:09] (19 seconds)  #GodCreatesByFaith Edit Clip

So what is this verse? It shows us that just hearing the word isn't enough, even though we know that faith comes by hearing, hearing by the word of God. So hearing is powerful, but you've got to do something. You've got to mix an ingredient when you hear the word. And that's faith. [00:21:40] (18 seconds)  #ReleaseFaithForLives Edit Clip

Without faith, the word remains unapplied potential. What does that mean? God's promises that I shared, just a few, are activated and ignited by faith. Once again, I didn't write the book. God did. By faith. Doubt leaves the promises on the table. Untouched. Unused. Like someone starving but holding a meal ticket. [00:22:17] (24 seconds) Edit Clip

Faith is like this. This little match, how many of you know that this thing is so tiny and insignificant, it seems like nothing. But how many know the fire in this can burn a whole forest down in the right environment? Hot, dry, arid, just a little spark can destroy thousands, tens and thousands of acres. It can burn a city down. Just this little thing right here, not much. [00:24:23] (27 seconds) Edit Clip

That little fire was powerful, even though it was small. Why? Because there's fire in the match, but nothing happens until you ignite it. Nothing happens until you strike it. And when you strike the match, it catches fire. And what happens? Power is released. Power, power here today to help you raise your kids. power here to help you in your marriage power here to help you to forgive in your marriage power here to help you in your finances your health your health of your children you know there was a season in our life with our kids and without being specific there was times where we would print out the promises of god and pray it over our kids different times and seasons speak the word no they're going to serve the lord they will follow god there was times that we did that power is released for your business your future it's the same but the promises of god they are powerful they can bring deliverance healing i believe that and they can restore and they can these promises can catapult us into a new level but they will not do any good until we ignite them and faith is the igniter. [00:25:16] (83 seconds) Edit Clip