Walking by Faith: Trusting God in Every Circumstance
Summary
Taking a deep breath, I reflect on the profound journey of faith that we explored today. We began by considering those remarkable individuals who possess an unshakeable belief in God despite facing life's most challenging circumstances. Their peace and joy seem to defy logic, inspiring and sometimes unsettling us. This kind of faith is not just a psychological crutch or a cultural tradition; it is a deep-seated trust in God that can transform lives.
We delved into the story of Dr. Francis Collins, who encountered such faith during his medical rounds. His journey from skepticism to belief was sparked by a simple yet profound question from a dying patient: "Doctor, what do you believe?" This question led him to explore the claims of Christ, ultimately finding them compelling enough to embrace Christianity. His story illustrates the power of faith that is based on evidence and personal exploration.
We then turned to the Gospel of John, where John the Apostle shares his firsthand experiences with Jesus. John’s purpose was not merely to recount events but to invite us into a relationship with Jesus based on what he saw and heard. He organized his gospel around seven signs, each pointing to Jesus' identity and inviting us to believe.
The story of the nobleman whose son was healed by Jesus serves as a powerful illustration of walking by faith. The nobleman was asked to trust Jesus based on the testimony of others, without immediate evidence. His decision to believe and act on Jesus' word, despite the lack of visible proof, mirrors the faith journey we are all invited to embark upon.
Walking by faith means living each day as if Jesus is who he claimed to be, trusting in his promises, and embracing the reality of a perfect Heavenly Father. This kind of faith is not about wishful thinking but about a confident trust in the character and promises of God. It is this faith that has the power to change lives, communities, and even the world.
Key Takeaways:
- True faith is not a denial of reality but a deep trust in God that transcends circumstances. It is a peace that surpasses understanding, rooted in the assurance of God's presence and promises. [00:22]
- The journey to faith often begins with a question or a moment of crisis that challenges our assumptions and opens us to the possibility of something greater. Dr. Francis Collins' story exemplifies how a simple question can lead to a profound transformation. [04:33]
- The Gospel of John invites us to believe in Jesus based on the testimony of those who witnessed his life and works. John's account is not just historical but an invitation to experience the life-changing power of Jesus. [09:12]
- Walking by faith involves trusting Jesus' words and promises, even when we cannot see the outcome. The nobleman's story teaches us to act on Jesus' word, believing that he is faithful and true. [27:05]
- Living by faith means embracing the reality of a perfect Heavenly Father, trusting in his love and forgiveness, and living as if Jesus' teachings are true. This faith shapes our lives and influences those around us, pointing them to the reality of God. [30:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Belief in Spite of Circumstances
- [01:30] - Dr. Francis Collins' Encounter
- [03:25] - The Language of God
- [05:09] - A Journey of Discovery
- [06:08] - Evidence and Faith
- [07:05] - John's Testimony
- [09:12] - Purpose of John's Gospel
- [11:22] - The Second Sign
- [14:32] - The Nobleman's Desperation
- [17:13] - A Father's Plea
- [19:01] - Jesus' Response
- [21:49] - Trusting Jesus' Word
- [27:05] - Walking by Faith
- [30:18] - Living as if Jesus' Words are True
- [34:57] - Blessed are Those Who Believe
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 4:46-54 - The Healing of the Nobleman's Son
2. John 20:30-31 - Purpose of John's Gospel
3. Hebrews 11:1 - Faith in Action
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the nobleman's initial request to Jesus, and how did Jesus respond to him? [22:14]
2. How did the nobleman demonstrate his faith after Jesus told him to go home? [27:05]
3. What was the significance of the nobleman's son being healed at the exact time Jesus said he would live? [28:28]
4. How does John describe his purpose for writing his Gospel? [09:27]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might Jesus have chosen not to accompany the nobleman back to his home, and what does this teach about faith? [22:14]
2. How does the nobleman's story illustrate the concept of "walking by faith and not by sight"? [27:33]
3. In what ways does John's Gospel invite readers to believe in Jesus based on the testimony of others? [09:12]
4. How does the story of Dr. Francis Collins relate to the theme of faith based on evidence and personal exploration? [05:27]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in something without immediate evidence. How did that experience shape your faith? [27:33]
2. The nobleman had to leave Jesus without seeing the immediate result of his request. Is there a situation in your life where you need to trust God without seeing the outcome? How can you take a step of faith in that area this week? [22:14]
3. Dr. Francis Collins' journey to faith began with a simple question. What questions about faith or life are you currently wrestling with, and how can you explore them further? [04:33]
4. John wrote his Gospel to encourage belief in Jesus. How can you share your own experiences of faith to encourage others in their journey? [09:12]
5. Consider the idea of living each day as if Jesus' teachings are true. What specific changes can you make in your daily life to reflect this belief? [30:18]
6. The sermon mentioned the peace that surpasses understanding. How can you cultivate this peace in your life, especially during challenging times? [00:22]
7. Identify someone in your life who might be inspired by your faith journey. How can you intentionally share your story with them this week? [33:38]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Beyond Circumstances
True faith is not a denial of reality but a deep trust in God that transcends circumstances. It is a peace that surpasses understanding, rooted in the assurance of God's presence and promises. This kind of faith is exemplified by individuals who maintain their belief in God despite facing life's most challenging situations. Their peace and joy seem to defy logic, inspiring and sometimes unsettling those around them. This faith is not merely a psychological crutch or a cultural tradition; it is a profound trust in God that can transform lives. [00:22]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you actively choose to trust in God's promises and presence in this situation today?
Day 2: The Catalyst of Faith
The journey to faith often begins with a question or a moment of crisis that challenges our assumptions and opens us to the possibility of something greater. Dr. Francis Collins' story exemplifies how a simple question from a dying patient led him to explore the claims of Christ, ultimately finding them compelling enough to embrace Christianity. This transformation illustrates the power of faith that is based on evidence and personal exploration. It reminds us that faith can begin with a single, profound question that invites us to seek deeper truths. [04:33]
Acts 17:11 (ESV): "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."
Reflection: What is a question or doubt you have about your faith? How can you take a step today to explore this question more deeply, perhaps by seeking answers in Scripture or through conversation with a trusted mentor?
Day 3: Witnessing Through Testimony
The Gospel of John invites us to believe in Jesus based on the testimony of those who witnessed his life and works. John's account is not just historical but an invitation to experience the life-changing power of Jesus. By organizing his gospel around seven signs, John points to Jesus' identity and invites us to believe. This testimony serves as a bridge, connecting us to the firsthand experiences of those who walked with Jesus, and challenges us to consider the implications of their witness in our own lives. [09:12]
1 John 1:1-3 (ESV): "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us."
Reflection: How can you share your own experiences of Jesus' work in your life with someone this week, using your testimony as a bridge to invite them into a deeper understanding of faith?
Day 4: Trusting Without Seeing
Walking by faith involves trusting Jesus' words and promises, even when we cannot see the outcome. The story of the nobleman whose son was healed by Jesus serves as a powerful illustration of this kind of faith. The nobleman was asked to trust Jesus based on the testimony of others, without immediate evidence. His decision to believe and act on Jesus' word, despite the lack of visible proof, mirrors the faith journey we are all invited to embark upon. [27:05]
2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV): "For we walk by faith, not by sight."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you struggle to trust God without seeing the outcome. What is one step you can take today to act on Jesus' promises in this area?
Day 5: Living in the Reality of God's Promises
Living by faith means embracing the reality of a perfect Heavenly Father, trusting in his love and forgiveness, and living as if Jesus' teachings are true. This faith shapes our lives and influences those around us, pointing them to the reality of God. It is not about wishful thinking but about a confident trust in the character and promises of God. This kind of faith has the power to change lives, communities, and even the world. [30:18]
Hebrews 10:23-24 (ESV): "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works."
Reflection: Reflect on how your daily actions reflect your belief in God's promises. What is one practical way you can live out your faith more authentically today, demonstrating trust in God's love and forgiveness?
Quotes
"They have that peace that surpasses, as Paul said, all human comprehension. That means it doesn't even make sense sometimes you wonder if they're in denial but they're not, they just trust God and their story is inspiring and sometimes it's disturbing. In fact for some of you the reason that you're Christians or the reason that you're even curious in becoming a Christian or the reason that you showed up at church today, is because you know one of these kinds of people and you think to yourself, and you wouldn't say this out loud but I'll just say it for you, you think to yourself, you know what I don't have that and I would like to have that, and even if there's nothing to it I would like to have that because it's a lot better than the life I'm living because I don't have any peace, I don't have much confidence." [00:29:41]
"He said faced with my willful blindness, willful blindness, that is I haven't seen but I'm not really looking. I don't know but I haven't really asked the question. There may be something more but I've never explored it. He said, 'Faced with my willful blindness and my arrogance I began a journey.' And he decided to see what could be seen and to try to discover what could be discovered. And in the end he discovered that there was something to the claims of Christ. In fact the claims of Jesus is found in the Gospels were so compelling, he became a Christian." [05:01:23]
"John and Peter and James and Bartholomew and all the rest they did not follow Jesus because of faith. And he would caution you and he would caution me and he would caution all of us against just following Jesus because of faith, we don't follow because of faith. They followed because of what they actually saw and they followed because of what they actually heard. And he encourages the readers of his account of the life of Jesus in the same way. He said I want you to believe and I want you to place your faith in Jesus because of what I've seen and what I have heard." [06:47:06]
"Jesus performed many other signs, he did a whole lot of others, and a lot of things in the presence of his disciples which are not recorded in this book. And this doesn't refer to the Bible this refers to this document, this first century document we call the Gospel of John. John would in another place say I'm telling you that Jesus did so many things, and said so many things there's no way to cram all that into one document but these things the ones I've included, but these are written that you, these aren't written just so that you would know, these are written so that you would believe." [09:33:49]
"Jesus asked this nobleman to trust him based on the testimony of other people. He asked him to entrust his son to him based on the stories told about him. And Jesus turns to the nobleman and he says, 'Go.' Go, in fact the Greek text if you teased it out, it carries this idea go on about your business, 'Just go on and don't hurry, and there's no need to worry, just go, I'm not coming but you have nothing to worry about.' Go, he said your son will live." [21:34:26]
"This is where we all live right here, this is where we live. This is why this is so brilliant these aren't random acts of kindness this is Jesus painting a picture and laying a path. Again, that men and women will be walking in for 2000 years it's the path that many of you have walked, are walking or perhaps will walk in the future. This story is a lifetime reduced to a day. This is your lifetime and my lifetime reduced to a day. We are asked to take Jesus at his word based on the word of other people." [23:23:40]
"And he exhales and he makes his decision, a decision that people have been making for 2,000 years. This is not an exaggeration, it's a decision that changes the trajectory of a life and perhaps could change the trajectory of your life. He decided to believe Jesus and to live as if what Jesus said was true even though there was no evidence yet. The text continues he says this, the man believed the word Jesus spoke to him. And then here's the most important part. And then he behaved as if what Jesus said could be trusted, and he departed for home." [26:32:49]
"Walking by faith is living every single day of your life as if Jesus is who Jesus claimed to be. Walking by faith is living every single day of your life as if what Jesus said is true. It's walking and living every single day of your life as if God really is your heavenly Father because Jesus said when you pray, you address him as your father. Whenever you're confused about God think perfect Heavenly Father. Whenever things don't seem to go the way you think they should go, just remember perfect Heavenly Father." [30:18:11]
"To walk by faith is to live with the confidence that God is who he claimed to be as revealed to us by the son. Because one day they're gonna get so frustrated with Jesus Philip's gonna say, 'Okay, okay, okay, look, you're going way over my head, just show us the Father.' And Jesus will say, 'If you've seen me, you've seen the father. If you wanna know what God is like, pay attention to what I'm like.' And for those of you who've been Christians a long time do you know what it means to walk by faith?" [32:47:43]
"To walk by faith is to live with the confidence that your faith and your sacrifice and your commitment and your generosity are not in vain, because they are anchored to something real and someone real. It's living and walking by faith that causes someone like a Francis Collins to pay attention to pause and to wonder. It's your walking by faith, living as if God is who God claims to be and who Jesus said he is. It's your life and your lifestyle that causes people to pause and to wonder and it has been this way since the very, very beginning." [33:44:36]
"Blessed are those who in the future will believe based on to his disciples, your testimonies, because of what you have seen and what you have heard ain't that amazing? John would remind us, Okay I'm not special I'm just a bystander. But I thought it was important for me to document what I heard and document what I saw so that you could embrace Jesus the way I did not because you saw what I saw or heard what I heard but because I'm telling you what I saw and what I heard." [34:57:20]
"These things are written, the reason I chose these particular incidents, the reason I chose these particular conversations these things are written that you may believe. I don't want you to just know something I want you to do something. I want you to respond the way I responded when I saw what I saw and I heard what I heard. These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and that by believing you may have life in his name." [36:06:41]
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