Preaching on Faith in God - Trusting the Unseen
Introduction:
• We begin with Hebrews 6:1-2, which lists the elementary principles of the doctrine of Christ, including "faith toward God."
• Faith is foundational to our relationship with God.
• We'll explore what faith is, why it's essential, and how it manifests in our lives.
I. Defining Faith:
• Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
◦ Greek: pistis (πίστις) - Trust, confidence.
◦ Hebrew: emunah (אֱמוּנָה) - Steadfastness, faithfulness.
◦ Faith is not blind belief but a confident trust in God's character and promises.
• Hebrews 11:6: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
◦ Faith is essential for a relationship with God.
◦ It involves believing in God's existence and His goodness.
II. God's Provision for Faith:
• Romans 11:32-36:
◦ God's wisdom and knowledge are unfathomable.
◦ He has provided a way for humanity to receive mercy through faith.
◦ God has provided for all of humanity to have the ability to have faith.
• Psalm 19:1-4:
◦ Creation itself testifies to God's glory and power.
◦ The visible world points to the invisible God.
• Romans 1:20:
◦ God’s invisible attributes are clearly seen through creation.
• Isaiah 6:3:
◦ God's glory fills the earth.
• Romans 5:8:
◦ God's love is demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice.
• John 3:16:
◦ God's love is shown through the giving of his son.
• God has provided visible evidence of his power and love, so we can have faith in the unseen.
• God Knew mans fall, and provided a way for man to be redeemed through faith.
III. Faith as Trust:
• Faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep trust in God's character, actions, and promises.
• It involves:
◦ Trusting in who God is.
◦ Trusting in what He has done (especially the cross).
◦ Trusting in what He has promised.
• John 20:29: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
◦ True faith goes beyond physical evidence.
IV. Faith and Unbelief:
• Hebrews 3:12: "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God."
◦ Unbelief is a dangerous rejection of God's truth.
• Romans 14:23: "But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin."
◦ Doubt and unbelief are considered sin.
• Hebrews 12:1-2: "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith."
◦ Jesus is the source and perfect example of faith.
V. Faith and Works:
• Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
◦ Faith leads to good works that glorify God.
• James 2:14-26:
◦ Faith without works is dead.
◦ True faith produces action.
◦ Abraham was justified by works, when he offered Isaac.
• Matthew 5:16: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
◦ Good works, show our faith, and glorify God.
VI. The Nature of God's Revelation:
• Hebrews 1:1-2:
◦ God spoke through the prophets and now speaks through His Son, Jesus.
◦ God's word creates faith.
• Psalm 19:1:
◦ God also speaks through creation.
• The bible does not prove Gods existance, it reveals Gods character.
VII. Application:
• How can we cultivate deeper trust in God?
• How does understanding God's character strengthen our faith?
• What practical steps can we take to live out our faith through good works?
• How can we overcome doubt and unbelief?
• How does the understanding of Jesus, as the author and finisher of our faith, change our walk with God?
- Preaching on Clear Conscience
- Preaching on Christian Profile: The Mirror of Christ
- Preaching on Desires of the sinful nature
Conclusion:
• Faith is essential for a relationship with God.
• God has provided ample evidence of His character and love.
• True faith leads to good works that glorify God.
• We are called to trust in God's promises, and live out our faith daily.
