Sermon Central
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Faith Is ...
Contributed by Syed Ibn Syed on Apr 5, 2016 (message contributor)
Summary: Three Characteristics of Faith
Sermon on Faith
“We need only a teeny weeny bit of it
Yet, sometimes we don’t seem to have enough
It doesn’t just see the obvious but takes hold of the unthinkable
Sometimes it defies logic yet it’s not blind
The courageous love it, the weak shun it,
The intellectuals question it, the simple go through with it
It’s a choice, it’s a gift, it’s all that is needed to walk with Him
It sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible
It is dead to doubts, dumb to discouragements and blind to impossibilities
It can move mountains but without it, it’s not possible to please God at all"
Yes ! It is Faith
The topic of my Sermon this morning is Faith
What is Faith? – Oh we don’t need to look elsewhere, Our definition is right here in the Bible
Text Hebrews 11:1
“ Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for”
This is a complex definition that we need to further explain
The words “Confidence” and “ Assurance” are very complex words that are difficult to translate in English.
“Confidence” – Gr. “Hypostasis” – which actually means the underlying thing or more like a foundation.
Faith is like the foundation on which we build all our hopes.
Another translation of this verse, “In faith things hoped for become a reality”
Oswald Chambers – “Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time.”
“Assurance” – Gr. “Elengkhos” – which actually means a legal document which is given as a means of assurance – a deed which is given to us.
Faith is like this deed that is given through which we can see that we haven’t seen so far.
Chronological listing of the OT saints who acted in this Faith.
So what does this Faith look like in our lives? How do we identify if we are walking by Faith, whether we are walking in this Confidence and Assurance?
Illustration: Story of a Mountaineer
Here are 3 simple characteristics of this Faith.
1. Faith Steps out and Never Backs out
Repeat: “Faith is stepping out & not Backing out”
Faith will always put the first step out
Remember the story of Joshua
Text: Joshua 3: 9-17
V.8 says God commanded the priests to go and stand in the River
V.15 says, Jordan is at the flood stage during harvest
Who in the right mind would go and stand in the river when it is flooded?
But Faith … Faith always Steps out never backs out
“Faith is confidence in the veracity of what God has said.”
Are we certain of what God has told us …?
Faith always takes the first step …
First Step is always the hardest …
To step into the flood waters, knowing what the outcome will be but believing in God for the otherwise
V.29 : Jesus asked Peter to come and he came walking on water.
Many criticize Peter for sinking but the story here is of Faith.
Of Peter walking on water in Faith and when there is trouble Jesus saves Him
“Walking on water has nothing to do with water. It has everything to do with faith and faith has everything to do with hearing God’s voice.”
Both these incidents there is water …. Either it stopped flowing or stopped being what it was supposed to be
When God gives us the word and we step out in faith in obedience, then there is a miracle that happens
Joni Erickson Tada – “Faith isn’t the ability to believe long and far into the misty future. It’s simply taking God at His Word and taking the next step.”
Frequently remind yourself that God is with you and He will take care of you and never fail you and can count upon Him always. That is the one that gives us the confidence and Faith
Repeat : God is with me, He will never fail me, I can count on Him always, He is helping me right now to take the first step
Repeat : I will step out in Faith & not Back out
2. Faith Breaks out and Never Freaks out
Repeat: “Faith is Breaking out & not freaking out”
Daniel 3: 16 – 18 : The three young men & the Furnace
If there was ever a time for them to freak out, it was now
Standing in front of the blazing furnace yet unfazed.
Andrew Murray – “Faith expects from God what is beyond all expectation.”
7 times hot, instant death for anyone who come even near it, yet, their assurance and confidence in God remained unwavered. That is Faith!
