Faith Transforms How We Love Series

### **INTRODUCTION: Love Is the Mark of Mature Faith**

Video Ill.: Sermon Bumper 4

Over the past few weeks, we have been exploring what it truly means to have a transformative faith—a faith that goes beyond belief and actually reshapes our lives.

In week one, we talked about how faith changes the way we respond to the world. It is easy to claim belief in God, but true faith shows up in how we treat others—how we handle frustration, conflict, and pain. We looked at how our reactions reveal the presence of Christ within us—or the absence of transformation.

In week two, we focused on how faith gives us a new purpose. We are not just here to sit in pews and attend services. God created each of us with unique gifts and a calling to serve. We learned that the church is not an event to attend; it is a mission to live.

Last week, we were challenged to remember that faith is not about having all the right answers or a flawless record. Faith is about seeking God daily, surrendering to His work in us, and walking faithfully—even when the path is unclear. Transformation does not happen in an instant, but when Christ truly lives in us, it is inevitable.

This morning, we take the next step. Faith is so much more than believing God exists, attending church each Sunday, having Bible knowledge, or living with good intentions.

Real faith is meant to lead us somewhere—and that destination is love.

Someone has once said that: “Faith is the seed, but love is the fruit.”

In his letter to the church, Peter explained how the mustard seed of faith should grow into something so much more — the faith journey that we should be traveling. Follow along as we read from 2 Peter 1:

3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. 4 Through these He has given us His very great an precious promises, so that through them you || may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to your goodness, knowledge; 6 and to your knowledge, self-control; and to || self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your || knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But anyone who does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that He has been cleaned from His past sins. (2 Peter 1, NIV1984)

As we discussed last week, a change must happen in our lives. But according to Peter, God has already given us everything we need to live that life.

We are called to grow—step by step—into the person God created us to be.

We start with faith. But we do not stop there. Faith is not the end of our spiritual journey.

Faith ? Goodness ? Knowledge ? Self-Control ? Perseverance ? Godliness ? Brotherly Kindness ? Love.

Faith starts the journey. But love is how we know we have reached maturity.

So this morning, the question is not just “Do I have faith?”

The question is: Is my faith growing? Is it bearing fruit? Is it becoming love?

Let us look at what this love looks like in action—and what it means for our walk with Christ.

### **1: Faith Is the Foundation, Not the Finish Line**

I think we would all agree that faith is essential to our spiritual lives. The writer of Hebrews makes that crystal clear, reminding us that without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).

But as essential as faith is, it is only the beginning.

Faith alone is not the end goal of the Christian life. It is the starting line.

Peter says it plainly in 2 Peter 1:5:

5 …[M]ake every effort to add to your faith…. (2 Peter 1, NIV1984)

We are not called to stand still—we are called to move. The Christian life is not passive—it is a race, a journey, a pursuit.

We are at the starting blocks of race. And when the pistol fires… we need to run.

### **Illustration: The Runner Who Never Took Off**

Imagine this: a packed stadium. The crowd is buzzing with anticipation. Runners are in position, crouched at the starting blocks of a championship race. The official raises the starting pistol and—**BANG!**—the gun fires.

But one runner just stays there.

He stands up slowly, brushes off his uniform, maybe waves to the crowd. He adjusts his shoes, glances around… but never moves forward. Meanwhile, the others are halfway down the track.