Explore the transformative power of faith, especially during trials, and encourage believers to live righteously and dare to believe, even in challenging circumstances.
Good morning, Church Family! Today, we're going to talk about something that resonates with us all, and that's the power of faith in trials, living right side up, and daring to believe. Our conversation is centered on Hebrews 9:11-14 and Philippians 2:12-13.
Hebrews 9:11-14 says,
"But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!"
And, Philippians 2:12-13 says,
"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."
These passages remind us of the deep, transformative power of faith. And in the words of C.S. Lewis, "Relying on God has to start all over every day as if nothing has yet been done."
Let us pray.
Dear Lord, we ask for Your guidance as we delve into Your Word today. Help us to not only hear but understand and apply Your teachings in our lives. Strengthen our faith, especially during trials, and help us to live right side up in a world that often feels upside down. Teach us to dare to believe, even when circumstances seem bleak. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Now, let's dive in.
The power of faith in trials speaks to the strength and resilience that can be found in our belief in God, even when we are faced with the most challenging circumstances. Trials, as we know, are an inevitable part of life. They come in various forms - illness, loss, disappointment, failure - and they test our faith in ways that nothing else can. Yet, it is in these moments of trials that the power of faith truly shines.
Job: The Bible is replete with stories of individuals who faced immense trials, yet their faith remained unshaken. Consider Job, who lost everything he had, yet he did not curse God. Instead, he said, "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised" (Job 1:21). His faith in God was not dependent on his circumstances, but rather on his understanding of God's sovereignty and goodness. This is the power of faith in trials - it enables us to see beyond our immediate circumstances and to trust in God's greater plan.
A sense of hope: Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." When we are in the midst of a trial, it can be difficult to see beyond the pain and the hardship. Yet, faith gives us the confidence to hope for a better future and to believe that God can and will bring good out of our trials. This hope is not wishful thinking, but a firm assurance based on the character and promises of God.
A transformative power: It shapes us, molds us, and refines us into the image of Christ. James 1:2-4 tells us to "consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Trials, therefore, are not just difficulties to be endured, but opportunities for growth and maturity.
Not something that we can muster up on our own: It is a gift from God, who "works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose" (Philippians 2:13). It is God who gives us the strength to endure, the hope to believe, and the grace to grow through our trials. Our part is to trust in Him, to lean on Him, and to allow Him to work in and through us.
Living right side up in a world that often feels upside down is about aligning our lives with the teachings of Jesus Christ, despite the pressures and temptations of the secular world that often pull us in the opposite direction ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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