The Work Of Faith: Believing In Jesus Series

The Work of Faith: Believing in Jesus

Introduction:

Welcome the congregation warmly and introduce the key verse: John 6:29 (NLT) - "Jesus told them, 'This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.'"

Set the stage by explaining the context of this verse, which is part of Jesus' dialogue with the crowd after the feeding of the 5,000.

Point 1: The Simplicity of Faith

Illustration: Share a story or anecdote illustrating the power of simplicity, like a child's unwavering trust in their parent's promise.

Scripture: Read John 6:29 - "This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent."

Exposition:

Explain the profound simplicity of faith as highlighted by Jesus. Believing in Him is the central and most crucial work that God requires from us.

Emphasize that faith is not about our efforts to earn salvation but about trust and reliance on the finished work of Jesus on the cross.

Point 2: The Nature of Belief

Illustration: Use the example of a chair. Explain how belief in the chair involves not just acknowledging its existence but actually sitting in it, trusting it to hold you up.

Scripture: Reference James 2:19 (NLT) - "You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror."

Exposition:

Discuss the difference between mere intellectual belief and genuine, life-transforming faith in Jesus.

Challenge the congregation to examine their own belief in Jesus and whether it's a living, active faith that affects their daily lives.

Point 3: The Fruit of Faith

Illustration: Share a personal testimony or a story of someone whose life was profoundly transformed by faith in Jesus.

Scripture: Reference Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) - "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

Exposition:

Highlight the transformative power of faith in producing the fruit of the Spirit in believers' lives.

Encourage the congregation to actively live out their faith by displaying these characteristics in their interactions with others.

Conclusion:

Summarize the key points, emphasizing the simplicity and importance of believing in Jesus.

Challenge the congregation to prioritize their faith in Jesus above all other works and to let that faith produce the fruit of the Spirit in their lives.

Invite those who may not yet believe in Jesus to take that step of faith and experience the life-transforming power of trusting in Him.

Closing Quote:

"Believing in Jesus is not just an intellectual exercise; it's a life-altering decision. It's the one work that God desires from us, and it leads to a life filled with the fruit of the Spirit. Let us live lives that reflect our unwavering trust in the One God has sent." - Dean Courtier