Walking By Faith, Not By Sight Series

"Walking by Faith, Not by Sight"

Introduction:

Greetings, beloved congregation. Today, we gather to explore the profound wisdom of 2 Corinthians 5:7 in the New Living Translation.

Point 1: The Call to Faith

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT) - "For we live by believing and not by seeing."

Illustration:

- Imagine embarking on a journey into the unknown, blindfolded. You must trust the guidance of a reliable friend. Similarly, in our walk of faith, we trust in the guidance of our unchanging God, even when we cannot see the path ahead.

Point 2: The Challenge of Sight

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

Illustration:

- Think of a maze filled with distractions. If we rely solely on our sight, we may be misled by the complexities. But when we trust in the Lord and seek His guidance, He directs us on the right path.

Point 3: The Assurance of Faith

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) - "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."

Illustration:

- Consider a child leaping into the arms of a loving parent, trusting that they will be caught. Our faith in God is like that child's trust. It gives us assurance in the unseen, knowing that God's promises are sure.

Point 4: Navigating Life's Storms

Scripture: Psalm 119:105 (NLT) - "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path."

Illustration:

- Picture a sailor relying on the beam of a lighthouse to navigate treacherous waters. In life's storms, faith becomes our guiding light, leading us safely through challenges.

Conclusion:

2 Corinthians 5:7 teaches us to live by believing, not by seeing. In a world where sight often deceives, our faith in God provides clarity and assurance. As we trust in the Lord with all our hearts and seek His guidance, He lights our path, helping us navigate life's complexities. Let us walk by faith, for in faith, we find hope, direction, and the presence of our unchanging God.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of faith. Help us to trust in You with all our hearts, especially when the path ahead seems unclear. May our faith in You be our guiding light through life's challenges and uncertainties. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.