The Tenacity of True Faith

Introduction

Welcome

Series Introduction:

We started a series a few weeks ago called: The Discovery. It is based on Romans 4:1, “Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God?”

Today we learn Abraham’s third discovery in being made right with God: How important and powerful faith plays a role in being made right.

Title of Message:

The Tenacity of True Faith

Prayer:

In Jesus name, Amen.

Body

Story:

My experience in Ethiopia and the need to hold onto my bag in case anybody tries to steal it.

Application:

Tenacity means holding on to something firmly. In our faith, we must learn to cling to it tightly, as the enemy, life’s challenges, and other distractions will attempt to steal it away.

Matthew 13:18–21 “Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.”

Bible

Context:

Main Passage:

Romans 4:18–22 NLT

Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous.

Transitional Sentence:

We will delve into 3 qualities of what faith really looks like through the life of Abraham.

Points

First quality: Faith doesn’t rely on facts, it trusts in God’s Word.

Explanation:

The facts of science, timeline, and the natural process of having children challenged Abraham’s hope, but despite these obstacles coming against him, Abraham trusted in God's word and continued to hope.

Illustration:

Romans 4:18 “Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!”

Application:

Never allow the facts or even our feelings to be the foundation of our trust. Let it be God’s Word.

Second quality: Faith should neither weaken nor waver but grow stronger, bringing glory to God.

Explanation:

In other words, Abraham wasn’t in need of faith because he was lacking nor did he doubt but his trust in God grew stronger.

Illustration:

Illustration 1: Romans 4:19–20 “And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.”

Illustration 2: A solid box vs. weak paper as a foundation for a cup that represents faith.

Application:

Our faith is strong and grows stronger because the foundation is God and this brings glory to God.

Third Quality: Faith is fully convinced

Explanation:

Abraham was persuaded that God is able to carry out the impossible.

Illustration:

Romans 4:21–22 “He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous.”

Application:

Are we convinced that God is able to accomplish everything he said he would do?

Conclusion

Summary:

3 qualities of what faith really looks like:

Faith doesn’t rely on facts; it trusts in God’s word.

Faith should neither weaken nor waver but grow stronger, bringing glory to God.

Faith is fully convinced.

So what:

Hebrews 11:6 NLT

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

Now what:

Romans 10:17 (NLT)

So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

Prayer:

In Jesus name, Amen!