Living out our Faith

Faith Engagement: The Journey Beyond Belief

Summary: This theme explores the transformative nature of faith, emphasizing that it's not just a belief system but a dynamic journey that influences our perspectives and actions. For teens, this means recognizing that faith involves ongoing growth, questions, and engagement with their beliefs, rather than a one-time commitment.

Application: This sermon seeks to help teens understand that faith invites exploration, doubt, and engagement with life’s challenging questions. It encourages them to ask tough questions about their faith and seek answers, empowering them to deepen their relationship with God. Living out faith means embracing their doubts, discussing them openly, and finding support within their faith community.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that faith is a living, growing experience, not a static state. It encourages teens to embrace their questions and understand that struggling with their faith can lead to deeper insights and stronger convictions. They are shown that it is okay to wrestle with doubts as part of their spiritual journey.

How this passage could point to Christ: This theme illustrates how Christ built relationships with those who questioned Him, welcomed seekers, and engaged with those wrestling with their beliefs. He modeled the importance of faith that evolves and grows through experiences and relationships, providing a template for teens to follow.

Big Idea: Faith is not a destination but an ongoing journey of exploration, questioning, and growth that invites teens to actively engage and wrestle with their beliefs in their daily lives.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon utilizing Logos, consider studying works focused on the concept of faith as a journey, including Biblical examples of individuals who questioned their faith. Explore resources that discuss the interplay between faith and doubt, especially in youth ministry contexts, which may help you address the unique challenges teens face in their faith development. Look into commentaries that analyze Christ’s interactions with skeptics to better illustrate your points.

1. Step Into The Storm

Matthew 14:22–33 ESV

22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Maybe you can highlight how Peter's venture onto the water is symbolic of stepping out in faith amidst uncertainty and doubt. Emphasize that Jesus' presence signifies His readiness to catch us when we falter. Encourage teens to embrace risky steps in their faith journey, knowing Jesus will not let them sink. This point could illustrate that courage in faith involves stepping into unknown territories while trusting in Christ's strength.

2. Wrestle and Be Renewed

Genesis 32:24–30 ESV

24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.”

You might delve into how Jacob wrestling with God represents the struggles and doubts within a faith journey. Suggest that wrestling with difficult questions and doubts can lead to personal transformation, as seen in Jacob's new identity as Israel. Encourage teens to view their faith battles as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks, knowing that God welcomes their questions and struggles.

3. Honest Doubt, Genuine Faith

Mark 9:20–24 ESV

20 And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “ ‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

Consider focusing on the father’s plea to Jesus, "I believe; help my unbelief," as an example of admitting doubt while striving for faith. This shows that acknowledging our questions can coexist with faith. Encourage teens to express their doubts openly as a step towards deeper understanding. This point can affirm that Jesus meets us where we are, responding compassionately to our cries for help in belief.