Untitled Sermon

faith

Stepping Into the Unknown: Walking Faithfully with God

Bible Passage:

2 Corinthians 5:7

,

Hebrews 11:1–12:3

Summary:

These passages emphasize that living by faith is essential for believers, illustrating how faith guides our actions and perspectives, assuring us of God’s promises even when outcomes are uncertain.

Application:

This sermon can encourage Christians to trust in God's promises amidst life's uncertainties, reminding them that their faith provides a solid foundation as they navigate challenges, difficult decisions, or transitions in life.

Teaching:

The sermon could teach that faith is not simply blind belief; rather, it is an informed trust in God's character and faithfulness, which empowers believers to live boldly and obediently.

How this passage could point to Christ:

Christ embodies the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, providing assurance that our faith is not misplaced as we walk in obedience and hope, reflecting His example of complete trust in the Father.

Big Idea:

Believers are called to walk by faith, confidently trusting in God's promises and character even when they cannot see the outcomes, just as the heroes of faith did before us.

Recommended Study:

As you prepare, consider using Logos to explore the historical context and audience of Hebrews to deepen your understanding of their challenges with faith. Investigate specific examples of faith from the Old Testament cited in

Hebrews 11

and examine the theological implications of faith in action. This may help clarify how contemporary believers can practically apply these concepts.

1. Walk With Assurance

2 Corinthians 5:7

You could explore how walking by faith, as defined in

2 Corinthians 5:7

, is a deliberate trust in God's promises even when circumstances seem unknowable. This passage suggests that true Christian living involves reliance on God's character and promises rather than the visible and immediate evidence before us. Encouraging congregants to 'walk by faith, not by sight' can empower them to take bold steps in obedience, trusting that God is guiding their path, as Christ himself did in his earthly ministry.

2. Foundation of Faith

Hebrews 11:1-3

Perhaps you could focus on how these verses define faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. These concepts provide a foundation for understanding how the faithful mentioned later in Hebrews live by trust in God's future fulfillment. This section encourages believers to embrace a faith that transforms their understanding of present challenges and empowers them to see beyond the visible to the divine assurances underpinning their lives.

3. Heroes’ Holy Example

Hebrews 11:4–12:3

Consider highlighting the stories of faith in this passage, showing how the 'heroes of faith' lived exemplary lives by trusting in God's promises. You could emphasize how their faith often defied logic and sight, paralleling the ultimate faith seen in Jesus as expressed in

Hebrews 12:1-3

. This can inspire congregants to persistently follow Christ's example, trusting that like Him, they can endure and thrive in righteousness through faith.

A ship captain once faced a dark storm at sea. As the winds howled and waves crashed, he had to rely on his knowledge and training rather than succumbing to fear. He trusted the ship's structure, his crew, and IHL that they would navigate through the tempest. In the same way, walking by faith means relying on God’s promises, knowing He will carry us through life’s storms, even when we cannot see the shore.

In the 1930s, many doubted the feasibility of flying across the Atlantic Ocean. Yet, aviators like Charles Lindbergh had faith in their planes and their ability. On May 20, 1927, he took off in a single-engine monoplane to prove that faith in innovation was possible. Like Lindbergh, we must take God at His word, believing that He can help us achieve what seems impossible.

In the Bible, Abraham is renowned for his faith. At 75, he left his homeland based on God’s promise of a future home and heirs. He did not see the end result immediately but trusted completely in God. This illustrates how walking by faith is not a blind leap but a trust-filled journey, following God’s direction even amidst uncertainty.

Imagine a father at a park with a toddler on a swing. The child looks frightened to swing higher, but the dad reassures him with gentle words. The child takes a deep breath and begins to swing, trusting his father’s promise that he will be safe. This simple act reflects how we are called to trust in God’s assurances, knowing He is always holding us securely, despite our fears.

The story of Peter walking on water is a profound illustration of faith. When Jesus called him to step out, Peter had to trust that even the laws of nature were superseded by faith in Christ’s power. As long as he focused on Jesus, he walked on water. But when doubt crept in, he began to sink. Faith is not irrational; it is a conscious decision to keep our eyes on Christ and His promises.

What does it mean to 'walk by faith and not by sight' as described in 2 Corinthians 5:7?

Can you think of a time when you had to trust God in a situation where you couldn't see the outcome?

How can the examples of faith from Hebrews 11 inspire us to trust in God's promises today?

How does Hebrews 11:1 define faith?

What are some practical ways we can live out our faith in daily life, as taught in this sermon?

In your home, you might be feeling the strain of moral decay impacting family relationships. With constant distractions like social media and negative influences from outside, it can be hard to maintain a strong spiritual foundation. To apply walking by faith, set aside a family night each week where everyone shares their struggles and triumphs in faith. Use this time to pray together, study Scripture, and encourage each other. This will help create an environment where faith is actively lived out and where you can support one another amidst external pressures.

As a teen entering the workforce, you face challenges like peer pressure and ethical dilemmas that test your faith. When confronted with situations where colleagues push you toward compromising values, remember to stand firm. Take small steps by seeking guidance in prayer before making decisions. Additionally, look for a mentor—perhaps a more experienced colleague or a church leader—who can provide you with biblical insights on navigating workplace challenges. This will help you grow spiritually and give you confidence to be a light in your environment.

In public life, adults often encounter the push towards post-modern views that challenge traditional beliefs. You may feel overwhelmed by societal changes or disheartened by constant negativity in the news. A practical step is to engage in purposeful community service. Choose a local charity or outreach program and commit to volunteering regularly. This will not only anchor you in faith but also remind you of God’s goodness as you serve others. Sharing the hope of Christ through action in these spaces reinforces your identity and purpose in the face of societal decay.

As a teenager, navigating public life means encountering a multitude of opinions that clash with your faith, from social media to school discussions. If you find yourself feeling pressured to conform or silence your beliefs, here’s a solution: start a 'Faith and Life' club at school where students can openly discuss their challenges and support one another. Host monthly discussions or invite guest speakers who can speak about faith in today's context. This safe space will fortify your walk with faith, fostering courage to express your beliefs in a world that often rejects them.

In the workplace, you may feel the weight of moral decay as colleagues may engage in gossip or unethical behaviors. If you're struggling to maintain your integrity or feeling isolated in your beliefs, consider joining or initiating a 'Faith at Work' group. Meet once a month to read scripture and discuss real-life applications in a professional context. Sharing experiences with like-minded colleagues can provide encouragement and accountability, empowering you to walk by faith and influence your workplace positively in a time when many feel adrift.

At home, you might be facing challenges with your spouse or children due to the pressures of modern life and values that conflict with your faith. To walk by faith in this environment, initiate a devotional time as a family, where everyone shares their insights from personal Bible readings. This shared experience can help strengthen your bonds and create a culture of faith at home. It’s an avenue to address the moral challenges you’re facing as a family and encourages open discussions about faith and values.

Entering the workforce as a teen, you might encounter situations where you feel pressured to go along with the crowd, especially if it involves unethical actions. One way to apply walking by faith is to carry a small reminder, like a Bible verse or a bracelet with a Christian symbol, that you can look at during tough situations. This small act can help you recall your values and give you the strength to stand firm in your beliefs, making it easier to decline pressure without compromising your integrity.

As adults, interacting in the public sphere often involves grappling with the moral and ethical implications of our choices, especially in a highly polarized environment. To walk by faith, become part of community discussions or forums that focus on faith-based solutions to societal issues. Attend local town hall meetings or community events and speak openly about how your faith influences your perspective on local problems. This engagement can show others that faith is relevant and necessary in discourse about morality and community development.

For teens, participating in public life can mean navigating social justice issues that challenge your beliefs. If you are passionate about causes like climate change or community service but feel conflicted about the secular narratives surrounding them, consider volunteering with a Christian organization that aligns with these values. This way, you can actively contribute to meaningful change while grounding your actions in faith. Share your experience on social media to show how faith can intersect with important societal issues, inspiring others to consider the role of faith in activism.

At work, you might feel the fatigue of continually facing ethical compromises and witnessing moral decay among colleagues. Combat this by starting a prayer network with colleagues who share your faith. Set a designated time each week for those interested to gather and lift up workplace issues in prayer. Bringing God into your work environment can transform your physical space into one where faith and integrity thrive. This collective accountability helps all participants to remain steadfast in their values, fostering a work culture rooted in faith.

Great men rejoice in adversity just as brave soldiers triumph in war. So 2 Corinthians 7:4:— “I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.”

Lucius Annaeus Seneca (Roman Moralist and Tragic Poet)

When we pray by faith, we start seeing things from the divine perspective. Faith enables us to see the invisible. Faith treats as present and accomplished that which God will do in the future. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Warren W. Wiersbe