The Playbook of Faith

Introduction

In the age of coronavirus, racial strife, suspicion of authority, anti-Christian rhetoric, economic stress—how is your spiritual health? How are you doing spiritually and emotionally right now?

I think for many people, “confusion” describes many of us right now.

We are confused as to what to say and who to say it too.

We are confused as to who are friends are and those who are a threat to your livelihood.

We are confused as to how we journey through all the stress, and challenges, and issues.

We are confused because everything seems to be a contradiction.

Maybe because of our perceived lack of popularity, or positional authority in the corridors of power and influence, we might be tempted to be ashamed of the Christian message.

But in Christ there is nothing to be ashamed of!

Text: Romans 1:16-17

Romans 1:16–17 ESV

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Theme

As a Christ-follower you do not need to live in confusion or shame—but in the power of God.

Today I want to open up to you The Playbook of Faith—where you can access and experience the power of God.

And the first page of that playbook begins with a warning (caution).

Recently I purchased a wall-hung desk—which need to be put together.

There were three things that I needed to properly build this desk:

I needed all the parts.

I needed the right tools.

I needed the instructions (show the instructions).

In the instruction manual there is a warning: “Read the instruction first.”

What are the instructions for faith?

Faith is more than an Emotion

Faith is not just a feeling.

Feelings, emotions do not necessarily lead us in the right direction.

Presently we are living in an emotionally-driven culture. “What feels good, do it!”

Even among professing Christians we validate our actions oftentimes by our feelings. If we feel happy, then it must be right.

The Scripture instructs us that faith is rooted in something beyond feelings.

Romans 10:17 ESV

17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Faith is Founded in the Scriptures

The Word of God informs our faith—it defines faith.

The Word of God builds our faith.

The Word of God reveals how faith works.

The Word of God illuminates how our faith interacts with God and His grace.

Hebrews 11:6 ESV

6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Faith Honors God

Without faith—without trusting in God—we can’t please Him.

With faith, we demonstrate our belief in Him

In His existence.

In His blessings.

Conclusion

Romans 1:16–17 ESV

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Righteousness means being in right standing with God—living by faith from start to finish.

The life of faith is all-encompassing: it is by faith that one initially receives the gift of salvation (eternal life), but it is also by faith that one lives each day.

Salvation

Trusting in God each day