Firsthand Faith Part 2

Introduction

Illustration: Gossip

Issue: Rumors of God, example: Proof Texting

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:12–13 ESV

12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

We need to exchange rumors of God for Firsthand Faith in God.

Look at the Doxology in the Book of Romans

Text

Romans 16:25–27 ESV

25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Notes

Firsthand faith is God-focused.

It is not a faith that centers on one’s own plans, hopes, and desires.

Self-centered faith foolishly attempts to manipulate the Sovereign God of the Universe.

Firsthand faith is God-focused.

Jesus said:

Matthew 6:33 ESV

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Seeking God with all our hearts is the faith that God wants us to activate in our lives.

Firsthand faith is nurtured through revelation.

Firsthand faith is rooted and growing through the revelation of God.

At the heart of God’s revelation are the words (teachings and example) of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 10:17 ESV

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

Revelation is critical to one’s faith.

General Revelation

Romans 1:19–20 ESV

19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

General revelation is the revealing of God in Creation.

Special Revelation

The Word of God

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Gifts of the Spirit—always consistent and confirmed by God’s Word.

Dreams, visions, and other manifestations — again, always consistent and confirmed by God’s Word.

When your faith is nurtured by God’s revelation, your faith is in the gravitational pull of God’s Will.

Alignment with God’s will ushers you in to firsthand faith.

A faith that is absent from revelation is a faith that is driven by emotions and personal ambitions. It becomes a faith that diminishes and drifts into doubt and fear.

Firsthand faith is exercised with obedience.

Firsthand faith is more than a thought or an emotion—it is action—it is the activity of doing the will of God.

1 Peter 1:13 ESV

13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

This firsthand faith-in-action is focused on past, present, and future revelation of Jesus Christ.

We obey out of love for God—and that obedience is evidence of Firsthand Faith:

A faith that saves.

A faith that is empowered.

A faith that follows the will of God.

A faith that loves people.

A faith that is generous.

Firsthand faith glorifies God.

The doxology concludes with the ultimate aim of firsthand faith:

Romans 16:27 ESV

27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Firsthand faith glorifies God.

People can develop faith for anything—even those things that seem right.

Faith in rituals and religion.

Faith in self or a person, or an object.

But the faith that saves souls, and moves mountains, and experiences the power of God maintains a pen-point focus on God and His glory.

There is no room for selfish faith.

The faith I am talking about is what Jesus said:

Matthew 16:24 ESV

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Conclusion

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.

We don’t need counterfeit faith—nor self-centered faith—nor water-down faith.

We need firsthand faith that personally trusts in God through His Son Jesus Christ.