Firsthand Faith - Part 3

Introduction

Illustration: K-State Student

Firsthand Faith does not just introduce you to the presence and power of God—but also the difficulties of living for God.

So often, when the church preaches about faith, we focus on the miracles, the supernatural, the signs and wonders.

But Faith, real faith, leads you to the road less traveled.

Text

Matthew 7:13–14 ESV

13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Matthew 7:13–14 The Message

13 “Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. 14 The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.

The way of God is hard.

Jesus said:

John 15:20–21 ESV

20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.

Firsthand faith leads you to face, to confront, to live through the hard places, the dark valleys, the deserts.

Pain

Physical

Emotional

Spiritual (warfare)

Doubt

Questioning your calling

Questioning God’s Word

Questioning your salvation

Fear

Losing control of your future

Conflict

When God said no - or when He calls you to do something you don’t want to do.

Living in the margins

Loneliness

Firsthand faith can be a lonely place.

When Jesus suffered and died, there were not many of His followers sticking around.

Transition

How do we live by faith when we face pain, doubt, fear, and loneliness?

John 15:4–5 ESV

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Trust

Commune (relationship)

Obey

John 15:8 ESV

8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

The evidence of your faith—the results of your steadfast obedience to God—brings glory to God.

This is an act of worship.

And there is a promise:

John 15:11 ESV

11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.