What does belief look like?

I. Introduction

John 4:43-54

Review

Samaria v. 39-42

To Galilee

v. 43-45

v. 44 - Matthew 13:53-58

BELIEVE

John 20:30–31 NASB95

30 Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

II. The official’s request

v. 46-49

Royal official - Herod Antipas

III. The official’s response

v. 50

John 20:29 NASB95

29 Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”

IV. The official’s realization

v. 51-54

V. Conclusion

What does true faith look like? What does it mean to believe.

Faith endures to the end...

Matthew 10:16-22

Matthew 24:4-13

I’ve talked with a number of individuals who claim to be Christians, and when you ask them how they know Jesus Christ has saved them, they point to a past decision. As you continue to talk with them, there’s no evidence in their lives they are indeed believers, but they’re holding on to some experiences in their past. They base their hope on the words of a prayer or a religious experience from the past. Authentic faith always continues. It doesn’t stop. It doesn’t give up. It doesn’t turn away. Genuine believers will continue to follow Jesus Christ.

Exalting Jesus in John (Authentic Faith Is Not a Single Decision but a Growing Dependence)

We can think of faith in Jesus Christ the way we think about marriage. If an acquaintance were to ask me if I was married, I would say yes. If he asked me how I knew I was married, I might mention my wedding ceremony years ago. He could respond, “I know a lot of people who had a wedding ceremony but who aren’t married.” So how do I know I’m married? Is it because of the piece of paper I received years ago from a county clerk? Is it because of some photos in an album? Is it because I’m wearing a ring? Those all testify to a past event and remind me I had a wedding. But the real way I know I’m married is because I go home each night to my wife. She gives me a kiss, we spend the evening wrangling kids together, collapse into bed, and wake up to start again the next day. I know I’m married because every day I live out my marriage.

Exalting Jesus in John (Authentic Faith Is Not a Single Decision but a Growing Dependence)