Faith Produces Hope Expressed As Love

Introduction

Sometimes we Christians can focus too much on knowing what is right, acknowledging or believing what is right, at the expense of doing what is right. And because that is the priority for us, we impose that priority on others if not the rest of the church.

My point is not to say that that is bad, nor is it to say that we should focus solely on doing right and good. I’m saying we need balance. Much of the conflict we see in the church is due to a lack of balance in this area among others.

We need this diversity, not division, in out churches. It’s part of being the body. But what happens with we lose balance? We lose or have a twisted sense of faith, of hope, and of love. So, let’s talk about these things.

What is faith?

The assurance, the support, the sub flooring, that which underlies the apparent. The thing underlying reality. The basis of something. The foundation of things that are expected, anticipated, but have not yet arrived or happened.

The conviction, the sense that is produced when the evidence is presented and persuades everyone involved, including the guilty party.

NET “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see.”

Faith and hope in a sunrise. Seems like a no-brainer. That’s how it can be with God.

Bill Ritchie - “Faith is produced through time and testing.”

What do we do by faith?

People are commended. “Martyr” To be well-testified about. Why? Because God said and they did.

We understand creation. Perceive with thought rather than perceive with senses.

Make offerings. The faith is what makes the offering acceptable, not what is being offered.

Enoch was taken up and didn’t die.

Without it we cannon please God.

What pleases Him?

Drawing near to Him, which requires believing that He exists, and believing that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

We build or do things that make no sense but we do them because God told us to (Noah).

We obey knowing that we won’t see the fulfillment of the promise (Abraham). Jesus is still waiting for the fulfillment of all of the Father’s promises!

The result of time and testing is a new outlook and a new culture. 14-16 describes our mentality, our attitude, our outlook. Doing the right thing while passing through. Old Kung Fu TV show.

This is not only about knowing or believing the right things, but doing the right thing because you know it.

Imaging you’re in a boat and you pass someone who is about to drown. As you see them you think, “I know the right thing. Saving them is the right thing,” but you do nothing.

How can we tell where our faith is?

Luke 12:34–36 ESV

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.

Where is your treasure?

What are you ready for?

How do we get back into balance?

A focus on the gospel keeps our faith inline, our hope alive, and God’s love flowing in and through us.

Romans 10:9–10 ESV

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.