CORE STRENGTH - PART TWO

WE LIVE BY FAITH

I. Introduction

a. Series introduction and recap

b. Foundation scripture (Habakkuk 2:2 )

Habakkuk 2:2 (ESV)

2 And the Lord answered me:

“Write the vision;

make it plain on tablets,

so he may run who reads it.

c. What does a young adult at the Bridge look like? What sets us apart? Who has God called us to be?

II. We Live by Faith

a. What is faith? (Hebrews 11:1-3)

Hebrews 11:1–3 (ESV)

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

b. Living by faith reveals the righteousness of God (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.”

c. Living by faith is living with vision (Habakkuk 2:3-4)

Habakkuk 2:3–4 (ESV)

3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time;

it hastens to the end—it will not lie.

If it seems slow, wait for it;

it will surely come; it will not delay.

4 “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him,

but the righteous shall live by his faith.

d. Living by faith pleases God (Hebrews 11:6)

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.

e. Living by faith brings God’s reward (Hebrews 11:6)

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.

i. Believe that He exists (James 2:19)

James 2:19 (ESV)

19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!

ii. Believe that He rewards (Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 6:33)

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.

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

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

III. Believe, Speak, Do

a. What you believe is foundational to a life lived by faith (Galatians 2:20)

Galatians 2:20 (ESV)

20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

i. Believe that He can do it

ii. Believe that He will do it

iii. Believe that He can and will do it for you

b. What you say builds the structure of your faith (Mark 11:22-24)

Mark 11:22–24 (ESV)

22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

i. Don’t say anything stupid (Proverbs 30:32 ); video clip

Proverbs 30:32 (ESV)

32 If you have been foolish, exalting yourself,

or if you have been devising evil,

put your hand on your mouth.

ii. If you change what you think, you’ll change what you say (Luke 6:45)

Luke 6:45 (ESV)

45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

c. Living by faith requires action (James 2:14)

James 2:14 (ESV)

14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?

i. What is God telling you to believe? (Romans 10:17)

Romans 10:17 (ESV)

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

ii. What are you saying about it? (2 Corinthians 4:13-14)

2 Corinthians 4:13–14 (ESV)

13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.

iii. What are you doing about it? (James 2:17-18; James 2:20-24)

James 2:17–18 (ESV)

17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

James 2:20–24 (ESV)

20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

IV. Conclusion

a. Living by faith requires putting the Word of God first place (Bible reading plan QR code)

i. Don’t neglect the Word in building your faith

ii. The Word must be the foundation of your faith

iii. Knowing the Word reveals Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2)

Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)

2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

b. Call to action

i. Where are you engaging your faith?

ii. Write it down; confess it; live it