Faith That Wavers (James 1:6)
This sermon tackles the universal experience of faith that falters, offering profound insights into its common roots. It thoughtfully guides listeners to recognize the subtle ways doubt can creep in and provides clear, biblically grounded paths to cultivate a steady, unwavering trust in God.
This sermon explores the causes of wavering faith, such as human reason, feelings, and negative counsel, and provides guidance on how to build a strong, settled faith rooted in God's Word and His promises.
Overview
The sermon opens by establishing faith as a critical asset in life, directly addressing James 1:6 which warns against doubting. It emphasizes that a wavering faith hinders accomplishment and is not built on feelings or opinions, but on a personal relationship with God and His unchanging Word. The preacher then details several common reasons why faith falters, including reliance on human reason over divine trust, allowing transient feelings to dictate belief, and failing to perceive God's work in difficult circumstances.
Further causes of wavering faith are identified as listening to negative counsel from others, focusing solely on immediate circumstances instead of God's sovereignty, and ignorance of God's ways as revealed in scripture. The sermon also addresses the debilitating effect of unresolved guilt over past sins, reminding listeners of God's complete forgiveness through the cross, and the accusations of Satan that fuel doubt about one's salvation and forgiveness.
To correct wavering faith, the preacher urges listeners to question the source of their doubts, recognizing them as originating from the devil, and to turn directly to the Word of God for truth. He reiterates God's promises to meet all needs and provide the Holy Spirit for enablement. The sermon concludes by highlighting the supreme importance of daily meditation on God's Word and prayer, affirming that this consistent practice is the most assured path to guidance and a strong, unwavering faith.
Key points
- Wavering faith, described in James 1:6, hinders accomplishment and should not be expected to receive anything from the Lord.
- Faith must be built on a personal relationship with God and His Word, not on feelings or human opinions.
- Causes of wavering faith include human reason conflicting with trust, allowing feelings to override faith, and failing to see God at work in difficult circumstances.
- Other causes include listening to negative counsel, focusing on circumstances rather than God, and ignorance of God's ways.
- Guilt over past sins and listening to the devil's lies also contribute to wavering faith, despite God's complete forgiveness.
- To correct wavering faith, one must identify doubts as coming from Satan and turn to God's Word and His promises.
- Spending time daily in God's Word and in prayer is the most important way to grow strong, unwavering faith and receive guidance.
In Charles Stanley's words
“You either go by your feelings or your faith.”
“The most important thing in a believer's life is the time they spend meditating upon the Word of God and talking to Him.”
Outline
- I. Introduction to Wavering Faith (James 1:6)
- A. Faith as a great asset, affecting everything we do
- B. Wavering faith is devastating to accomplishment
- C. Faith built on a personal relationship with God, not feelings or opinions
- II. Causes of Wavering Faith
- A. When trusting God is in conflict with human reason
- 1. Human reason and faith will often be in conflict
- 2. Listening to others' opinions instead of God's unique plan
- B. When we allow our feelings to overcome our faith
- 1. Feelings are like waves, constantly changing
- 2. We are saved to live by God's Word, not feelings
- 3. The Holy Spirit enables living by faith, not feelings
- C. When we fail to see God at work in our circumstances
- 1. We often see God only in good circumstances
- 2. God never changes and never leaves us, even in difficult times
- 3. God uses difficult circumstances for a purpose and our good
- 4. God's path may include valleys and storms, not just ease
- 5. God works on our behalf to bless us, even if it requires pain
- D. When we listen to negative counsel
- 1. Decisions are between an individual and God
- 2. Other people's counsel is often based on their own feelings, not God's will
- 3. Godly counsel must align with God's Word and Spirit
- E. When we focus on our circumstances rather than on God
- 1. Viewing circumstances apart from God's sovereignty
- 2. God uses challenges to grow our faith
- F. When we are ignorant of God's ways
- 1. Disappointment arises from not knowing how God works
- 2. Learning God's ways comes from the Word of God
- 3. God is good and loves us, even in chastisement
- 4. God promises an intimate relationship, not material wealth
- G. Feelings of guilt over past sins haunt people
- 1. Inability to believe God has forgiven past sins
- 2. God is a forgiving God who forgets what He forgives
- 3. Consequences of sin may remain, but God's forgiveness does not change
- 4. The cross demonstrates God's complete forgiveness
- H. Listening to the lies of the devil
- 1. Satan constantly accuses and causes doubt about forgiveness
- 2. God will forgive any sin confessed, based on Jesus' sacrifice
- III. How to Correct Wavering Faith
- A. Ask: Where are these doubts coming from? (Satan)
- B. Ask: Did God not promise to meet all our needs? (Yes)
- C. Ask: Did He not give us the Holy Spirit to enable us? (Yes)
- 1. The Holy Spirit indwells believers to enable them for God's requirements
- 2. God always has our best interest at heart and will not misguide
- D. Be sure your sin will find you out; we reap what we sow
- E. Cultivate a listening heart and obedient spirit
- F. Make God's will the priority, avoiding a lifetime of regret
- G. The most important thing: Meditate on God's Word and talk to Him daily
- 1. The Word of God is the most assured sense of guidance
- 2. Isaiah 41:9-13 as an example of God's promises
- IV. Conclusion and Call to Faith
- A. Faith is linked to the Word of God, increasing through its study
- B. Invite those who don't know Jesus to ask for forgiveness based on the cross
- C. God is willing to change any life if allowed
Scripture references
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
9 Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.
12 Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.
Insights
Faith's true foundation is a personal relationship with God.
Feelings are ever-changing; God's constant Word anchors us.
Human reason often conflicts with divine trust and purpose.
Questions & answers
What is wavering faith?
Wavering faith is not having a settled, strong foundational faith, causing one to be like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. The sermon warns that a person with wavering faith should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
What are some main causes of wavering faith?
The sermon identifies several causes, including allowing human reason or feelings to override trust in God, failing to see God working in difficult circumstances, listening to negative counsel, focusing on circumstances rather than God, and ignorance of God's ways.
How do our feelings impact our faith?
The sermon states that feelings are constantly changing, like waves, and living by them is not how God saved us to live. Instead, we are to live by a personal relationship with God, believing what His unchanging Word promises.
Does God truly forgive past sins, even if their consequences remain?
Yes, the sermon emphasizes that God is a forgiving God and when He forgives, He forgets. While the natural consequences of our actions may still be felt, God's forgiveness is complete, and He is with us to help through those consequences.
What is the most important thing a believer can do to strengthen their faith?
The sermon concludes by stating that the most important thing for a believer is the time spent meditating upon the Word of God and talking to Him. This practice ensures guidance and strengthens faith.
Why shouldn't I listen to friends or negative counsel when making decisions about faith?
The preacher advises caution because friends often interpret God's will based on their own feelings or what they would do, which may be contrary to God's unique plan for you. Decisions about your life are ultimately between you and God.
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