The Basics of Faith: Learning to Walk by Faith (2 Corinthians 5)
This sermon explores the fundamental principle of faith, presenting it not just as a belief, but as an active, daily reliance on God. It invites listeners to understand faith as the core of their relationship with Him and the guiding force for every aspect of life.
This sermon explains that biblical faith is trusting God to be who He says He is and to do what He promises. It’s an active commitment to live in daily dependence on Him for every need and decision.
Overview
The sermon opens by establishing two fundamental convictions essential for a right relationship with God: believing in His existence and His faithfulness to His promises. It highlights faith as the Christian life's foundation, yet notes that it is often misunderstood.
Referencing 2 Corinthians 5, the preacher defines biblical faith not merely as intellectual assent, but as a deep trust and commitment, often better understood as 'trust.' This faith is an action word, leading to a confident conviction that God is sovereign and will see us through life's circumstances.
"Walking by faith" is presented as a lifestyle, a continuous dependence on God's guidance and provision in every aspect of daily life, not just for grand spiritual matters. It involves starting each day with a focus on Him, seeking His direction, and trusting Him to meet all needs.
The sermon addresses how faith is cultivated, emphasizing that it grows through experience—making requests, observing God's work, and immersing oneself in His Word to understand His nature. It also acknowledges faltering as part of the process, encouraging perseverance and a return to God when doubts arise, as He understands human frailty.
Key points
- A right relationship with God requires believing He exists and that He keeps His promises.
- Biblical faith is an active trust and commitment to God, not just intellectual belief.
- "Walking by faith" means living a lifestyle of constant dependence on God for guidance and provision in all circumstances.
- Faith involves seeking God's will for every decision, trusting Him to meet all needs, and making Jesus Christ the center of one's life.
- The Holy Spirit enables believers to walk by faith daily, even amidst troubles and difficulties.
- Faith is strengthened through making requests, experiencing God's answers, and understanding His nature through His Word.
- Faltering and falling are part of the learning process; the key is getting up, accepting God's forgiveness, and continuing to trust.
In Charles Stanley's words
“If we're to please God, we must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
“For we walk by faith, and not by sight.”
Outline
- I. The Essential Foundations of Faith
- A. Two core convictions for a right relationship with God
- 1. Belief that God is
- 2. Belief that God will always do what He says
- B. Faith as the basic foundation of the Christian life
- II. Understanding Biblical Faith (2 Corinthians 5)
- A. Paul's message on life, death, and the resurrected body (2 Corinthians 5:1-5)
- B. The statement: "For we walk by faith, and not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:6-7)
- C. The will and purpose of God is for us to walk by faith
- D. Defining "faith" in the New Testament
- 1. "Pistis" (noun) and "Pisteuo" (verb)
- 2. To believe what someone says
- 3. To trust and commit to that person or thing (e.g., Centurion, Philippian Jailer)
- 4. "Trust" is often a better word than "believe"
- 5. Biblical belief is an action word, leading to response
- 6. A confident conviction that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do
- III. Learning to Walk by Faith: A Lifestyle
- A. "Walk" refers to conduct, lifestyle, manner of life
- B. Living by faith means not walking by sight, feeling, or reason
- C. Daily dependence on God
- 1. Beginning the day acknowledging the Father
- 2. Seeking His guidance for every facet of life (Proverbs 3:5-6)
- 3. Trusting Him to meet every need (Philippians 4:19)
- 4. Trusting Him for forgiveness of sin
- 5. Trusting Him for relationships, words, difficult situations, responses, and eternal security
- 6. Allowing Jesus Christ to dominate thinking, decisions, and be the center
- 7. The Holy Spirit enables walking by faith
- D. Walking in submission and absolute control of God
- 1. Not holding anything back
- 2. First response to difficulty: "Father, I need You, I'm trusting You"
- 3. God is capable of handling every need and situation
- IV. How Faith is Learned and Strengthened
- A. Through making requests and observing God's work
- 1. Even unanswered prayers strengthen faith when understanding God's better plan
- B. Through immersing oneself in God's Word
- 1. Understanding God's nature and promises strengthens faith
- C. Through facing difficulties and hardships (experience)
- D. Through perseverance despite faltering and falling
- 1. Discouragement destroys faith
- 2. God understands our frailty ("we're dust")
- 3. The key is getting up, thanking God for forgiveness, and moving on
- V. Practical Help for Walking by Faith
- A. The "ASH" principle: Don't be Anxious, Don't Strive, Don't Hurry
- VI. A Call to Surrender and Trust
- A. Believing God is trustworthy and will keep His promises
- B. Surrendering all aspects of life (body, soul, spirit, finances, relationships, etc.)
- C. For non-Christians: Believing the gospel and trusting Jesus as Savior and Lord
Scripture references
- Hebrews
- 2 Corinthians 5:1-7
- Psalms
- Matthew 8:5-13
- Matthew 4:17
- Acts 16:31
- Hebrews 11
- Proverbs 3:5-6
- Philippians 4:19
1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Insights
Genuine faith means committing oneself fully to God's revealed truth.
Walking by faith is a conscious daily choice, not merely an occasional act.
God's plan for us is always His best, even when circumstances are difficult.
Questions & answers
What are the two essential beliefs for a right relationship with God according to this sermon?
The sermon states that a right relationship with God requires belief that He exists and that He will always do exactly what He says He will do. These convictions are foundational for salvation and blessing.
How does the sermon define biblical faith, going beyond a simple belief?
Biblical faith is defined as not just believing about something, but placing one's trust in that thing or person and making a deep commitment to it. It is an active word, leading to a confident conviction.
What does it mean to "walk by faith" in daily life, as explained in the sermon?
To "walk by faith" means to live a lifestyle of constant dependence on God, seeking His guidance for every decision, trusting Him to meet all needs, and allowing Jesus Christ to be the center of one's entire life. It means not being led by sight, feelings, or human reason.
How does one develop stronger faith according to the preacher?
Faith is strengthened by making requests and seeing God answer or reveal a better plan, by diligently reading God's Word to understand His nature and promises, and through facing and navigating difficulties, trials, and hardships with Him.
What is the "ASH" principle mentioned for navigating anxious moments?
The "ASH" principle is a personal reminder to "Don't be Anxious. Don't Strive over it and don't Hurry." These three actions often go together when one is struggling to trust God.
What should be one's first response when facing a difficult situation?
The natural, normal response when walking by faith should be to immediately say, "Father, I need You, I'm trusting You," and to acknowledge God's sovereignty and control.
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Source
Unofficial AI summary for study purposes. Watch the full sermon on In Touch Ministries. Sermon Insights is not affiliated with or endorsed by the pastor or church.