Faith Without the Evidence (Hebrews 11:1)
This sermon delves into the profound nature of faith, exploring what it means to believe when circumstances offer no supporting evidence. It offers encouragement to trust God's word above all else, even when the path ahead seems unclear.
This sermon encourages listeners to maintain faith in God's promises even when there is no visible evidence of change or improvement. It highlights that true faith does not require signs but believes in what God has said, trusting Him to work behind the scenes.
Overview
The sermon begins by defining faith not as belief based on visible evidence, but as confidence in things hoped for and unseen. It challenges the common tendency to base belief on current circumstances, emphasizing that God often works in secret, and a lack of visible change is often a test of one's faith.
The preacher illustrates this point through the story of Noah, who built the ark based solely on God's word, with no prior experience of rain or flood. Noah's daily choice to believe God's promise over the clear skies and public ridicule demonstrates the endurance required for faith without evidence, even when God seems silent.
The sermon also uses Peter's attempt to walk on water as an example, showing that focusing on external circumstances (the wind and waves) rather than God's word can cause one to falter. It teaches that one must let what they have heard from God override what they see, whether that's a complete absence of evidence or overwhelming negative evidence.
Ultimately, the message encourages perseverance, likening the long waits and silent seasons to God growing one's trust. It assures that God has hidden resources and unexpected ways of fulfilling promises, and that remaining faithful despite lack of evidence is a powerful demonstration of trust that God will honor.
Key points
- True faith does not require visible evidence; it believes in things hoped for, not yet seen.
- God often works behind the scenes, and a lack of outward change is a test of faith.
- Noah’s story exemplifies faith without evidence, as he built the ark for 100 years with no sign of rain.
- God's silence does not mean He is not working or has changed His mind; it can be a period of growth.
- Focusing on what God has promised (the 'word') is crucial, as shifting focus to circumstances (the 'wind') can lead to doubt and failure.
- God has hidden resources and unexpected ways of fulfilling His promises, often beyond human expectation.
- Faith is not believing because you see something, but believing until you see something.
In Joel Osteen's words
“True faith doesn't require evidence.”
“You have to choose what you heard over what you see.”
“He wasn't really walking on the water. He was walking on a word.”
Outline
- I. Faith Without the Evidence
- A. The challenge of believing without visible signs
- B. Definition of faith: substance of things hoped for, evidence of things not seen (Hebrews)
- C. God often works in secret, behind the scenes
- II. The Example of Noah: Believing Without a Sign
- A. Instruction to build an ark with no prior rain or flood
- B. Choosing God's promise over visual evidence and doubt
- C. The endurance of building for 100 years through silence and ridicule
- D. God's fulfillment: animals came, fountains of the deep opened
- 1. God's hidden resources and unexpected ways
- III. The Example of Peter: Walking on a Word
- A. Stepping out of the boat on Jesus' command to "Come"
- B. Walking on the word, not the unstable water
- C. Sinking when focus shifted from the word to the wind (circumstances)
- IV. Application: Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
- A. Not being moved by lack of evidence or negative facts
- B. Trusting God's promises even in silent seasons or long waits
- C. Believing until you see something, not because you see something
Scripture references
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Insights
True faith chooses God's word over what the eyes can see.
God often works behind the scenes, where no visible evidence exists.
A season of silence can signify God growing deeper trust.
Questions & answers
What is the sermon's main argument about faith?
The sermon argues that true faith believes God's promises even when there is no visible evidence or when circumstances suggest the opposite. It emphasizes trusting what God has said over what one sees or feels.
How does the story of Noah illustrate faith without evidence?
Noah built an ark for a hundred years based on God's promise of a flood, even though it had never rained before and there were no clouds in the sky. He chose to believe God's word despite a complete lack of visible evidence.
What does the sermon say about God's silence?
The sermon states that God being silent does not mean He is not working or has changed His mind. Instead, a silent season is often a time when God is growing a person's trust and teaching them to believe without constant reassurance.
What lesson is drawn from Peter walking on water?
Peter walked on water by focusing on Jesus' command, but began to sink when he shifted his focus to the wind and waves. This teaches that focusing on negative circumstances rather than God's word causes one to falter in faith.
What are 'hidden resources' according to the sermon?
Hidden resources refer to God's unexpected ways of bringing blessings, healing, or opportunities that are not visible or predictable. The sermon uses the 'fountains of the deep' in Noah's story as an example, representing God doing things in ways we couldn't foresee.
What is the practical takeaway for someone facing a long wait?
For those in a long wait with no evidence, the sermon advises continuing to do the right thing, standing on God's original promise, and not letting time or lack of visible change talk them out of what God said. Faith is believing until you see it.
Flashcards
Turn your pastor's sermon into notes like this
Record at church or paste a YouTube link. Sermon Notes gives you summaries, scriptures, flashcards, and a daily devotional from your own sermons.
More from Joel Osteen
Related on similar themes
Source
Unofficial AI summary for study purposes. Watch the full sermon on Joel Osteen. Sermon Insights is not affiliated with or endorsed by the pastor or church.