|
|
What Is The Basis of Your Faith? Introduction:
Sometimes we need to do some self examination.
Peter thought he knew his faith but he was wrong.
Personally we need to ask what do I believe and why.
As we look at our faith I want us to consider the faith of David. I)
A Look At David A)
The trials of Kind David 1.
Promised the daughter of King Saul, Merab, only to see her given to another man,
1 Samuel 18.17-18 2)
Hated and persecuted by King Saul, 1
Samuel 20.1 3)
The loss of the love of his wife, Michal,
2 Samuel 6.20 4)
The loss of children 5)
Persecution of his countrymen and sons 6)
Personal failures- the burden of guilt B)
Where was David’s faith? 1.
Consider what David wrote: Psalm 18.1-3;
23.1; 27.1; 71.5; 118.14 2.
Despite all that happened to David, his faith was still in the Lord. 3.
What is your faith based upon? II)
Proper Basis A)
A firm belief in and trust in God, 2 Samuel 22.2 1.
David understood that God will not forsake the righteous, He cares for you and
me. Psalm 37.25 2.
All things work together for good to those that love the Lord, Romans 8.28
a. God answers our prayers
b. His providential care still works today. B)
In Jesus 1.
His death, burial, and resurrection is the basis for our hope and faith today. 2.
His example is given to us to follow, 1
Peter 2.21ff. His willingness to
do God’s will at all cost as He prayed in the C)
In the word of God revealed by the Holy Spirit, John 16.13 1.
Our faith is based on what is revealed and promised, Romans
10.17 2.
We are told to diligently study His word,
2 Timothy 2.15 D)
Our faith is based on revelation, reason, and understanding,
Isaiah 1.18; Acts 17.2-3, 11 1.
It was this kind of faith that lead the children of 2.
Abraham’s faith was the result of revelation and trust in God. III)
Improper Basis, Matthew 7.24-27 A)
Convenience 1.
Jeroboam used convenience to lead the Northern 10 tribes into idolatry. 1 Kings 12.28 2.
Was convenience that caused Pilate to deliver Jesus to be crucified. 3.
Some will base their faith upon that which is the most convenient. Paul was a
Jew from birth, from the tribe of Benjamin, and a Pharisee.
I submit to you that when Paul was called on the road to 4.
Some will obey God and trust in Him when it is convenient but not when it
becomes hard and costly. B)
Our emotions/feelings 1.
Hebrews 11.1 gives us a definition of
faith. It also gives us working examples of faith.
It does not describe our faith in emotional terms. 2.
True faith is based on God’s word and that leads to our conviction, and
emotions of trust and joy. 3.
Many today start without God’s word and go by their feelings.
To them faith is without reason, understanding, or logic. Mormons,
Baptist, etc. C)
Popular opinion—especially the brethren 1.
King Saul did not sacrifice Amalek and his people because of “the people” ,
1 Samuel 15. 2.
We get a sense of assurance from our brethren.
Call a fellow preacher and ash if I am right or wrong. 3.
We need to understand that faith is not based on a survey. The
number of atheist is growing in our country.
There may come a time when those believing in God will be in the
minority. Will you still believe? D)
A person we admire/respect 1.
Some place their faith in a preacher, Galatians
2.11. 2.
Some basis their faith on their father/mother/spouse, etc. 3.
They all have feet of clay and make mistakes.
Some will become unfaithful but we should make the distinction between
the person and the Gospel of Christ. Conclusion:
We need to make sure that our faith is not shaken but earthly events, social
upheaval, personal problems, problems between brethren.
Consider our songs; Faith is the Victory # 576 The Solid Rock # 378; |