Exploring the Nature of Real Faith

Aug 22, 2024

Notes on Real Faith Lecture

Introduction

  • Discussion about faith, particularly real faith.
  • Acknowledgment of struggles people face in living a life of faith.
  • Observations about weariness in faith and perceptions of faith from those outside the community.

Understanding Real Faith

  • Phony vs. Real Faith
    • Warning against fake faith, comparing it to reality TV, which often isn't real.
    • Importance of finding and understanding what real faith looks like.

Examining the Life of Simon Peter

  • A model of real faith.
  • Jesus identifies Peter's faith as the foundation for the church.

Characteristics of Real Faith

  1. Feeling Unworthy of God's Presence

    • Real faith often comes with feelings of unworthiness (Luke 5:8).
    • Everyone struggles with feelings of inadequacy (e.g., Moses, Isaiah, Peter).
    • Don’t try to feel worthy; accept Jesus' invitation to come near.

  2. Doubt at the Moment of Triumph

    • Doubt can occur even in moments of success (Matthew 14:29-30).
    • When experiencing doubt, admit it instead of faking it.
    • Real faith involves acknowledging fears and doubts.

  3. Stupid Statements That Sound Spiritual

    • Peter made a statement to Jesus that was out of line (Matthew 16:21-23).
    • Warning against Christian clichés that sound spiritual but may be misleading.
    • Examples of clichés:
      • "It wasn’t me; it was God"
      • "If you had enough faith, you could be healed"
      • "God said it, I believe it, that settles it"
      • "Everything happens for a reason"
      • "God hates the sin but loves the sinner"
    • Importance of checking all statements against Scripture.

  4. God Sharing Simple Words That Change the World

    • Peter declares Jesus as the Christ (Matthew 16:16), which is foundational.
    • Simple messages can have profound impacts (Acts 2:41).

  5. Struggles with Relationships

    • Faith does not eliminate challenges in relationships (Matthew 18:21-22).
    • Jesus calls for unlimited forgiveness, indicating the need for divine assistance in relationships.

  6. Failure You Never Thought Possible

    • Peter denies Jesus three times, despite proclaiming his loyalty (Matthew 26:33-35).
    • How to respond to failure:
      1. Look at Jesus.
      2. Weep for your failure.
      3. Turn back to God's path.
      4. Strengthen others who may have failed.

  7. Miracles Beyond Your Wildest Dreams

    • After failure, Peter experiences miraculous works through faith (Acts).
    • God still performs miracles today in various forms.

  8. Stumbling at Points of Great Success

    • Even great leaders can stumble after success (Galatians 2:11-14).
    • Importance of humility and reliance on God's grace.

Conclusion

  • Real faith is characterized by:
    • Feeling unworthy, facing doubts, making foolish statements, experiencing miracles, struggling in relationships, and recovering from failures.
  • The essence of faith is following Jesus:
    • "Follow Me" is a central theme.
  • Encourage commitment to living a real life of faith, which is an ongoing journey.