SERMON OUTLINE # 2 - "Living By Faith"

"Living By Faith"

Text: 2 Cor. 4:7-18


In today's modern world, it is truly difficult to teach people how to live by faith. The young ones are now so dependent of what they have seen and experienced. Technologies and new discoveries affect the beliefs of the many and as a result a lot of people no longer believe on the existence of God. "Why should I believe in God? Is he real? If so, where is he? Have you seen him? Have you heard him, touched him, smelled him or tasted him?" These were just a few of the many questions of this unbelieving and sinful world. Questions of those who never understand the grace, loving-kindness, mercy, judgment and power of God.

What is faith?
As defined in Hebrews 11:1, ("Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.") we can clearly see that a genuine faith to God is not something that can be drawn just by what a person have perceived in his senses. True faith comes from hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17). If one rejects the gospel of Christ, he can never attain true faith and thus he can never live in it. To live by faith is to acquire true faith first above anything else by hearing the very word of God.

Living by faith is something that becomes a common statement to Christians but I believe only a few did comprehend its meaning and true essence. It becomes a common statement in a sense that believers often utter it yet when problems or crisis arise it seems almost every one forget about it. So, how can one eventually live by faith then? Let's consider the following points.

I. Do not claim God's glory as yours - v. 7; Is. 42:8a

II. Think on God's mercy and believe on His divine providence - v. 8-12

III. Trust on God's promises and give to Him all the glory - v. 13-15

IV. Depend on God's grace alone - v. 16, 17

V. Look only to Jesus and set your eyes on things eternal - v. 18

To live by faith is not something that can be done by our mere efforts. Everything is by the grace of God and one can live by it if he has acquired true faith. Again, true faith can only be acquired by hearing the word of God. Is faith important? Certainly, "YES!" for without it we can never please God (Heb. 11:6). Is living by faith essential to every believer? YES!, for living by faith means putting one's full confidence, trust, capabilities, abilities, beliefs, needs, cares and everything to God alone. Therefore, it's a great thing that Christians are found living by faith in God without any reservations or doubts.