This kicks off a new series Grow. Today’s sermon can not be done justice in a few notes. I hope it simply inspires you to listen to the podcast. It truly can be life-changing. I’m so excited about the next few weeks as Chris unpacks these ideas.
We often think maturity is an increase of knowledge or obedience but it is an increase in faith/trust.
Matthew 8:10 Jesus is astonished/amazed at the centurion. Only time in Scripture that is used in a positive light towards another person. The man had great faith.
One thing: It is not what you know or what you do, but who you trust that counts.
Are you trying to impress God or are you trusting God? In one camp, some believe the more we know about God and the Bible, the more we impress God. In another, we have a servant mentality: the more we serve, the more God is impressed.
Adam and Eve failed not because of disobedience but because of lack of trust. When trust is broken, sin soon follows. God is trying to redeem His people – to get them to trust Him again. Trust broke the relationship but trust also reunites it.
If we only grow in our knowledge, we become prideful and arrogant. If we only grow in our obedience, we become judgmental and legalistic.
God is at work building our faith in 5 ways.
- Practical teaching. Points out where we are and where we need to be.
- Providential relationships. He places you around people to validate and encourage and for a purpose.
- Private disciplines. We need alone time to point our hearts towards God
- Pivotal circumstances. Will a bad circumstance only be bad or will it be pivotal?
- Personal ministry. Enables us to experience Him and trust Him again.
Check out the podcast this week at http://www.northrockhill.com