Week 5 – Jeff Maness – September 7, 2018
A convincing faith is not found in what I say, a convincing faith is found in what I show. No, we do not have a works based salvation, but make no mistake about it, we should have salvation based works that are shown to the world around us. So, what kind of faith should we show to the world?
Fences: Faith
Big Idea: A convincing faith is not found in what I say, a convincing faith is found in what I show.
Ephesians 2:8-9 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Ephesians 2:10 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
1 Corinthians 4:20 20 For the Kingdom of God (faith) is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.
Big Question: What kind of faith do I need to show?
Main Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9-12
1 Peter 2:9-11 9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” 11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.
1. I need to show a protected faith
1 Peter 2:12a 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors.
2. I need to show a public faith 2
Matthew 5:14-16 14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see,…
John 17:15-18 15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do. 17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. 18 Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.
We’ve been rescued from the darkness and given the Light not merely to flee the darkness, but to guide our steps as we go back in to rescue others. — David Mathis, Desiring God Ministries
1 Peter 2:12b 12b Then (after living properly among your unbelieving neighbors) even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.
Matthew 5:16 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
3. I need to show a pointing faith
1 Peter 3:15-16 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ
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