Why is faith important? We look for our answer in Hebrews 11:6 and conclude that faith is important because, “Only that which is done by faith can please God.”
But Why?
I. Without faith it is impossible to please Him
“Only that which is done by faith can please God.”
Romans 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Romans14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Faith allows us to do more than we could ever do based on our own limitations.
“Only that which is done by faith can please God.”
Why? Because:
1. Faith Saves
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
2. Faith Focuses
2Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
2Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Faith causes us to look not at our situation or circumstance, not at the roadblocks, obstacles or excuses, but at a God that loves us, that has never failed to keep His word, and that has something bigger than we can possibly do on our own in store for us if we will put our confidence in Him instead of in us.
Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Prayer is our expression of dependence on God.
II. He that cometh to God must believe that He is
When we do something by faith, we understand that we will be able to do more than we could ever do on our own.
“Only that which is done by faith can please God.”
But the reason that only that which is done by faith can please God, is because faith is based on who He is.
Faith is all about Him.
Faith is not blind. Faith is not silly or stupid. I may be in a situation that I have never been in before. I may feel as though God wants me to do something that I have never done before.
But based on the evidence of who God is, I can sit down. I can put my faith in Him and go forward to whatever it is that He has placed in front of me.
It is all about Him.
And only that which is done by faith can please Him.
That He is what? He is the:
1. Creator-He has a plan for our lives. Something that He wants to accomplish
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
2. Sustainer-He is powerful and capable. It is His desire and job to do the thing. We are responsible for our part, and then He can begin to work.
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
1John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
3. Completer-It should be all about Him. He will do what He says He will do!
1Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
“Only that which is done by faith can please God.”
Conclusion
Why is faith important? Why is this perhaps the most important series of messages that I have ever preached?
“Only that which is done by faith can please God.”
-In your life
-In your marriage
-In your family
-In our church
“Only that which is done by faith can please God.”
“What are you attempting right now that only God can accomplish?”
Remember, “Only that which is done by faith can please God.”
Are you living a life that pleases Him?