What’s It Mean to Have a Committed Faith?

▸ A committed faith is _____________ - _________________ not self-centered

Proverbs 18:1 – 1 It’s selfish and stupid to think only of yourself and to sneer at people who have sense. (Contemporary English Version)

Jeremiah 9:23-24 – 23 This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise man gloat in his wisdom, or the mighty man in his might, or the rich man in his riches. 24 Let them boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who is just and righteous, whose love is unfailing, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken! (New Living Translation)

▸ A committed faith is __________________________ driven

John 12:42-43 – 42 On the other hand, a considerable number from the ranks of the leaders did believe. But because of the Pharisees, they didn’t come out in the open with it. They were afraid of getting kicked out of the meeting place. 43 When push came to shove they cared more for human approval than for God’s glory. (The Message)

Ephesians 1:11 – Furthermore, because of Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us from the beginning, and all things happen just as he decided long ago. (New Living Translation)

▸ A committed faith is not ________________________ by personal trials and crises

1 Peter 1:5-7 – 5 God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all – life healed and whole. 6 I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. 7 Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it’s your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory. (The Message)

1 Corinthians 7:24, 30 – 24 So, dear brothers and sisters, whatever situation you were in when you became a believer, stay there in your new relationship with God. . . . 30 Happiness or sadness or wealth should not keep anyone from doing God’s work. (New Living Translation)