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Faith clothed in Obedience; opening the door to God’s activity

Faith clothed in Obedience; opening the door to God’s activity. Dynamic # 3. Faith opens the door to God’s activity. Abraham’s and Mary’s responses to God “ You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.” James 2:22

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Faith clothed in Obedience; opening the door to God’s activity

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  1. Faith clothed in Obedience;opening the door to God’s activity Dynamic # 3

  2. Faith opens the door to God’s activity • Abraham’s and Mary’s responses to God • “You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.” • James 2:22 • “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” • Luke 1:38 RSV • This is faith clothed in obedience

  3. God’s astonishing self-limitation • The pivotal role of Martha’s faith… • “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” • John 11:25-26 • In Nazareth, the absence of faith limited the miracles that Jesus was able to do (Mark 6:1-6)

  4. Faith clothed in obedience • When Lazarus was raised from death… • John 11:38-43 • Martha’s initial statement of belief • Her reluctance to remove the stone • “‘Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?’ So they took away the stone.” • Verse 41 • Eventual obedience …and a miracle !

  5. Faith clothed in obedience • Walk by faith in incremental steps of obedience • Allows God to work & faith to grow • Praise and thanksgiving as an expression of trust • “Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.” • Philippians 4:6, NET • This was Paul’s approach in prison! – Acts 16:16-39

  6. Nurturing obedient faith in the congregation

  7. Begin in the place of prayer • Beware the danger of super-spiritual ‘believism’ • ie: mere positive thinking, dressed up in pious-sounding declarations • For faith to be clothed in obedience we must be begin the place of prayer • This may be profoundly challenging and frightening • It is always for God’s glory

  8. Tell the stories of obedient faith • Scripture • “…everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” • Romans 15:4 • Testimony • “One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.” • Psalm 145:4

  9. Lead people out of their depth • Faith is the readiness to take God at his word and act upon it • “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” • Luke 6:46 • “If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat” • John Ortberg

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