Jeremy Utley - Faith For More Than Miracles

Jeremy UtleyFebruary 27, 202029mWatch on YouTube

Speaker: Jeremy Utley Title: Faith For More Than Miracle Date: 02-23-2020 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

True faith that pleases God is not merely the kind that enables miracles or the belief in Jesus' power, but rather a faith that leads to repentance and a willingness to overcome sin. The speaker contrasts 'hot faith' (which includes repentance) with 'lukewarm faith' (which only seeks miracles or adherence to rules). Ultimately, pleasing God requires a deep commitment to change and obedience, as exemplified by the rich young ruler who could not overcome his attachment to money.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

What kind of faith pleases God?Without faith it is impossible to please God, prompting the question of what kind of faith truly satisfies Him beyond basic saving faith.

Is faith for miracles enough?While unbelief hinders miracles, having faith for miracles alone is not enough, just as Capernaum witnessed many miracles yet faced severe judgment for unrepentance.Matthew 11:20–24

Goldilocks faith and the lack of repentanceCapernaum had lukewarm Goldilocks faith, believing God for miracles while failing to respond to His call to turn from sin.

The warning of the rich young rulerThe rich young ruler had enough faith to approach Jesus and obey many commands, but lacked the faith to repent when Jesus exposed the deep greed in his life.Matthew 19:16–22

Responding to conviction with AmenTrue faith means saying Amen when the Lord convicts us of specific sins like bitterness, anger, or irritation, believing He can actually change us.

Miracles without attachment to JesusMany experienced Jesus's miracles but showed no lasting devotion or defense of Him during His trial, showing the danger of miracle faith disconnected from personal attachment.Mark 5:42

Leaving everything to follow HimUnlike those who took miracles for granted, Peter left his massive catch of fish and Mary of Bethany poured costly perfume on Jesus, showing devotion that outshines the miracle itself.Luke 5:9–11

The danger of relying on past faithHaving hot faith in the past is not enough; believers must continually persevere in white-hot devotion rather than resting on past revelations or spiritual experiences.Matthew 16:17–23

The parable of the ten virginsThe foolish virgins assumed what was presently in their lamps was enough, while white-hot faith constantly seeks more of God's grace and presence.

Forgetting what is behind and pressing onLike the Apostle Paul, believers must keep forgetting past attainments and eagerly expect God to do more in the future.

Revelation hidden from the wiseJesus praised the Father for hiding the true nature of repentance and miracle faith from the wise and intelligent while revealing it to babes.Matthew 11:25

Having the mindset of an infantUnlike adults who think their development is behind them, infants and spiritual babes live with the expectation that the vast majority of God's work in them is yet to come.

Rejecting lukewarm faith for white-hot hopeBelievers must reject lukewarm Goldilocks faith and instead embrace white-hot faith, trusting the Father who is pleased to give them the kingdom.

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