Making Faith Goals—by Justin Renton
Justin Renton • January 16, 2023
Sermon summary:
Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it's impossible to please God. Great faith's not about being hopeful.
Verse 3 Faith involves trust.
V4 Faith calls for sacrifice.
V Faith requires reverence.
V8 Faith involves obedience.
V13 Faith brings perspective. When we look at it from an earthly perspective, it doesn't make sense.
Five reasons why you should set faith goals:
- It's a spiritual responsibility. Luke 13:32
Philippians 3:12 Paul had goals to win the prize God set before him. Without goals we drift through life. Goals stretch our faith, and make us rely on God. - Goals focus us. Lots of things distract and compete for our attention.
- Goals keep you going. Job 6:11 Life can be brutal. If you don't have something to live for, you can get depressed. Your goals don't have to be big (e.g. to serve others).
- Faith builds your character. What you become through the process is more important rather than what you achieve.
2 Peter 1:5 Keep growing, never stop. We will never become what God wants us to be without being intentional. Set a goal and have a memory scripture. ( in your marriage, parenting, leadership, or to be more like Christ). - Good goals will be rewarded. 2 Peter 1:5–8 If you add to these things you will never stumble.
Before setting goals, ask yourself:
* Will this goal honour God?
* Is this goal motivated by love? 2 Cor 14.
* Will this goal end up with me relying on God more?
We are called to excel in the grace of giving—it’s not just a duty, but a spiritual act of worship. Be consistent and faithful in our giving. Set it aside intentionally, and don’t delay in fulfilling what you’ve committed to the Lord. Don't let your imperfect view of God impact your giving.
Changing takes courage—but parenting God’s way means choosing His path, and knowing where our help comes from. Righteousness is about healing and strengthening relationships, not achieving perfection. Don’t conform to the world’s ways—seek God’s perspective on parenting. Model the behaviour you want to see, and let His Word draw your heart to your children, and theirs to yours. Be present in their spiritual journey—it's not optional, it's your responsibility.
We are like broken pieces of pottery. God went looking for us, he found the fragments of our lives discarded by life/shame/disappointment, and put us back with the blood of Jesus. Treat each other not as broken but perfected through Christ.