Blog Post
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 all start out the same way, fearfully and wonderfully made by God. The question is: How do you want your life story to play out? God's goodness pursues us. And while things in life won't work out just because you pray, the cross is the greatest evidence of God's goodness. What will you allow him to do in your life?
Yada is a Hebrew word that means "to know". God reveals himself to us through his power, his loving kindness, his word, Holy Spirit and forgiveness. The cross is the ultimate expression of God's love for us.
The Hebrew word "yada" means "to know" from the heart or by experience. While the word "relationship" is not in the Bible, it permeates the scriptures. God knows our hearts and our thoughts. We get to know him by being broken, humble, completely open and by making it our goal to know him.