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?
Following Jesus comes with the cost of persecution and rejection. If we face none, it may reveal compromise or conformity to the world. Are we influencing culture—or being influenced by it? True faith shares Christ boldly, just as the early disciples did. Let’s trust God with courage and live boldly for the One we serve.
Giving is a powerful expression of worship and trust in God. Though He doesn’t need our money, our generosity reflects the posture of our hearts. We honour God by giving from our best, without strings attached, and keeping the promises we've made. Giving is to God—not to man—and it supports the church as a place of spiritual growth for our families and future generations.
We enjoyed a fantastic time of praise and worship and had a communion message by Brendan Devine (it starts at 1:11 mins). If you missed it, you can watch it on our YouTube channel and be uplifted.