Sunday, October 12, 2025
THE SUBSTANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR
INFORMATION STAGE: THE ARCHITECTURE OF FAITH
Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) – “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”
Hypostasis- the substructure, the foundation that supports a building.
Romans 4:16-17 (NLT) – “So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. As the Scriptures say, ‘I have made you the father of many nations.’ This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing.”
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT) – “For we live by believing and not by seeing.”
The Three Dimensions of Substantial Faith
Dimension 1: Past Foundation – God’s Track Record
Psalm 77:11–12 — “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.”
Dimension 2: Present Partnership – Active Cooperation
James 2:17 (NLT) – “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”
Dimension 3: Future Confidence – Strategic Positioning
Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.’
INSPIRATION STAGE: THE HEART CONNECTION
Hebrews 11:6 (NLT) – “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”
Philippians 4:19 (NLT) – “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
MOTIVATION STAGE: ACTIVATING SUBSTANTIAL FAITH
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Three Action Steps to Activate Substantial Faith
1. Shift from Problem-Focused to Promise-Focused
2. Faith-Filled Communication
3. Strategic Positioning
Matthew 6:33 (NLT) – “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Overcoming Faith Obstacles
Obstacle 1: Past Disappointments –
Obstacle 2: Circumstances That Contradict
Obstacle 3: Pressure to Perform
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) – “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
TRANSFORMATION STAGE: LASTING CHANGE
The Sent Ones Identity
John 20:21 (NLT) – “Again he said, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.’
Your Assignment as Sent Ones
Workplace Faith
Neighborhood Faith
Community Faith
1 Corinthians 4:20 (NLT) – “For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.”
The Three-Level Faith Development Plan
Level 1: Personal Foundation Building
Level 2: Relational Faith Sharing
Level 3: Community Faith Influence