What follows is the exact notes that we read from during the episode (enjoy):
Live by faith, not by sight.
Some extremely rough thoughts on the concept. Feel free to include your own thoughts on the mission statement, the Scripture reference, or any other practical applications that comes to mind.
Live by faith, not by sight.
Is this a good mission statement, either for a group or an individual?
What are the pros or cons the slogan represents?
What does that actually mean?
Faith: Forsaking All I Trust him.
Trust, belief, having an expectant hope.
Nate: Trust is based on evidence. There’s a reason you trust someone, and they’ve usually earned that trust.
Site. Seeing the full picture (the big picture). Having all the details. Everything from the focus, to the distractions.
Nate thought: I think that’s a great definition of sight in the situation of the slogan. It’s not that we don’t have evidence. We do. It’s that we don’t have ALL the info!
What does the application of walking entirely by sight look like?
Nate: Materialism if we are not careful.
What does the application of walking entirely by faith look like?
Nate: Walking by the right kind of faith is trust based on evidence of the truth of that trust. Jesus had something to say about a different kind of faith. The danger is BLIND FAITH
BLIND FAITH IN BIBLE:
TEXT: Matthew 15:1-14
1Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
2Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
3But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
4For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
5But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
6And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
7Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
8This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
9But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
10And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:
11Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
12Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
13But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
14Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
Biblical example: Jesus walking on the water.
Matthew 14:22-32
(the passage, as briefly as possible in my own words).
the setting:
22 Jesus sends the disciples away, and deals with the crowd.
23Jesus prays on the mountain, alone.
24 The boat was a considerable distance from land, beaten by the storm.
[KJV: “tossed with waves,” “Wind was contrary”.]
25 Shortly before dawn, Jesus went to them, walking on the lake.
[The fourth watch: 3 AM-6 AM]
Fear, faith in the command:
26 the disciples saw him. “It’as a ghost,” they cried out in fear.
[KJV: spirit – Greek: Fantasma]
[troubled: etaracqhsan (troubled, terrified)]
[fear: fobou]
[cried out: ekraxan (to scream, croak, shriek like a raven)]
27 Jesus said, “courage. I am. Don’t fear.”
[KJV: “be of good cheer.” tharseo (be encouraged, have good cheer)]
28 Peter said: “Lord. If it’s you. Command me come to you on the water.”
[KJV: bid keleuo (urge, order, bid, give command)]
29 Jesus said: “come.” Peter left the boat, and walked on water.
(Conclusion: we walk by faith, accomplish great things, and live a happy blessed life thereafter. Right?)
Epilogue, walking by sight:
30 Peter saw the wind. He was afraid, began to sink, and cried out: “save me!”
[Wind: Text: from the base of 109; wind; (plural) by implication (the four) quarters (of the earth): –wind.]
[KJV: boisterous (wind). Text: from 2479; forcible (literally or figuratively): –boisterous, mighty(-ier), powerful, strong(-er, man), valiant.]
31 Immediately. Jesus reached out, caught him, and said: “you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
32 They climbed into the boat. The wind died down.
Those in the boat worshiped, saying: “truly. You are the son of God!”
Concluding thoughts:
Walk by faith, not by sight.
Is this a good mission statement?
As strong and convincing as our faith may be, how long does it last in a storm?
Even if we ask, and are commanded to step out of the boat, how long does it last?
Jesus responds to probably what is the smallest of prayer: “save me!”
He responds immediately.
Nate: this example was evidence for Peter to trust Christ MORE!
In his presence, all fears are gone, the storm ceases, and we properly worship him.
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