Whatever we become and achieve in life is determined by our ability to trust God. However, it is only when we believe in Jesus Christ and are confident that God will do as He promised that our lives can be transformed. Dr. Stanley teaches us the factors that can make our faith weak and how to overcome wavering faith.
Sermon Outline
Every aspect of life is affected by our level of faith, and it’s essential that we grow strong in it. This week, Dr. Stanley explores the signs of wavering faith and how we can take steps to strengthen it.
Key Passage: James 1:1-8
Faith will determine what you accomplish, what you become, and what directions you pursue in life. How can you grow your faith?
►“Faith is simply the confident conviction that God is who He says He is and that He’ll do what He has promised to do.”
Wavering faith...
Is characterized by uncertainty and instability.
Can last a lifetime.
Will cause believers to wonder why God isn’t doing more in their life.
►“If you disobey God, you’ll never know what could have been yours if you had trusted Him.”
There are seven errors in thinking that can lead to wavering faith. We waver when we...
1. Find that trusting God conflicts with human reasoning.
• If something looks impossible to us, we may follow our reasoning—or the world’s—instead of God’s. But He is capable of things we cannot understand (Mal. 3).
2. Allow our feelings to overcome our faith.
• If we feel unworthy or inadequate, we may not follow God’s instructions. But our unworthiness has nothing to do with His blessings.
• Fear of criticism, failure, or loss means we’re looking at the wrong thing.
3. Fail to see God at work in our circumstances.
• If we don’t see God’s response to a prayer, we may think He hasn’t heard us. But He may be answering in His time, in His way.
• Faith requires patience while we wait for God to work on our behalf.
4. Focus on our circumstances.
• The more we focus on difficulties, the bigger they seem. But God is larger than any problem.
• As Daniel did in the lions’ den, we must focus on the Lord (Dan. 6:16-28).
5. Are ignorant of God’s ways.
• If we don’t understand that God’s ways can be counterintuitive, we may fail to trust Him. But He always honors our obedience.
6. Feel guilty about past or present sin.
• Sin will not erase salvation, but it stands between us and God. It is essential to confess and repent (Mark 11:24-26).
7. Listen to the lies of Satan.
• If we entertain the idea that God doesn’t mean everything He’s said, we’ll stop trusting Him.
►“God speaks in different ways, but one of the most consistent ways He speaks to us is through His Word.”
How do you correct wavering faith? First, ask yourself...
Has God ever failed me in the past?
Did God not promise to meet all my needs and be with me at all times?
Is anything too hard for God?
Where should my focus be?
Second, meditate on the Word of God.
Read it carefully, unhurriedly, and prayerfully—and wait for God to speak to you.
Third, courageously choose to obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.
The Lord is a great God of goodness, love, mercy, kindness, and generosity to His children (Phil. 4:19).
After Watching
Consider these questions in response to the sermon:
Dr. Stanley shared seven errors that can lead to wavering faith. Which reflects the greatest weakness for you? How can you begin to strengthen yourself in that area?
