The Transformative Power of Faith

 

 

  

By Faith -9

TITLE: The Transformative Power of Faith

TEXT: Hebrews 11:23-29

THESIS: Faith is a powerful, transformative force that not only preserves and identifies us as God’s children but also separates us from worldly distractions and empowers us to endure hardships.

 

TRUTH: Consider the life of William Wilberforce, a British politician and pastor during the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries. Driven by his deep faith, Wilberforce saw beyond the social norms of his time, which often overlooked the dignity of enslaved individuals. His faith served as both a compass and a wellspring of strength, guiding him to dedicate his life to abolishing the slave trade.

 

In the face of fierce opposition and societal apathy, Wilberforce’s faith propelled him forward. He consistently presented bills to Parliament and rallied public support, undeterred by the hardships he faced. His belief that every person is created in the image of God gave him the conviction to endure the arduous journey toward justice.

 

Ultimately, his unwavering faith and commitment culminated in the passage of the Abolition of the Slave Trade in 1807, which ended the slave trade in Britain. His example illustrated how faith not only identifies us as God’s children but also empowers us to confront all the great evils of our day.

 

I was reading a sermon this week by John Newton, the author of the hymn “Amazing Grace.” Before his conversion, in contradiction to Wilberforce, Newton was captain of a slave ship. Later in life, he was a mentor to Wilberforce. In this sermon, Newton wrote, “true faith in the Lord Jesus Christ has a prevailing and habitual influence upon the hearts and lives of those who possess it; and that they are vain men and deceivers of themselves, who pretend to have faith in Him, while their lives and conversations show them to be enslaved to the love of the world and the dominion of sin.”

 

Every age has its evils. In Western civilization, these evils include abortion, relativism, moral decay, sexual immorality, materialism, consumerism, the destruction of family values, and violence. The only way to confront these evils is “by faith.”

 

Our culture is in decay.

We have no one to blame for the social and moral decline in America except ourselves. Many churches have embraced liberal philosophies—replacing the Word of God with mere social justice and promoting progressive ideology over Biblical theology—while some churches will not address political matters at all. Whether they’re afraid to lose their 501(c)(3) status or simply don’t want to ruffle feathers in their congregations, they are bowing to man instead of God. While there are 90 million self-identified evangelical Christians in America who are eligible to vote, 40 million do not vote, and 15 million are not even registered. And we wonder why evil has filled the vacuum.

As our culture increasingly clings to madness and barrels toward destruction, many in the church simply turn a blind eye. Yet the presence of the church and the power of the Holy Spirit are the only two forces restraining evil in our world. If we see the rising tide of evil in our land and decide to do nothing, we are ceding ground to the enemy and being unfaithful in our calling as ambassadors for Christ.

The world’s mission is to conform us to its image—its values, philosophy, culture, trends, beliefs, and system—and those who do not conform are shamed, canceled, and in many places around the globe, persecuted. More Christians have been martyred for their faith in the last 100 years than in the previous 20 centuries combined. Jesus said, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you” (John 15:18). If society is corrupt, there is no sense blaming society. That’s what happens when fallen humans are left to themselves, and evil is unrestrained and unchecked. The question is, “Where is the church?”(https://billygraham.org/decision-magazine/articles/the-church-s-mission-in-a- decaying-culture)

 

The point being that true faith has godly virtue and action.

 

 

I.                             Faith Preserves (v.23)

Explanation: During the time of Moses' birth, Egypt was an influential and intricate society, rich in religious and cultural traditions. The Egyptians practiced polytheism, worshipping a multitude of gods and goddesses. At the center of this belief system was the Pharaoh, who was not only the political leader but also regarded as a divine figure on earth. He was seen as the crucial link between the gods and the people, tasked with upholding Ma’at, the embodiment of cosmic order, truth, and justice. This perceived divinity only reinforced his authority over the society.

 

Egyptian society was distinctly hierarchical. At the pinnacle stood the Pharaoh, followed by priests, nobles, and government officials. Below them were the common people, including farmers, laborers, and enslaved people. Among the lowest classes were the Israelites, who endured the harsh conditions of forced labor.

 

Amid this overwhelming landscape, Moses' parents emerged as guardians of hope, shielding him with their unwavering faith during these perilous times, their hearts anchored in God’s promises of salvation.

 

 

 

II.                         Faith Identifies (v.24-26)

Explanation: Moses was raised in the opulent environment of the Egyptian royal court, fully aware of his Hebrew heritage. As he grew older, he faced a pivotal choice: to embrace the privileges of Egyptian royalty and luxury or to stand alongside his oppressed people, the Israelites. Ultimately, he chose the latter, a decision that would shape his identity and destiny.

 

The Egyptian royal court embodied immense extravagance, reflecting the power and wealth of both the Pharaoh and the nation. The palaces were grand, adorned with beautifully painted walls, intricate hieroglyphics, and stunning sculptures that conveyed authority and divine favor. These magnificent structures served not just as residences but also as administrative centers, where the kingdom’s affairs were conducted.

 

Within this lavish setting, luxury goods abounded—fine jewelry, exquisite textiles, and ornate furniture crafted by skilled artisans working in ivory, copper, and gold. The court was a center of indulgence, with lavish feasts and banquets that showcased an abundance of food and drink, often accompanied by lively music, dance, and entertainment.

 

A.W. Pink wrote, “Here was a notable case of self-denial: Moses deliberately renounced the privileges and pleasures of a royal palace. It was not that he was disowned and cast out by the woman who had adopted him, but that he voluntarily relinquished a position of affluence and ease. This was a grand triumph over the lust of the flesh.”

 

The Old Testament reveals the stark contrast faced by the Israelites, who endured centuries of oppression in Egypt. In this context, God had promised them deliverance and a land of their own. By choosing to identify with his people and bear the reproach that came with it, Moses exemplified a faith that prioritized divine purpose over personal comfort and luxury. I mean, the very throne of Egypt was in his grasp.

 

But he “considered.” (which involves careful thought, not quick decision). He weighed what Egypt had to offer against what God had offered. When he concluded, it was certainly Christ. According to the world, not reproach is worth giving up riches.

 

This courageous act not only defined Moses but also underscores the importance of our own identities and convictions. In embracing the struggles of the Israelites, he aligned his life with God’s greater narrative, a reminder to us all to stand firm in our identities as God’s children.

 

In essence, faith serves as our witness; it boldly declares us as beloved children of God and compels us to remain resolute in our beliefs, even in the face of daunting challenges.

 

 

 

 

III.                      Faith Separates (v.27)

Explanation: The turning point in Moses’ life occurred when he witnessed an Egyptian taskmaster beating a Hebrew enslaved person. In a moment of anger, Moses kills the Egyptian and hides the body, which forces him to flee to Midian to escape Pharaoh’s wrath.

 

While in Midian, Moses miraculously encounters God through the burning bush. This moment is crucial as it signifies God’s first direct communication with Moses, where He reveals His name –“I AM WHO I AM” -and His intention to rescue the Israelites from bondage. God commissions Moses to return to Egypt and lead His people out.

 

He goes back only to lead the people out. So, once again, Moses abandons Egypt. Like his parents before him, he did not fear the king’s anger. He left Egypt twice: the first time because he feared for his life after killing an Egyptian. Then, forty years later, he led the people out of Egypt.

 

Faith propelled Moses to return to Egypt despite the danger. In modern society, faith -whe serves as the source of strength in confronting the evils.

 

 

IV.                     Faith, Trust, and Obeys (v.28)

Explanation: This act of obedience took place during a critical moment in Israel’s history, when God was preparing to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. God, knowing that he would execute judgment upon the Egyptians by striking down the firstborn, instructed Moses to prepare the Israelites for this pivotal event. The people were commanded to select a lamb without blemish, sacrifice it, and apply its blood on the doorposts and lintels of their homes.

 

Moses had to believe that God would indeed deliver on His promise to protect the Israelites from the judgment that was to come. This was no small leap of faith, as it required the Israelites to act on God’s word amid an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. 

 

 

V.                         Faith Delivers (v.29)

Explanation: The Israelites had just fled from centuries of slavery in Egypt, and Pharaoh’s army was in hot pursuit. The Red Sea presented an insurmountable obstacle, a seemingly hopeless situation where retreat was impossible, and the threat of capture loomed large. In this moment of despair, God commanded Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea and part the water.

 

 

Just as the dawn chases away the darkest night, faith delivers us from the shadows of sin, fear, and bondage, guiding us into the radiant freedom and abundant life that God promises.

 

 

 

TAKE AWAY: In the same sermon mentioned earlier by Newton, he also wrote, “Let conscience now speak faithfully, and it will tell you, that if you are condemned, it will not be for what you cannot do, but for the willful refusal of obeying what you already have.”

Truth is offensive to a world that doesn’t want to hear it, but if we love people enough, we will tell them the truth. It’s not up to us how they respond. God sorts that out. When Jesus was facing Pontius Pilate, He said, “For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice” (John 18:37). Jesus personifies truth, and we must be truth-tellers.

Jesus is coming again, and the church is to influence the world for Christ until His return. We are not to be silent, passive, ashamed, embarrassed, or politically correct. We must engage our world, promote Biblical values, speak the truth, and tell people about Jesus wherever and whenever we can. https://billygraham.org/decision-magazine/articles/the-church-s-mission-in-a- decaying culture)

 

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