The Hardest Part of Belief (From our 7-13-25 Worship)
Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/klHV20BwAFA
Summary:
Introduction — Information Means Nothing Without Action
Summary:
Introduction — Information Means Nothing Without Action
- The preacher opens with a simple physics question (a rock splashing in water) to show that bigger forces create bigger waves.
- He then tells the real‑life story of the Vajont Dam disaster in northern Italy (9 Oct 1963). A 60‑story‑tall, mountain‑sized landslide (≈ 20 football fields long × 10 wide) plunged into the reservoir, sending a wall of water over the dam and killing almost 2,000 people.
- Engineers knew for years the mountaintop was creeping—but they never warned the valley.
- Lesson: “You can have all the information in the world, and it does you no good if you don’t act on it.”
What Belief Is (and Is Not)
- Belief is not mere data
John 3:16 (ESV) — “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Knowing that verse is not the same as trusting and obeying its message.- Belief is an active “work”
John 6:29 (ESV) — “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”
Jesus calls believing a work because it demands response.- Belief transforms the heart (parable of the sower, Matthew 13:1‑9, 18‑23).
- Seed must die and change the soil; God’s word must change us.
- True belief produces fruit—30, 60, 100‑fold.
The Hardest Part of Belief — Staying Changed
- Peter’s relapse at Antioch (Galatians 2:11‑14) shows even apostles can slide back.
- Paul’s reminder:
Galatians 2:20 (ESV) — “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me…”
Ongoing crucifixion of self is required.- Continuous renewal is commanded:
Romans 12:1‑2 (ESV) — “I appeal to you… present your bodies as a living sacrifice… Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”
The verbs (“be transformed,” “keep on renewing”) are present‑tense—never finished.
The Struggle With Sin & the Assurance We Have
- Honest struggle
- Paul describes the inner war (Romans 7:7‑25): wanting to do right yet doing wrong.
- No condemnation in Christ
Romans 8:1‑2 (ESV) — “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”
- Struggle ≠ lost salvation.
- The Spirit empowers us to “put to death the deeds of the body” and live as adopted sons and daughters (Romans 8:12‑17).
Take‑Home Points
- Information demands transformation. Knowing truth without acting is deadly—like ignoring a moving mountain.
- Belief begins with change but lives in perseverance. The greatest challenge is to keep growing, not to start.
- Struggle is normal; condemnation is cancelled in Christ. Keep returning to the cross, renewing your mind, and relying on the Spirit.
- Respond today. If you need prayers or help, don’t leave without it—the family of God is ready to stand beside you.
