“For we walk by faith, not by sight -” 2 Corinthians 5:7

Defining Moments In A Life of Faith The Moment of Conviction Hebrews 11:6, 1

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

The conviction of faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives the impossible.

Conviction Leads to Conversion Luke 15:17; Acts 2:37;

Defining Moments In A Life of Faith The Moment of Commitment Luke 9:57-62

Luke 9:57-62 Teaches... W sacrifice W no excuses W no turning back

“But my righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.” Hebrews 10:38-39

Defining Moments In A Life of Faith The Moment of Challenge James 1:2-4, 12

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12

ô endurance ô completeness ô approval ô a crown

Defining Moments In A Life of Faith The Moment of Conflict 2 Timothy 3:12

“And indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

ã those outside

“And in a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away.” Mark 4:16-17

ã those outside ã false teachers

“But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and thus they upset the faith of some.” 2 Timothy 2:16-18

ã those outside ã false teachers ã brethren

“But if you bite and devour one another, take care lest you be consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” Galatians 5:15-16

“Labour mightily for a healing spirit. Away with all discriminating names whatever that may hinder the applying of balm to heal your wounds...Discord and division become no Christian. For wolves to worry the lambs is no wonder, but for one lamb to worry another, this is unnatural and monstrous.” (Thomas Brooks)

Defining Moments In A Life of Faith The Moment of Calm Philippians 4:4-7

Abraham, in 175 years, had defining moments of... ç conviction ç commitment ç challenge ç conflict ç and calm

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Phil. 4:4-7 illustrates “calm” in... * rejoicing * gentleness * prayer * and peace

It is the day by day attitude and action that makes or breaks us, not the mountaintop experience.

Have you faced your own defining moments? of Conviction - from the gospel of Commitment - stepping out of Challenge - growing from experience of Conflict - standing firm in Calm - the “result” of obedience