Believe
Believe in God and His word, for unbelief is the root of all evil and faith in Christ can change behavior.
D.L. Moody emphasizes the necessity of having faith in God and taking Him at His word, urging believers to utilize the faith they already possess rather than seeking a different kind. He challenges the notion of unbelief as a misfortune, asserting that it is, in fact, the root of all evil and a sin against God. Moody reminds his audience that God has never broken His promises, and therefore, there is no valid reason for doubt. He highlights that true belief in Jesus Christ transforms lives, steering individuals away from sin. Ultimately, he calls for a rejection of doubt and an embrace of faith in the risen Christ.
Text
Have faith in God! Take Him at His word! Believe what He says! Believe the record God has given of His Son! I can imagine some of you saying, "I want to, but I have not got the right kind of faith." What kind of faith do you want? Now, the idea that you want a different kind of faith is all wrong. Use the faith you have got; just believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Not only that, you can't give any reason for not believing. If a man told me he couldn't believe me, I should have a right to ask him why he couldn't believe me. I should have a right to ask him if I had ever broken my word with him; and if I had not broken my word with him, he ought to believe me. I would like to ask you, has God ever broken His word? Never.
My friends, He will keep His word.
God condemns the world because they believe not on Him; that is the root of all evil. A man who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ won't murder, and lie, and do all these awful things. Don't get caught up by that terrible delusion that unbelief is a misfortune. Unbelief is not a misfortune, but is the sin of the world. Christ found it on all sides of the world. When He first got up from the grave, He found that His disciples doubted. He had reason to cry out against unbelief.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Faith points: - Faith in God is essential for salvation - Believe what God says in His word
- The Kind of Faith Needed points: - Use the faith you have, don't wait for a different kind - Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ
- The Consequences of Unbelief points: - Unbelief is the root of all evil - God condemns the world for not believing in Him
- The Power of Faith points: - Faith in Christ can change behavior - A man who believes in Christ won't commit evil acts
Key Quotes
“I can imagine some of you saying, 'I want to, but I have not got the right kind of faith.'” — D.L. Moody
“Unbelief is not a misfortune, but is the sin of the world.” — D.L. Moody
“God condemns the world because they believe not on Him; that is the root of all evil.” — D.L. Moody
Application Points
- Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and use the faith you already have.
- Recognize that unbelief is the sin of the world and the root of all evil.
- Trust in God's word and promises, knowing that He will always keep His word.