Faith in Action
E.A. Johnston teaches that true faith is demonstrated by stepping out in action and trusting God beyond mere belief.
In this sermon, E.A. Johnston explores the dynamic nature of faith as demonstrated by Peter walking on water. Johnston challenges the common focus on doubt and instead highlights the courage to step out in faith as the true beginning of spiritual growth. Drawing from Matthew 14 and Hebrews 11, he emphasizes that faith requires action, dependence on God, and leads to deeper spiritual maturity. Listeners are encouraged to move beyond passive belief to active trust in God’s power.
Full Transcript
We are in our Lessons in Faith series and today we'll be in Faith in Action. In Matthew's Gospel we read, But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves, for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went unto them walking on the sea.
And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit, and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. I will stop there.
We know the end of this familiar story. Peter sees the wind on the waves and loses his nerve and begins to sink and cries out, Lord, save me. And Jesus reaches out his hand and rescues him, but then asks him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? Most preachers place the emphasis on this text, on the fact that Peter sank, because he took his eyes off of Jesus.
But there's more to it than that. Peter stood out from his fellow disciples because while they were content to remain in the safety and security of the boat, Peter was not. Because Peter stepped out on faith.
He was willing to put his faith into action and go out on a limb for God. And that's where faith begins. Faith is being so desperate and dependent upon God that you go out on a limb for God, believing God will do what man cannot.
In Hebrews 11, we read, Now faith is a substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. This kind of faith spoken of here is activated in the action of prayer, entering into the very presence of God to obtain a report from him.
And you believe that promise is so, and God will make it so in your life. When that report becomes real to you, then you will experience a deeper reality of God that will increase your spiritual maturity. Men whom I've known who've had a close walk with God were men who had spiritual maturity.
They knew themselves and they knew their God. And this came about through a life of faith.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Introduction to Faith in Action
- Peter’s step onto the water as an example
- Common focus on Peter’s doubt
-
II
- Faith as stepping out beyond safety
- Faith requires action and risk
- Dependence on God for the impossible
-
III
- Hebrews 11 definition of faith
- Faith activated through prayer and belief
- Faith leads to spiritual maturity
-
IV
- Men with close walks with God
- Knowing oneself and God through faith
- Faith’s role in deepening spiritual reality
Key Quotes
“Faith is being so desperate and dependent upon God that you go out on a limb for God, believing God will do what man cannot.” — E.A. Johnston
“Most preachers place the emphasis on this text, on the fact that Peter sank, because he took his eyes off of Jesus. But there's more to it than that.” — E.A. Johnston
“When that report becomes real to you, then you will experience a deeper reality of God that will increase your spiritual maturity.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Step out in faith by trusting God even when circumstances seem uncertain.
- Engage in consistent prayer to activate and strengthen your faith.
- Focus on God’s promises rather than your fears to grow spiritually.