Living by Faith, Not by Sight
Faith is the missing element in many lives, and it is necessary for God's promises to be fulfilled.
K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the necessity of faith in the Christian life, asserting that mere knowledge of the Bible is insufficient for experiencing victory in life, ministry, or family. He illustrates that without faith, even diligent efforts, such as raising children with biblical principles or seeking financial support, may yield no results. Drawing from Mark 9:23, he highlights that faith is the essential element that activates God's promises and potential in our lives. Yohannan further explains that just as a chemical reaction occurs when elements are combined, our understanding and experiences must be mixed with faith to produce tangible outcomes. Ultimately, he encourages believers to trust in God's promises, as all things are possible for those who believe.
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"Jesus said to him, 'If you can believe,all things are possible to him who believes.' "Mark 9:23
Knowing the Bible and being able to articulate that knowledge are not going to make your life, ministry or family situation improve. You can memorize the whole Bible and still live in defeat. You can raise your children according to biblical principles and still not see any fruit of that in their behavior and attitudes. In an example familiar to many, you can write hundreds of letters asking people for financial support, but adequate funds may not come in. Something is wrong; faith is missing.
Please keep in mind the verse found in Hebrews 4:2--"But the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it." There's a chemistry to take place. For example,when hydrogen is mixed with oxygen in the presence of heat, a chemical reaction takes place and water is produced. Two separate elements, when combined, yield an entirely different result than if they were never mixed. This is true in life as well. There's a chemistry that needs to occur in our lives--in what we see, hear and know being mixed with faith. You may have needs or promises from God, but if they are never mixed with the element of faith, you will never see the reaction take place to bring those to fruition. "All things are possible to him who believes!" (Mark 9:23).
Sermon Outline
- The Limitations of Knowledge
- The Importance of Faith
- The Chemistry of Faith
- Faith and knowledge must be mixed together
- The reaction of faith brings results in life
Key Quotes
“If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” — K.P. Yohannan
“But the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” — K.P. Yohannan
“All things are possible to him who believes!” — K.P. Yohannan
Application Points
- Faith is necessary for God's promises to be fulfilled in your life.
- You can apply the principle of faith by mixing your knowledge of God's promises with faith, trusting that God will bring results.
- The chemistry of faith is the reaction that takes place when knowledge and faith are mixed together.