A Faith That Can Be Kept
Phillips Brooks discusses the nature of true faith, emphasizing its stability and grounding in divine truth rather than human opinions.
Phillips Brooks emphasizes the importance of genuine faith rooted in God's truth, contrasting it with superficial beliefs based on human opinions and doctrines. He highlights the need for a steadfast faith that is not swayed by changing circumstances or personal whims, but firmly anchored in the teachings of the Lord. Brooks warns against mistaking mere speculation or fleeting thoughts for true faith, urging believers to align their beliefs with what God has revealed.
Text
"Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men"
(Mark 7:7).
And the second characteristic of the faith that can be kept will be its evidence, its proved truth. It will not be a mere aggregation of chance opinions. The reason why a great many people seem to be always changing their faith is that they never really have any faith. They have indeed what they call a faith, and are often very positive about it. They have gathered together a number of opinions and fancies, often very ill-considered, which they say that they believe, using the deep and sacred word for a very superficial and frivolous action of their wills. They no more have a faith than the city vagrant has a home who sleeps upon a different doorstep every night. And yet he does sleep somewhere every night; and so these wanderers among the creeds at each given moment are believing something, although that something is for ever altering. We do not properly believe what we only think. A thousand speculations come into our heads, and our minds dwell upon them, which are not to be therefore put into our creed, however plausible they seem. Our creed, our credo, anything which we call by such a sacred name, is not what we have thought, but what our Lord has told us.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding true faith
- Distinguishing between opinion and belief
- The importance of a stable creed
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II
- The evidence of faith
- Proved truth versus mere opinion
- The consequences of a changing faith
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III
- The role of doctrine
- How teachings shape our beliefs
- The danger of man-made commandments
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IV
- Faith as a commitment
- The relationship between faith and action
- Living out our beliefs
Key Quotes
“Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” — Phillips Brooks
“We do not properly believe what we only think.” — Phillips Brooks
“Our creed... is not what we have thought, but what our Lord has told us.” — Phillips Brooks
Application Points
- Reflect on your beliefs and ensure they align with God's teachings.
- Avoid treating faith as a collection of opinions; seek a deeper understanding.
- Commit to living out your faith consistently in daily actions.