The Unknown Journey
Faith is the act of obeying God's immediate commandment without knowing the consequences, bringing serenity and peace to our lives.
John Henry Jowett emphasizes the story of Abram's journey as a powerful example of faith, highlighting how Abram stepped out without knowing his final destination, demonstrating obedience to God's will without full understanding of the consequences. Faith, as described, focuses on the present moment, trusting in God's guidance for the immediate step without worrying about the entire journey. This kind of faith brings serenity, preventing anxiety about the past or future, and instead, allowing believers to feel the comforting presence of God's guiding hand in the present.
Text
"_He went out not knowing whither he went._"
--HEBREWS xi. 6-10.
Abram began his journey without any knowledge of his ultimate destination.
He obeyed a noble impulse without any discernment of its consequences. He
took "one step," and he did not "ask to see the distant scene." And that
is faith, to do God's will here and now, quietly leaving the results to
Him. Faith is not concerned with the entire chain; its devoted attention
is fixed upon the immediate link. Faith is not knowledge of a moral
process; it is fidelity in a moral act. Faith leaves something to the
Lord; it obeys His immediate commandment and leaves to Him direction and
destiny.
And so faith is accompanied by serenity. "He that believeth shall not make
haste"--or, more literally, "shall not get into a fuss." He shall not get
into a panic, neither fetching fears from his yesterdays nor from his
to-morrows. Concerning his yesterdays faith says, "Thou hast beset me
behind." Concerning his to-morrows faith says, "Thou hast beset me
before." Concerning his to-day faith says, "Thou hast laid Thine hand
upon me." That is enough, just to feel the pressure of the guiding hand.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The Nature of Faith - Faith is not knowledge of a moral process, but fidelity in a moral act
- II points: - Faith Leaves Something to the Lord - Obedience to God's immediate commandment
- III points: - Faith is Accompanied by Serenity - No panic or fuss, trusting God's guidance
- IV points: - Faith Looks to the Present Moment - Not concerned with the entire chain of consequences
Key Quotes
“He obeyed a noble impulse without any discernment of its consequences.” — John Henry Jowett
“Faith is not knowledge of a moral process; it is fidelity in a moral act.” — John Henry Jowett
“He that believeth shall not make haste--or, more literally, shall not get into a fuss.” — John Henry Jowett
Application Points
- We can apply faith in our daily lives by obeying God's immediate commandment and trusting in His guidance.
- Faith brings serenity and peace, trusting God's guidance and direction.
- Having faith means leaving something to the Lord and trusting in His plan.