Unshakable Faith: Moving Beyond Contract Christianity – Weekly Devotional

Introduction

This sermon explores the concept of unshakable faith as contrasted with “contract faith.” The speaker challenges believers to move beyond a transactional relationship with God, where obedience is based on expected rewards, to a deeper, more mature faith that remains steadfast even in the face of adversity, disappointment, or God’s apparent silence. Using examples from Hebrews 11 and the life of Jesus, the sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting God unconditionally, regardless of circumstances or perceived outcomes.

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Key Points:

• The difference between contract faith and unshakable faith
• The importance of obedience and faith even when not receiving tangible rewards
• God’s desire to move believers from contract faith to unshakable faith
• The role of trials and challenges in strengthening and maturing faith
• Jesus as the ultimate example of unshakable faith, especially during his trials
• The need for Christians to rely on God rather than human support or material comforts
• The challenge for believers, especially in business, to prioritize faith over worldly success

Scripture Reference:

• Hebrews 11:36-40 (primary focus)
• James 1:2-4
• Revelation 12:17

Stories:

• The story of Job and God allowing Satan to test him
• Jesus in Gethsemane, finding his disciples asleep when he needed their support
• Personal anecdotes about the speaker’s experience as a business person and the challenges of reconciling faith with commerce
• References to biblical figures like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses as examples of faith

📖 Daily Reading Plan

Day 1: From Contract to Unshakable Faith

Reading: Hebrews 11:1-6, 32-40
Devotional: Today we explore the journey from contract faith to unshakable faith. Contract faith is when we serve God expecting specific rewards or outcomes. Unshakable faith, however, persists regardless of circumstances. As we read about the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, we see that many endured great hardships without receiving earthly rewards. Their faith remained steadfast because it was rooted in God Himself, not in what He could provide. Reflect on your own faith journey. Are there areas where you’ve been operating on a “contract” basis with God? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you develop a faith that remains unshaken, even when life doesn’t unfold as expected.

Day 2: God’s Presence in Suffering

Reading: Job 1:13-22; 2:7-10
Devotional: Job’s story reminds us that even the most faithful can experience intense suffering. Like Job, we may not always understand why God allows certain trials in our lives. However, the key is maintaining our trust in God’s character, even when we can’t see His hand at work. Job declared, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” This exemplifies unshakable faith. Today, reflect on times when you’ve felt God’s presence in your suffering. How can you cultivate a perspective that praises God in both good times and bad?

Day 3: The Faith of Jesus

Reading: Matthew 4:1-11; 26:36-46
Devotional: Jesus, though fully divine, chose to rely completely on His Father during His earthly ministry. In the wilderness temptation and in Gethsemane, we see Jesus demonstrating unshakable faith. He resisted using His divine power for personal comfort, instead trusting in God’s provision and plan. This serves as our ultimate example of faith. Consider areas in your life where you’re tempted to rely on your own strength rather than God’s. How can you follow Jesus’ example of complete dependence on the Father today?

Day 4: Enduring Faith in Community

Reading: Hebrews 10:19-25
Devotional: The Christian journey isn’t meant to be walked alone. Today’s passage encourages us to persevere in faith together, spurring one another on toward love and good deeds. Sometimes, like Jesus in Gethsemane, we may feel alone in our struggles. However, God has given us the church community for mutual support and encouragement. Reflect on your connections within your faith community. Are you actively encouraging others in their faith? Are you allowing others to support you? Consider practical ways to strengthen these bonds of fellowship.

Day 5: Hope in the Unseen

Reading: Romans 8:18-25; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Devotional: Unshakable faith is closely tied to hope – not just wishful thinking, but a confident expectation in God’s promises. Paul reminds us that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed. This eternal perspective helps us persevere through trials. Our faith is in “what we do not see” – the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Today, meditate on the unseen realities of God’s kingdom. How can this eternal perspective reshape your approach to current challenges? Ask God to strengthen your hope in His promises, allowing it to anchor your faith in all circumstances.

 

💬 Discussion Question

How might our understanding of faith change if we view it as ‘unshakable’ rather than transactional? What challenges might we face in developing this type of faith?

The sermon mentions figures like Abel, Enoch, and Noah as examples of faith. How do their stories illustrate the difference between ‘contract faith’ and ‘unshakable faith’?

In what ways have you experienced disappointment with God, and how has that affected your faith journey? How might the concept of ‘unshakable faith’ help in processing these disappointments?

The speaker discusses the idea that God sometimes leads us into wilderness experiences. How can we discern between trials that are meant to strengthen our faith and those that are simply life’s challenges?

How does Jesus’ example of relying on God despite having divine power challenge our own approach to facing difficulties? What might it look like to apply this in our daily lives?

The sermon touches on the conflict between business practices and Christian ethics. How can believers cultivate ‘unshakable faith’ in professional settings where values may clash?

What role does community play in developing ‘unshakable faith’, and how can we support one another in this journey, especially when attendance or participation in church activities fluctuates?

How might our perspective on unanswered prayers or unfulfilled expectations change if we embrace the concept of ‘unshakable faith’? What spiritual practices could help in this transformation?

The speaker mentions that ‘the only way you can know if you are an unshakable Christian is to have been shaken.’ How does this statement challenge our view of spiritual growth and maturity?

In light of the sermon’s message, how can we prepare ourselves and future generations for potential hardships while maintaining a strong, unshakable faith in God?

📣Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You, seeking to grow a deeper and unshakable faith. Help us move beyond a faith that depends on tangible rewards to one that trusts wholly in Your will, no matter our trials.

Grant us the strength to hold onto You like the saints before us, enduring hardships with unfaltering trust. May we learn to say, “Blessed be the name of the Lord,” even when earthly comforts fade.

Transform our hearts, Lord, that our faith may be a testament to Your power and grace. Guide us to support one another and share in the hope and strength found in You.

We yearn for Your return and seek to remain steadfast until that glorious day. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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