The Dance of Faith
Faith of Our Fathers
October 2, 2022
Rev. Dr. Gabe Sylvia
The sermon likens deepening faith to a dance between Christ and his church that requires submitting to God's tests, enduring protracted trials, and trusting God for today's grace so our faith grows and ultimately brings him glory.
Summary
Using a dance metaphor and the example of Abraham, the sermon explains that faith (Hebrews 11:1) deepens through a threefold process: test, trying time, and trust. God allows tests—not to tempt us to sin but to humble us, expose misplaced loves, and call us to choose him over earthly hopes; often those tests require prolonged perseverance so that our steady trust honors and glorifies God, just as Christ persevered. The practical call is to trust God for today's grace rather than panicking about the future, since faithful endurance in the present strengthens and proves our faith.
Key Points
- Opening analogy: a dance (and musical partnerships) requires active, attentive leading and following; when partners fail the dance breaks down.
- Faith defined (Hebrews 11:1): confident conviction that God's promises are ours in Christ.
- The "faith dance" has three parts: a test, a trying time, and trust.
- God tests his people to humble them, expose misplaced loves, and call them to obedience—not to tempt them into sin.
- Abraham’s willingness to offer Isaac illustrates a test that required choosing God over earthly hopes and trusting God's promises.
- Tests often involve prolonged suffering so perseverance over time can glorify God more than quick deliverance.
- Jesus’ example shows willingness to endure as far as necessary to glorify the Father.
- The required response is trusting God for today's grace and mercy rather than panicking about the future.
- Perseverance in the present deepens faith, making us trophies of praise to God.
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