Believing the Master

Sunday, December 14, 2025

 

“God’s love is not a pampering love; it is a perfecting love.”

 

"Learn to interpret circumstances by the Love of God, not Christ’s love by circumstances."

 

John 11:21-27

21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. 23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

 

Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

 

1. Downplays sin

 

2. Downplays God’s goodness and grace

 

Jeremiah 9:23-24

23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this,that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

 

The Way of Humanity

Jeremiah 9:23

Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:

 

The Way of God

Jeremiah 9:24

 But let him that glorieth glory in this,that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

 

1 Corinthians 1:31

That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

 

Psalm 86:11

Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

 

Continue in the Faith

 

Grounded and settled—anchored

 

Believe the Master

 

Questions

1.   Mary and Martha’s faith was tested. Jesus directly  asked Martha if she believed He was the Resurrection and the Life. In what ways has your faith been tested?

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2.   What is Satan’s tactic to disrupt and destroy?

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4.   What are some examples of how Satan downplays sin? What sins seem to dominate our culture today?

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5.   How can we guard ourself when Satan downplays God’s goodness and grace? 

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6.   What insight does Jeremiah 9:23 tell us about the human psyche?

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7.   What does the Bible say that we should truly glory in according to Jeremiah’s 9:24