Sermons
Session 1: A Man of God is a Man of Faith
Key Passage: Luke 7:1-10
Introduction
Faith, according to Scripture, is not merely intellectual belief or mental assent; it is a deep-rooted trust in God’s character, His word, and His promises. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This session examines what it means to be a man of faith through the example of the Roman centurion in Luke 7:1-10, whose profound trust in Christ displayed humility, wisdom, and courage. Despite his position and authority, the centurion recognized a greater authority in Jesus. By exploring his story, we’ll unpack how true faith manifests in humility, active trust, and unwavering focus on Christ.
The Man of Faith
Profile: The centurion’s faith stands out due to his unique understanding of authority, humility, and profound reverence for Jesus. Though he was a man of considerable power, commanding soldiers and wielding influence, he recognized his limitations in the face of Jesus’ divine authority. When he spoke to Jesus through messengers, he acknowledged his unworthiness: “Lord, do not trouble Yourself further, for I am not worthy for You to come under my roof” (Luke 7:6). This humility set him apart as a man of true faith, as he placed his hope in Jesus rather than himself or his worldly position.
Application: Men today can emulate the centurion’s humility by acknowledging their dependence on God. In our culture, masculinity often equates to self-reliance and control, yet true faith requires surrender to Christ’s power. A man of God doesn’t find strength in his own might but in his reliance on Christ. This humility is the foundation of biblical masculinity, calling men to trust and submit to God above all else.
The Act of Faith
Description: Faith is only genuine when it produces action. The centurion did not merely hold an internal belief in Jesus’ power; he actively sought out Christ’s help on behalf of his servant. By taking the step to send for Jesus, the centurion demonstrated faith in action. He showed that he believed Jesus had the authority and willingness to intervene, and he wasn’t passive in this belief. His faith drove him to pursue Jesus actively, and he demonstrated an unwavering confidence that Jesus could and would heal his servant.
Application: Faith demands not only a heart posture of trust but also visible actions. As James 2:17 teaches, “faith, if it has no works, is dead.” Men can demonstrate faith in their everyday decisions by acting on their beliefs. This might mean stepping out in courage to defend truth, providing for their families in godly ways, or making decisions rooted in trust rather than fear. Faith is ultimately about stepping forward in obedience, even when the outcome is uncertain. Men should consider: How does my faith show itself in my actions? Where can I take steps that demonstrate my trust in God?
The Object of Faith
Christ-Centered Faith: The centurion’s faith was effective because it was focused on the right person—Jesus Christ. He didn’t place his trust in his own military authority or in any earthly power, nor did he attempt to manipulate the situation with his influence. Instead, he rested his hope fully in Jesus’ compassion and power. He knew he needed help beyond what he could provide, and his faith was firmly grounded in Jesus as the only one who could intervene.
Application: True faith places Christ at the center. Men today face the temptation to trust in their own abilities, wealth, or status, but biblical faith calls for surrender to Christ’s authority. Proverbs 3:5-6 exhorts believers to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” The centurion recognized his limits, and so should every man seeking to be a man of faith. We’re called to fix our eyes on Christ, resisting the allure of self-sufficiency or worldly strength. Men should ask themselves: Where am I tempted to place my trust outside of Christ? How can I redirect my focus back to Him?
Conclusion & Reflection
As Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, “without faith it is impossible to please Him.” Faith is essential for every aspect of the Christian life, from prayer and worship to daily interactions. Faith that pleases God is humble, active, and centered on Jesus, and it shapes how a man walks with the Lord in his daily life.
Discussion Questions:
- Personal Reflection: What is faith to you? What does that look like in your life? How is our faith different than the world's faith?
- Personal Reflection: In what areas of your life are you currently being challenged to act in faith? What steps can you take this week to demonstrate trust in God in these areas?
- Group Encouragement: How can we, as a group, encourage each other in faith? How can we hold each other accountable to walk by faith and not by sight?
By studying the centurion’s example, we see that true faith humbly acknowledges God’s authority, actively seeks His will, and rests fully in Christ’s power. Let us encourage one another to walk in this kind of faith, one that shapes and defines a man of God.