Sermon Notes For 2026
Please see "Archived Wednesday Sermon Notes" for previous topics - Thank you!
Sermon Notes For 3-11-26 Part 9 For The Gospel Of Matthew Chapter 6: Vs. 25 Thru 34, For This Will Be (The 5th Out Of 5) Corrective Topics From Our Lord Jesus Which Will Be Life-Changing, (But) It Will Also Reveal How Superficial Or Serious Our Commitment To Obey The Lord Jesus The Messiah King Really Is!
Please have some paper, or your Wednesday Noon Bible Study notebook, and a pen or pencil
Now, let’s turn again to The Gospel Of Matthew Chapter 6.
And let’s continue with The Gospel Of Matthew Chapter 6: Verses 25 Thru 34 And This Will Be Our 5th Corrective Topic
That Our Lord Jesus Addresses, Which Is A Deep-Seated Problem That Existed Then, And It Still Exists Now, And That Would Be, “The Fear Within Us Of Not Having Enough!”
Now, notice Matthew Chapter 6:30. Now if God so clothes the grass or flowers of the field which today is and tomorrow is thrown into an outdoor oven for kindling. Will (He) Your Heavenly Father mentioned in vs 32. Will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? (Stop here)
Now again, this is the first time in The Gospel Of Matthew that the word “Faith” is used by our Lord Jesus Christ.
And therefore, I truly believe that The Lord has been leading us over these last several Wednesdays in a row, for with God’s help we have been learning and relearning about the subject of Faith, or True Biblical Faith is really all about!
And recently, I ask the question, *Is True Biblical Faith Really All We Need When You Are In A Relationship With God?
Or is absolute “Trust” in God which is an essential spiritual virtue that is equally important according to the Scriptures, in which trusting God should always be a part of “Faith.” And it should always work in tandem with “Faith?” (Repeat)
In other words, should faith and trust work together at all times, instead of being seen as 2 separate spiritual virtues that work independently from each other?
Well for me, I truly believe and that why I am committed to teach according to the Scriptures, that both faith and trust should work together at all times, instead of being seen as 2 separate spiritual virtues that work independently from each other.
And also, I believe and that why I am committed to teach according to the Scriptures, that both true biblical “faith” in God, and absolute “trust” in God.
These are 2 essential spiritual virtues that should always be together and should work in tandem together because of our relationship with God!
So then, let’s continue to learn more about what the Bible teaches regarding the subject of trust or trusting in God which is equally important with having faith in God.
Now, hopefully, you were able to be a part of our Bible study last Wednesday March 4 either during our live stream time or by our pre-recorded version available on YouTube.
And the reason why I mentioned this, is because last Wednesday Bible study was a very crucial study regarding the subject of Trust Or Trusting In God Which Is Equally Important With Having Faith In God. And with God’s help, I was able to make this statement that I would like to repeat again!
Please listen, in the way we learn to trust in a human person that we have known over a period of time and based upon that person’s character and their abilities to be helpful in certain matters in which we have dealt with them before, resulting in a positive outcome.
Then in a similar way this is how we learn to trust in God also!
Because remember, you really can’t trust someone until you know someone over a period of time. And that person’s character and their abilities to be helpful in certain matters in which You have dealt with them before resulting in a positive outcome.
Here are a list of some human Character Traits.
And such character traits are developed over time, and they reflect the moral strength of the individual who chooses what they want to become over time. •Integrity •Honesty •Faithfulness •Patience •Self-control •Humility •Courage •Perseverance •Compassion •Forgiveness •Kindness •Gentleness •Loyalty •Responsibility •Dependability •Diligence •Generosity •Gratitude •Contentment •Justice (fairness in action) •Teachability •Wisdom (applied moral discernment.)
And here is a list of Natural Human Attributes or how a person is wired! And this list simply describes how someone is naturally built or inclined.
For example, Personality-Temperament Attributes. •Introverted or extroverted. •Analytical. •Emotional. •Optimistic. •Pessimistic. •Assertive. •Reserved. •High-energy. •Calm. •Competitive. •Easygoing.
Next, Intellectual Attributes. •A High IQ. •Creative. •Logical. •A Quick learner. •A Strong memory. •A Strategic thinker.
Next, Physical Attributes. •Athletic •Strong •Fast •Coordinated •Attractive •Tall / Short
Now, did you know that the Bible teaches that our God - The God of Heaven, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Did You know that they all have the same character traits. And they all have the same attributes?
Interestingly, these things regarding their character traits and their attributes are revealed unto us within the Scriptures, so that we can know about such things if we choose to search them out in order to help us build “Trust” in God.
So then, last Wednesday, we observed some of the character traits of God according to the Bible - God’s Word.
Now, Here Are Some Of The Character Traits Concerning Our God.
God's Character is such that He is, “Righteous.” See Psalm 145:17.
God's Character is such that He is, “Loving.” See Jeremiah 31:3.
The Lord has appeared of old unto me saying: Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love. Therefore, with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
God's Character is such that He is, “Good.” See Nahum 1:7.
God's Character is such that He is, “Faithful.” See Psalm 9:10.
And those who know Your name will put their Trust in You; For You Lord have not forsaken those who seek You!
God's Character is such that He is“Longsuffering”. See 2nd Peter 3:9.
God's Character is such that He is, “Gracious.” See Psalm 84:11.
God's Character is such that He is, “Merciful.” See Psalms 103:8.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy.
Also, we looked at some of the abilities - or the Attributes of God, that would help us to know God - so that we could have trust and faith in God, Amen!!!
God's Abilities or Attributes are such, that He is “Sovereign.” See Dan. 4:34&35 Isaiah 46:9&10.
God's Abilities or Attributes are such, that He has a Will, Purpose, and Plan - in what He does and what He allows, and for what He does not do! Or for what He does not allow. See Genesis 45:5&7; Genesis 50:19&20.
God's Abilities or Attributes are such, that He causes everything, to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. See Rom. 8:28 from the NASB. We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
God's Abilities or Attributes are such, that He is, In Charge and In Control! See Revelation 1: 17. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand Upon me, saying unto me Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18. I am He who lives and was dead, and behold I am alive forevermore, Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. (Note) In Revelation 1:18 “Keys” are a symbol of being In Charge and In Control, and not just about access to one area or another.
•God's Abilities Or Attributes are such, that He is, Almighty or Omnipotent. See Revelation 1:8 Jeremiah 32:17.
•God's Abilities Or Attributes are such, that He is, All Knowing or Omniscient. See Romans 11:33 & 34.
•God's Abilities Or Attributes are such, that He is All Seeing or Omnipresent. See Proverbs 15:3 2nd Chronicles 16:9.
•God's Abilities Or Attributes are such, that He is Upholding All Things Together. See Colossians 1:16&17.
•God's Abilities Or Attributes allows Him to show His Shepherd-Like-Care-For Humanity. See Psalm 23:1-6
Now, with the time remaining, let’s take some time looking at some the verses from The Old Testament regarding trusting in God that was true for the majority of God’s people then who saw themselves in a relationship with God, having “A Relational Trust,”
That was based upon The Lord’s Character and His many Attributes revealed in The Scriptures.
And therefore, for the majority of God’s people in our day who should also see themselves in a relationship with God, having - “A Relational Trust,” that is based upon The Lord’s Character and His many attributes revealed in the Scriptures.
So then, these verses that we are about to read from the Old Testament should be helpful, and insightful, and should cause us to be thankful unto God as well!
Turn to Proverbs Chapter 3. First, trusting God should always be our first response in any situation. (Repeat) •Proverbs 3:5-6,“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding…” •Psalm 37:3. “Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.” •Psalm 62:8. “Trust in Him at all times you people; pour out your heart before Him…”
Next, learning to trust God in times - when we are afraid, or in times when we are face with difficulties or challenges or troubles. (Repeat) •Psalm 56:3–4. “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” •Isaiah 12:2. “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid.” •Nahum 1:7. “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.”
Next, trusting in God is also better than trusting in people or a person. •Jeremiah 17:7–8. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD.” •Psalm 118:8–9. “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man… in princes.” •Isaiah 31:1. Warning against trusting in human strength instead of God.
Next, trusting in God will change our perspective regardless of the circumstances. •Psalm 18:2. “The LORD is my rock… my God, my strength, in whom I will trust.” •Psalm 91:2. “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.” •Psalm 46:1. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” •Isaiah 26:3-4. “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” •Psalm 115:11. “You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.” •Psalm 40:4. “Blessed is that man who makes The LORD his trust.” •Psalm 9:10. “Those who know Your name will trust in You. For You LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.”
(Question) But are there some within The Body of Christ who would argue that the reason that the word “Trust,” is in the Old Testament, it is because it was an Old Covenant Principle and also, God’s people in those times did not know anything about “Faith?”
However, some would say, in The New Testament the word “Faith” is a New Covenant Principle. And therefore, God’s people in those times knew that “Faith’” because of the teachings of Jesus and the Apostle Paul, they knew that “Faith” could move mountains or change one’s circumstances!
And therefore, God’s people in The New Testament had no need for “Trust” like God’s People in the Old Testament times. And believe it or not there are some who argue that this is true!
However, Biblically and Scripturally, such an argument will not hold up!
Sermon Notes For 3-18-26 Part 10 For The Gospel Of Matthew Chapter 6: Vs. 25 Thru 34, For This Will Be (The 5th Out Of 5) Corrective Topics From Our Lord Jesus Which Will Be Life-Changing, (But) It Will Also Reveal How Superficial Or Serious Our Commitment To Obey The Lord Jesus The Messiah King Really Is!
Please have some paper, or your Wednesday Noon Bible Study notebook and a pen or pencil.
Now, let’s turn again to The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 6. And let’s continue with The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 6: Verses 25 Thru 34 And This Will Be Our 5th Corrective Topic That Our Lord Jesus Addresses, Which Is A Deep-Seated Problem That Existed Then, And It Still Exists Now, And That Would Be “The Fear Within Us Of Not Having Enough!”
Now, notice Matthew Chapter 6:30. Now, if God so clothes the grass or flowers of the field which today is and tomorrow is thrown into an outdoor oven for kindling. Will (He) your Heavenly Father mentioned in vs 32. Will, He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? (Stop here)
Now, with God’s help for last few Wednesdays we have been learning about having “Faith” in God along with trusting in God.
And we saw that in many places in The Old Testament the admonition, that we are to trust in the Lord as well. However, when it comes to the New Testament is the concept of “Trust” or trusting in the Lord is it ever used?
Well, let’s see 2nd Corinthians 1: 9. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead. 10 Who delivered us from so great a death. And does deliver us in Whom we trust, that He will still deliver us. (Stop here)
Please notice how often the word “Trust” appears in vs.9 and in vs. 10.
So, last Wednesday you might recalled, that I brought to your attention that within the Body of Christ are there some who would argue that the reason that the word “Trust,” appears in the Old Testament, it’s because “Trust,” was an Old Covenant principle, that God’s people in those times did not know anything about “Faith?”
And therefore, there some who would say, that’s why in the New Testament the word “Faith” appears, because “Faith” is a New Covenant principle.
And God’s people in those times knew that “Faith’” because of the teachings of Jesus and the Apostle Paul. They knew that “Faith” could move mountains or change one’s circumstances!
And that’s why God’s people in The New Testament had no need for “Trust” like God’s people in the Old Testament times.
And yes, there are some within the Body of Christ who argue that this is true and this is what they believe!
However, Biblically and Scripturally, such an argument will not hold up! And here are some important reasons why!
First, was it true that Old Testament believers did not know anything about faith? Well, such claim would actually contradict the Scriptures. For example, in The New Testament it explicitly says regarding Old Testament believers those who demonstrated faith.
Now, see Hebrews 11: 4 By faith, Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. 5 By faith, Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, and was not found, because God had taken him; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 7 By faith, Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. 8 By faith, Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 11 By faith, Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.
Now, see Romans 4: 19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah's womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving Glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.
Also, in:•Habakkuk 2:4 - “The just shall live by his faith.” Quoted in Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, and Hebrews 10:38, Paul proves justification by faith from the Old Testament.
So Biblically, faith is not a New Covenant invention.
Question, Is “trust” an Old Testament word and “faith” a New Testament word, Not exactly! In the Old Testament: •The Hebrew word batach = trust, rely upon, feel secure. •The Hebrew word emunah = faithfulness, steadiness, fidelity. In the New Testament: •The Greek word pistis = faith, Believing or Belief, confidence.
In other words, faith and trust are not two separate spiritual forces. They are overlapping spiritual concepts. Even in the New Testament, we still see the concept of trust: •“Trust in the Lord” language continues conceptually, even if the English translation uses “believe.”
Question, Did New Testament believers have no need for “trust?” Absolutely not! Consider: •Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled… believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1) That is relational trust language. •1 Peter 2:23. “He entrusted Himself to Him who judges righteously.” Jesus Himself trusted the Father. •2 Corinthians 1:9. “We had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God…” Paul speaks explicitly of trust. So, trust did not disappear in the New Covenant.
So, where does the “faith replaces trust” idea come from? This idea usually arises from 1.A dispensational overreaction 2.Word of Faith teaching that treats “faith” as a kind of spiritual law or force 3.An assumption that OT believers only had “passive trust” while NT believers have “active faith power” But Biblically: •Abraham trusted God. •Abraham believed God. •Abraham obeyed God. The New Testament says he did all of that by faith (Romans 4).
Faith in Scripture is not primarily a force to change circumstances. It is reliance upon the character and promises of God.
Actually, Faith and trust are not opposites, They are inseparable. You could summarize it like this: •Faith = believing what God has said. •Trust = resting in the God who said it.
Old Testament believers: •Trusted God. •Believed His promises. New Covenant believers: •Trust God. •Believe His promises now fulfilled in Christ.
Now, please know that Old Testament believers needed trust, but New Testament believers operate only in faith” is not supported by Scripture. Both covenants require: •Trust •Faith •Dependence •Obedience The difference is not the absence of trust —but the fullness of revelation in Christ.
The Core Distinction some tend to make in certain circles: Faith is •A spiritual force •A law that operates consistently •Activated by words •Releases God’s power •Produces results (healing, provision, victory) Often tied strongly to passages like: •Mark 11:23–24 •Romans 10:8–10
Faith is frequently described as something that: •Must be spoken •Must not doubt •Must “claim” the promise
However, in contrast, “Trust”is sometimes described as: •Passive waiting •Hopeful endurance •A fallback when faith “isn’t working” •Something believers relied on before knowing “how faith works”
Some teach that “Trust” is what you do when you don’t yet know how to operate in faith. Because for them: 1.Faith is a spiritual law like gravity. 2.Words are containers of power. 3.God created the world by speaking. 4.Believers operate by the same principle.
And from this framework: •Faith becomes mechanistic. •It is something that can be measured. •It must be exercised correctly. •It produces guaranteed outcomes, if no doubt is present.
However, “Trust” can sound less- powerful because it emphasizes: •Dependence, •Surrender, •Waiting, •God’s sovereignty. And for some Sovereignty-focused language feels “weak” within a system focused on spiritual laws.
The Trust-Oriented Approach:“Lord, I place this in Your hands. I trust You regardless of outcome.”
But Faith is a spiritual law-oriented approach:I declare and decree, I am healed. I refuse to confess sickness. I stand on the promise.”
The approach sees “Faith” as: •Assertive •Declarative •Causative However, Trust is seen as: •Relational •Dependent •Submissive
So, here is the concern! •Separating faith from trust turns faith into a technique. •Minimizes God’s sovereignty •Places subtle pressure on the believer (“If it didn’t happen, you lacked faith”)
Biblically Speaking In the New Testament, the Greek word pistis means: •Faith •Trust •Confidence •Reliance
There is no lexical separation between faith and trust. For example: •When Abraham believed God (Romans 4), that was trust. •When Paul says, “we walk by faith” (2 Cor. 5:7), that includes reliance.
Scripture does not present: •Faith as a force •Trust as a lesser option Instead, faith is relational reliance upon God’s character and promises.
The Real Theological Tension. At the heart of the distinction is this deeper question: Is faith: A) A relational dependence on God? B) A spiritual principle that guarantees results? A Balanced Summary in classic Word of Faith teaching: •Faith = an active spiritual law that produces results. •Trust = passive reliance that may lack spiritual assertiveness.
In historic Biblical theology: •Faith includes trust. •Trust is not inferior to faith. •Both covenants require the same posture of reliance on God.
The difference between faith and trust. Think of a coin. On one side it is heads. But on the other side it is tails. Two different sides, Heads and Tails, but only one coin!
The difference between Bible faith and trust are closely related - but not identical. Faith — believing God is true Faith is about belief, conviction, and confidence in who God is and what He has said. Biblical sense •Hebrews 11:1. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” •Romans 10:17. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Faith begins in the mind and heart:
Believing God’s word is true even before you see evidence.
Biblical idea: “I believe God.” Now, Trust - relying on God personally! Trust is the action or response that flows from faith. It is placing yourself in God’s care.
Biblical sense •Proverbs 3:5–6. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” •Psalm 56:3–4. “When I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
Trust involves surrender and dependence, especially in uncertainty. Biblical idea: “I rely on God.”
Key difference in simple terms
Faith
Trust
Believes God’s word
Rests in God’s care
Accepts truth
Acts on that truth
Internal conviction
Lived dependence
“God can”
“God, I put myself in Your hands”
Faith says: God is able
Trust says: God, I will step forward.
A few Biblical examples. Abraham •Faith: Believed God’s promise (Genesis 15:6) •Trust: Left his homeland and obeyed (Genesis 12:1–4 Peter on the water. •Faith: Believed Jesus could hold him•Trust: Stepped out of the boat
Original-language insight •Faith (Greek pistis) belief, conviction, faithfulness •Trust (Hebrew batach) to lean on, rely upon, feel secure. This shows: Faith is the root; trust is the fruit. A Biblical summary •You can believe something is true (faith), •yet not entrust yourself to it (trust). But Biblical faith is meant to lead to trust: •James 2:17 — “Faith, if it does not have works, is dead.” One-sentence summary. Faith believes God; trust rests in God.
Now, Perhaps This Illustration Could Help. There was a man who attempted to cross the Niagara Falls on a tight rope. But before he began this dangerous stunt, the man asked a crowd of spectators before he began his treacherous walk across the tight rope over the Niagara Falls. Saying, "How many of you have faith that I can cross the Niagara Falls by walking on this tight rope without falling?"
The majority of the people raise their hand and chanted saying "yes, we believe you can do it!" And in fact, the man did it multiple times. Going back-and-forth across the tight rope over the Niagara Falls.
However, on his last attempt he wanted to do something a little unusual. So, He brought out a specially design wheelbarrel.
The wheel barrel had a special front wheel to keep it firmly on the tight rope as he walked across the Niagara Falls. Also, the wheel barrel had a small seat inside the wheel barrel for only one passenger.
Now, the man said to the crowd, "Does anyone trust that I can take them across the Niagara Falls in this wheelbarrow? This time, only a few hands went up. And then the man said something very interesting to the few who raised their hands.
"Please step forward and take a seat in the wheel barrel and let us cross together over the Niagara Falls!" But no one came forth.
Now remember, the man said to the crowd, “How many of you have FAITH that I can cross the Niagara Falls by walking on this tight rope, without falling?" And the majority of the people raise their hand and chanted saying "yes, we BELIEVE you can do it!"
In fact, remember the man did it multiple times going back-and-forth across the tight-rope over the Niagara Falls.
But then the man said unto the crowd, "does anyone TRUST that I can take THEM across the Niagara Falls in this wheelbarrow? And still a few hands went up.
But then the man said, "please step forward, and get into the wheel barrel and let us cross together over the Niagara Falls.”
And no one came forth! And so, it is with most of us as God's people. You see, the illustration that I just share actually is an allegory. (Note) an allegory is a story, or a poem, or a picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or spiritual insight like the book called, “Pilgrim's Progress,” which is an allegory of a believer’s spiritual journey.
•The man who when across the Niagara Falls on the tight rope, represent The Lord. •The crowd represent us, as God's people. •The Niagara Falls, represent the challenges or difficulties, or that which causes You and I to have fear, or anxiety, or worry, that there are some things that are just impossible. •Now, the multiple crossings, going back-and-forth-on the tight rope without slipping nor falling when crossing over the Niagara Falls represent, God’s ability and strength-to do anything He pleases according to His wills.
•The wheelbarrow and the seat in the wheelbarrow represent, God's Grace - which is sufficient no matter what we are facing. Because He is willing to carry us, support us, and to help us to get through to the other side of the circumstance or the situation.
And finally, when the man said, "please step forward, and get into the wheelbarrow and let us cross together to the other side." That request represent God speaking to you and I to trust Him by putting ourselves into His care!
Listen, we may have Faith, that we believe God can do anything. But do we Trust Him enough to putting our wholeself into His care?