Rooted in a Living Faith
Rooted - March 22, 2026
Rooted in a Living Faith
Romans 10:8-13 (NASB 1995)
8But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” -Romans 10:8-13
WHAT IS FAITH?
The only faith that justifies is "Fides viva" -a living faith. -Martin Luther
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the men of old gained approval. -Hebrews 11:1-2
1. A living faith has content.
2. A living faith has substance.
3. A living faith has application.
4. A living faith requires self-examination.
5. A living faith requires attention to it.
A. Information is not enough
"Information must lead to transformation" -Pastor Ryan
B. Knowledge is not enough to believe with our heads
Heart change is required
Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. -Ezekiel 36:26-27
“Is not My word like fire?” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer which shatters a rock? -Jeremiah 23:29
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. -1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Sovereign grace in election is required
All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” -John 6:37-40
HOW CAN I KNOW IF I'M SAVED?
that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;
-Romans 10:9
The "_____________________" part, hinges on the "_______________" part, and the word "____________” implies the importance of the latter, in order to perform the former; otherwise it’s only lip service.
10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” -Romans 10:10-11
"It isn't the 'profession' of faith that saves, its the 'possession' of faith that saves"- R. C. Sproul.