Bible, Faith, Love, Truth

Living With Authentic Faith

What does it look like when faith transforms us from the inside out? We all want a life marked by deep meaning and purpose, yet many of us get stuck in religious routines or surface-level spirituality. Some of us attend church regularly but struggle to see real change, while others sense there’s something more meaningful beyond just following religious rules. In this message, discover three practical marks of genuine faith that transform not just what you believe, but how you serve others, reflect God’s character, and live with lasting impact.

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Famous Last Words

Living With Authentic Faith

Introduction

  • John’s final letter written to Gaius
  • Focus on “following the truth”

[3 John 4] “I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.”

Three Marks of Following Truth

  1. Being Faithful

[3 John 1:1-3] “Some of the traveling teachers recently returned and made me very happy by telling me about your faithfulness and that you are living according to the truth.”

Requirements:

  • Following Jesus first
  • Letting God’s Word shape life

[Psalm 1:2-3] “They delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.”

  1. Serving in Love (3 John 1:5-8)

Actions must be:

  • Selfless: Serving strangers
  • Sacrificial: Personal cost involved
  • Generous: Supporting others’ ministry

Contrast:

  • Gaius: Serves others selflessly
  • Diotrephes: Refuses to serve, blocks others from helping
  1. Reflecting God’s Character

[3 John 1:11-12] “Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children.”

Results:

  • Reveals relationship with God
  • Inspires others
  • Shows transformation

[Matthew 7:20] “Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.”

Application

Walk Faithfully:

  • Trust God fully
  • Engage with God’s Word daily

Serve in Love:

  • Identify opportunities to serve
  • Practice generosity

Reflect God’s Character:

  • Examine life alignment with God
  • Grow in godly traits

“What we consistently do and how we treat others reflects whether or not we are truly Following the Truth.”

For Those Far from God

  • Can’t imitate someone you don’t know
  • Must come through Jesus
  • Prayer: “Jesus, I need you in my life. Help me follow you as you change me from the inside out.”

[Matthew 3:8] “Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.”

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Application Questions

  1. What stood out to you from this message and why?
  2. What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?
  3. What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?
  4. How will this message change how you act at home, at work, and in your relationships?

What does it look like when faith transforms us from the inside out? We all want a life marked by deep meaning and purpose, yet many of us get stuck in religious routines or surface-level spirituality. Some of us attend church regularly but struggle to see real change, while others sense there’s something more meaningful beyond just following religious rules. In this message, discover three practical marks of genuine faith that transform not just what you believe, but how you serve others, reflect God’s character, and live with lasting impact.

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