Each sermon is accompanied by a summary, practical points, and relevant scripture for deeper insight. Our study guides also include devotional content to help you apply biblical truths to your daily life.
- Summary
In this powerful message, we’re reminded that true faith in Yahweh always leads to obedience. The story of Simon the sorcerer in Acts 8 serves as a cautionary tale, showing us that merely being baptized doesn’t guarantee a transformed heart. We’re challenged to examine our motives: are we seeking Yahweh’s power for our own gain, or are we truly surrendering to His will? The message emphasizes the importance of verifying spiritual authority and not being deceived by false signs and wonders. As we reflect on this, let’s ask ourselves: Are we relying on borrowed faith, or are we cultivating a deep, personal relationship with Yahweh? This teaching encourages us to drink from the living water that Yeshua offers, finding our sustenance in His word rather than seeking truth elsewhere. May we be inspired to pursue genuine repentance and obedience, recognizing that we’re living on borrowed time and must make the most of our spiritual journey.
Now that you've listened to the sermon, please use the study guide below to dive deeper into the topic.
- How to Use Guide
- Points & Scriptures
- Discussion Questions
- Small Group Guide
- Devotional
The purpose of this Sermon Library is to support your spiritual growth as you revisit, reflect and meditate on the sermon topic, and study the Scriptures.
In each tab of the Study Guide, you will find information that will help you increase your understanding and knowledge of Yahweh’s Word and gain deeper insight into the Biblical topic covered.
You can engage in this study on your own or with a group.
It is our hope that these tools provide you with meaningful activities to help you on your walk, as you engage in them during the week and in days leading up to a Feast.
2 Timothy 2:15 – Study to shew thyself approved unto Elohim, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Study Guide
Summary – Read and reread to help you remember the answer to the question, “What was this sermon about?” so that you can deepen your understanding on this topic and can learn what to say in order to easily share this with others.
Points and Scriptures – Compare these to your notes. If needed, add the key points and Scriptures to your notes, for further review. Turn to each Scripture passage and read it. You may want to keep a notebook or journal, with Scripture Lists by topic. Scriptures that say (alluded to) next to it were included in content of the message (ex. appeared on a slide) without the Scripture itself being read.
Discussion Questions – Read one at a time, writing the answers down in your notebook or journal. Use your notes, as well as the information in the Points & Scriptures tab, to help you answer the questions.
Small Group Guide – We recommend that you engage in this activity during the week with a group of brethren, family members and/or friends.
Devotional – We recommend that you engage in these activities during the week and/or in days leading up to the Feast.
Sermon Summary: This sermon explores the importance of discerning true faith and divine authority in our walk. It emphasizes the need for believers to verify spiritual claims, remain obedient to Yahweh’s word, and understand the responsibility that comes with spiritual knowledge and leadership. The speaker warns against being deceived by false signs and wonders, stressing the importance of rooting one’s faith in the teachings of Yahshua Messiah and the scriptures.
Key Points:
- Real faith in Yahweh always leads to obedience
- The importance of verifying spiritual claims and authority
- The danger of being deceived by false signs and wonders
- The responsibility that comes with spiritual knowledge and leadership
- The need for humility and a servant’s heart in spiritual matters
- The significance of baptism and the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life
- The importance of staying rooted in Yahweh’s word for spiritual nourishment
Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, listed in standard notation:
- 2 Corinthians 12:12
- Matthew 24:24
- Acts 8:1-24
- 1 John 1:7
- 2 Corinthians 4:1-4
- 1 Kings 13:11-32
- Joshua 9 (general reference)
- 1 Timothy 4:1
- Hebrews 3:7
- Hebrews 4:7
- Psalm 95 (referenced but not specified)
- Acts 19:18-19
- Matthew 13 (general reference to the chapter)
- John 4 (general reference to the woman at the well story)
- John 6:35, 53-55
- John 15:1
- 1 Kings 13:21-22
- James 3:1
- Ecclesiastes 12:12-13
Additionally, the sermon alludes to several biblical themes without specific references. Here are some relevant verses that align with the main themes discussed:
- On baptism and repentance: Acts 2:38
- On false prophets and discernment: 1 John 4:1
- On the importance of studying Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15
- On the authority of Yahshua: Matthew 28:18
- On spiritual thirst and living water: John 7:37-38
- On the role of the Holy Spirit: John 14:26
- On the importance of obedience: John 14:15
- On the concept of borrowed time: James 4:14
- On the narrow path to salvation: Matthew 7:13-14
- On the importance of verifying teachings: Acts 17:11
How can we distinguish between true spiritual authority and deception, as exemplified by the contrast between Philip and Simon the sorcerer in Acts 8?
In what ways might we be ‘living on borrowed time’ spiritually, and how can we make the most of the time we have?
How do we balance the desire for signs and wonders with the need for faith based on Yahweh’s Word alone?
What does it mean to truly ‘hunger and thirst for righteousness’ as Yahshua describes, and how can we cultivate this in our lives?
How can we ensure we’re not just seeking knowledge for its own sake, but applying it to deepen our relationship with Yahweh and obedience to His commands?
In what ways might we be tempted to ‘buy’ spiritual power or authority, like Simon, rather than submitting to Yahweh’s process of growth and maturity?
How do we discern between the ‘spirit speaking’ and our own desires or interpretations when seeking guidance from Scripture?
What does it mean to ‘drink the living water’ that Yahshua offers, and how does this relate to our daily spiritual practices?
How can we prepare ourselves for the ‘greater judgment’ that comes with teaching and leadership roles in the faith community?
In what ways might we be relying on ‘borrowed faith’ from others rather than developing our own direct relationship with Yahweh?
Here’s a small group guide based on the sermon transcription:
Small Group Guide: Living on Borrowed Time
Opening Prayer
Key Takeaways:
1. Real faith in Yahweh always leads to obedience.
2. We must be careful about where we get our spiritual information from.
3. Signs and wonders alone don’t guarantee true faith or authority.
4. Knowledge should be used to build up, not manipulate others.
5. We are accountable for the knowledge we have.
Discussion Questions:
1. The sermon mentions that “Real faith in Yahweh always leads to obedience.” How have you seen this play out in your own life? What challenges have you faced in being obedient?
2. Discuss the story of Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:9-24). What can we learn from his attempt to purchase spiritual power? How might we be tempted to take shortcuts in our spiritual growth?
3. The speaker asks, “After we are immersed into Yahshua’s name, do we still need signs and miracles?” What are your thoughts on this? How do we balance faith with the desire for tangible proof?
4. How can we discern between true spiritual authority and false teachers or prophets? What criteria should we use?
5. The sermon touches on the idea of “living on borrowed time.” How does this perspective impact how we should live our daily lives and pursue our faith?
6. Reflect on John 6:35 where Yahshua says, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” What does this mean to you practically?
Practical Applications:
1. Commit to spending time daily in scripture study, focusing on understanding and applying Yahweh’s commands to your life.
2. Practice discernment by critically examining the spiritual teachings you encounter, always comparing them to scripture.
3. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with obedience. Create an action plan to address this with prayer and accountability.
4. Look for opportunities to serve others with humility, remembering the warning about the greater judgment for teachers (James 3:1).
5. Reflect on your motivations for seeking spiritual knowledge or experiences. Are you truly seeking Yahweh or something else?
Closing Prayer
Encourage group members to continue reflecting on these themes throughout the week and to share any insights at the next meeting.
Here’s a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the themes from the Sermon:
Day 1: True Faith Leads to Obedience
Reading: James 2:14-26
Devotional: As we reflect on the statement “Real faith in Yahweh always leads to obedience,” we’re reminded that faith is not merely intellectual assent, but a living, active force in our lives. James teaches us that faith without works is dead. Today, examine your faith. How does it manifest in your daily actions? Are there areas where your beliefs and behaviors don’t align? Ask Yahweh to strengthen your faith and give you the courage to live it out obediently, knowing that true faith always bears fruit in our lives.
Day 2: The Power of Yahweh’s Word
Reading: Hebrews 4:12-13
Devotional: The sermon emphasized the importance of going to the source – Yahweh’s Word – for truth and guidance. Hebrews tells us that Yahweh’s Word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. As you read today’s passage, consider how Yahweh’s Word has impacted your life. Has it convicted you, comforted you, or changed you? Pray for a hunger for Scripture and the discernment to apply it wisely. Remember, in a world full of information, Yahweh’s Word remains our ultimate source of truth and life.
Day 3: Discernment in a World of Deception
Reading: 1 John 4:1-6
Devotional: We live in a world where false teachings and deceptive spirits abound. Today’s reading reminds us to test the spirits and discern what is truly from Yahweh. Reflect on times when you may have been deceived or led astray. How can you grow in spiritual discernment? Ask Yahweh for wisdom to recognize His truth amidst the noise of the world. Remember, as children of Yahweh, we have His Spirit within us, guiding us into all truth.
Day 4: The Living Water of Messiah
Reading: John 4:1-26
Devotional: Yahshua offered the Samaritan woman living water that would quench her thirst forever. This living water represents the eternal life and satisfaction found only in Messiah. As you meditate on this passage, consider the areas of your life where you’re still thirsting. Are you seeking fulfillment in things other than Messiah? Invite Yahshua to fill those empty places with His living water. Pray for a renewed passion for Him and a desire to share this living water with others who are spiritually thirsty.
Day 5: Perseverance in Faith
Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3
Devotional: The sermon touched on the challenges of maintaining faith and the reality that some may fall away. Hebrews encourages us to run with perseverance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Yahshua. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. What obstacles or distractions threaten to derail your faith? How can you stay focused on Messiah amidst life’s challenges? Ask Yahweh for the strength to persevere, remembering that He is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in you.
