How can we ensure our faith rests on God's power, not human wisdom?

◄ How to base faith on God's power alone? ►

“so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.”

Why God’s Power Must Be Central

• Human wisdom is limited, temporary, and stained by sin (Jeremiah 17:5–6).

• God’s power is limitless, eternal, and perfectly trustworthy (Ephesians 1:19).

• The cross itself is “the power of God” to those who are being saved (1 Corinthians 1:18).

How Scripture Guides the Shift from Human Wisdom to Divine Power

• Keep Scripture primary

– “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)

– Take God’s words at face value; treat them as the final authority.

• Seek the Spirit’s illumination

– Paul relied on “a demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Corinthians 2:4).

– Ask the Spirit to open your eyes each time you read (Psalm 119:18).

• Embrace weakness

– “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7)

– Admit need; boast in the Lord, not in credentials or intellect.

• Anchor confidence in the finished work of Christ

– “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2)

– The cross crushes pride and magnifies grace.

• Ask for divine wisdom

– “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)

– Pray specifically that God will guard you from trusting clever ideas over His truth.

• Walk in obedience, not mere information

– “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)

– Act on what God says, even when culture or intellect pushes back.

Everyday Practices That Keep the Focus on God’s Power

• Begin and end each day with Scripture meditation.

• Memorize verses that highlight God’s strength (e.g., Psalm 46:1; Isaiah 40:29).

• Share testimonies of answered prayer; celebrate what only God could do.

• Regularly fast from media or voices that elevate human opinion above God’s word.

• Engage in corporate worship where the gospel is central and Scripture is preached plainly.

• Serve in areas where your own abilities feel insufficient, forcing dependence on Him.

Scripture Connections for Ongoing Strength

• Hebrews 11:6 — “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”

• 1 Thessalonians 1:5 — “Our gospel came to you not only in word, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with deep conviction.”

• Psalm 20:7 — “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”

• Acts 1:8 — “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.”

• Jeremiah 17:7–8 — The blessed person “trusts in the LORD” and is like “a tree planted by the waters.”

Living It Out Together

• Encourage one another to test every teaching against Scripture.

• When decisions arise, ask, “Where do we see God’s power and promise in this?”

• Celebrate God’s mighty acts in small groups, reinforcing that He alone sustains faith.