Faith in Function

Luke 18:1–30 | Pastor Scott Berglin | October 4, 2026

God from Luke’s Eyes to Yours

Faith That Moves Beyond Belief

What does faith look like when it moves beyond what we say we believe and begins to shape how we actually live?

In Luke 18, Jesus gives us a series of encounters that reveal what faith in function looks like. Pastor Scott challenged us to stop focusing on whether we can predict what God is doing and instead trust that God is in it, God is in control, and God is working— even when we don’t understand His timing.

The question Jesus leaves us with is personal: When Jesus returns, will He find faith in you?

1. Faith Requires Humility

LUKE 18:9–14

Jesus contrasts the Pharisee, who proudly lists everything he has done, with the tax collector who simply cries out:

“God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”

Pastor Scott pointed out the difference: one man was trusting in himself, while the other understood his position before God. The tax collector recognized that he needed mercy—and Jesus said he went home justified.

Pastor Scott challenged us to stop comparing ourselves to others. Comparison can become a way of determining our value or elevating ourselves over someone else.

Instead, we should use comparison to find value—to recognize what God has placed in each person rather than deciding who is better.

2. Faith Brings Mercy

LUKE 18:13–14

The tax collector's prayer was an expression of faith—and faith brought mercy.

Pastor Scott connected this to Proverbs 3:5–6: when we trust the Lord with all our heart and stop leaning on our own understanding, God straightens our path. Even correction can be an act of mercy when God brings us back onto the right path.

When we place our faith in Christ as Lord and Savior, forgiveness is one of the first and greatest acts of mercy we receive.

3. Faith Is Free from Ability

LUKE 18:18–27

The rich ruler believed he had done everything right. He had kept the commandments and had an impressive list of accomplishments.

But Jesus exposed the deeper issue: pride, self-reliance, and the things that stood between the man and wholehearted dependence on God.

“Faith is free from ability.”

• Your GPA doesn't determine your faith.
• Your salary doesn't determine your faith.
• Your experience doesn't determine your faith.
• Your accomplishments don't determine your faith.

God is what matters.

Our abilities are gifts God gives us so that we can use them for others— not so that we can build our own value or importance.

4. Faith Follows Jesus

LUKE 18:22

Jesus told the rich ruler:

“Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor... and come, follow me.”

Pastor Scott emphasized that “follow me” is an ongoing action.

Following Jesus means giving up our need to always be the one leading.

Pastor Scott acknowledged how naturally we want to be in control—to tell God what to do, complain when He does something differently, and question His decisions.

But he challenged us to recognize that this isn't faith.

Faith trusts God when His timing doesn't make sense.

Faith follows when the path is uncomfortable.

Faith follows when we don't have all the answers.

“Never let God be your vegetable. He's the main dish.”

This Week's Challenge

This week, put your faith in function.

1. Replace comparison with value.

Instead of asking who is better, look for the value God has placed in others.

2. Start with humility.

Pray, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner,” and remember your dependence on Him.

3. Trust beyond your ability.

Stop measuring your faith by what you can accomplish. Ask how God can use what He's given you to serve someone else.

4. Follow Jesus.

When something doesn't make sense, don't immediately ask, “Where is God in this?” Ask, “How is God in this?”

5. Ask the personal question.

If Jesus returned today, would He find faith in you?

Reflect & Respond

This week, consider what it looks like to put your faith in function: to trust God beyond what you can understand, depend on Him rather than your own ability, and follow Jesus even when the path is uncomfortable.