The Doctrine of "Trying To"

Sermon Summary

In this sermon, Pastor Curt challenges what he calls the modern church’s “theology of trying to”—the belief that Christian obedience mainly consists of continually attempting to obey God while expecting repeated failure to be normal and acceptable. He argues that this mindset comes from Satan twisting biblical truth, much like the serpent did in Genesis by questioning God’s word. Instead of denying Scripture outright, the enemy distorts it, producing half-truths that lead to full deception.

The message focuses on the doctrine of justification by faith, explaining its biblical origin in Genesis 15:6 and its development through Paul’s writings in Romans and Galatians. While justification rightly teaches that we are declared righteous by faith and not by works of the Mosaic law, Pastor Curt warns that the modern church often misapplies this doctrine by separating faith from transformation. Paul and James, he argues, were not contradicting each other—both taught that genuine faith produces a life that continues believing and obeying God.

Using Abraham as the model, the sermon shows that the declaration of righteousness in Genesis 15 was validated through a lifetime of obedience, culminating in Genesis 22. The call for believers today is not casual belief but persevering faith—living lives that continually place ourselves and our desires on the altar before God.

Main Points to Consider This Week

• Key Question from the Sermon:

  • “Where is your knife, and what is on the altar?”
    Abraham’s faith was demonstrated when he was willing to sacrifice Isaac; in the same way, genuine faith requires surrendering our lives, desires, and sins to God.

• The “Doctrine of Trying To” vs. Conquering Sin

  • The enemy has convinced many believers that holiness is mainly about trying rather than truly fighting sin.

  • Scripture calls believers to put sin to death and persevere, not settle for continual defeat.

• Justification Was Never Meant to Be Isolated

  • Being declared righteous by faith does not eliminate the expectation of transformation.

  • Paul taught justification by faith, but he also taught believers to crucify the flesh, pursue holiness, and persevere.

• Abraham as the Model of Faith

  • Genesis 15:6 declares Abraham righteous because he believed God.

  • His later obedience—especially in Genesis 22—demonstrated and fulfilled that faith over time.

• Confidence vs. Certainty in Salvation

  • Believers can have confidence as they persevere in faith and obedience.

  • Final certainty comes at the end of the race, as Paul described near the end of his life.

• Reflection Questions

  • Am I relying on a past profession of faith or a present, living faith?

  • Is my relationship with God primarily doctrinal knowledge or real relational intimacy?

  • What sins or distractions am I tolerating instead of putting to death?

  • Where in my life do I need to surrender more fully to God?

Scripture References Used

• Genesis 3

• Genesis 15:1–6

• Genesis 17

• Genesis 22

• Psalm 91:11–12

• Matthew 4:5–7

• John 5:39–40

• John 6

• John 14

• John 15:14

• Acts 4:5–13

• Romans 3:21–31

• Romans 4:1–12

• Romans 4:18–22

• Romans 6

• Romans 8

• 1 Corinthians 9:27

• 2 Corinthians 5:21

• Galatians 1:6

• Galatians 3:6–7

• Galatians 3:10–12

• Galatians 5

• Philippians 3:12–14

• Hebrews 11

• James 2:21–23

• 2 Timothy 4:6–8