Living by Faith

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Living by Faith

A Sermon based on the Hymn by James Wells (lyrics) and R.E. Winsett (music)

Introduction:
“Living by Faith” is a declaration of daily trust in the Lord, regardless of life’s uncertainties. Written in the early 20th century, this hymn has strengthened the hearts of Christians for over a century. Based on the principle in Galatians 2:20—“The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God”—it reminds us that worry is replaced by worship when we place our full confidence in Christ. The world is full of storms, trials, and unknowns, but the Christian is not tossed by fear. Our anchor is faith. With each stanza, this hymn reassures us that Jesus is near, God is in control, and our future is secure. It teaches not just what we believe—but how we live.

Stanza 1: “I care not today what the morrow may bring, if shadow or sunshine or rain…”
This verse reflects the heart of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:34: “Do not worry about tomorrow.” Faith allows us to let go of anxiety about the future because we trust the One who holds it. Whether sunshine or storm, the believer is content. Life’s changes don’t shake our peace when it’s rooted in God. We know who reigns above, and our path is guarded by the Shepherd who leads with love (Psalm 23:1–4).

Stanza 2: “Though tempest may blow and the storm clouds arise, obscuring the brightness of life…”
Storms are inevitable, but they’re not the end of the story. Jesus calmed the sea with His voice (Mark 4:39), and He can calm the storm in our hearts. The faithful Christian may experience sorrow, trials, and spiritual warfare, but these do not control our mindset. “I’m never alarmed at the overcast skies”—why? Because our Master is greater than the storm. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “all things work together for good to those who love God.”

Stanza 3: “I know that He safely will carry me through, no matter what evils betide…”
This stanza affirms God’s sustaining power. 2 Timothy 4:18 says, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom.” Faith is not mere optimism—it is confidence in God's providence and protection. We do not trust in ourselves, our strength, or our plans. “Why should I then care though the tempest may blow?” Because we trust the One who calms the wind and walks on the waves.

Stanza 4: “Our Lord will return to this earth some sweet day, our troubles will then all be o’er…”
This is the final hope of every Christian: the return of Jesus. Titus 2:13 calls it “the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Living by faith means we are watching, waiting, and walking in readiness. We endure trials now with our eyes fixed on heaven. When Christ returns, we will be caught up with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17), and faith will give way to sight. “I’ll live with my Savior in heaven above.”

Chorus: “Living by faith in Jesus above…”
The chorus is the heart of the hymn. It is not simply believing that Jesus exists—it is living in full trust and submission to Him. “Trusting, confiding in His great love…” means surrendering our will and fears daily. “From all harm safe in His sheltering arm…” reminds us of the security found only in Christ. Isaiah 41:10 assures us, “Fear not, for I am with you.” Faith is not a feeling—it is a life anchored in the unshakable promises of God.

Living by Faith Sermon Outline:

Stanza 1 – Confidence in the Unknown

• Do not worry about tomorrow: Matthew 6:34

• Content in all circumstances: Philippians 4:11–13

• The Lord is our Shepherd: Psalm 23:1–4

Stanza 2 – Security in the Storm

• Jesus calms life’s storms: Mark 4:39

• Trials test but don’t defeat: 1 Peter 1:6–7

• All things work for good: Romans 8:28

Stanza 3 – Assurance of Divine Protection

• God delivers from evil: 2 Timothy 4:18

• Trust replaces fear: Isaiah 41:10

• The faithful are kept by God's power: 1 Peter 1:5

Stanza 4 – Hope in Christ’s Return

• The blessed hope: Titus 2:13

• Christ will return: 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17

• Eternal reward awaits the faithful: Revelation 2:10

Chorus – The Daily Practice of Faith

• Living by faith: Galatians 2:20

• Trusting Jesus fully: Proverbs 3:5–6

• God’s arms shelter the believer: Psalm 91:1–2

Call to Action:
Are you living by faith or just singing about it? Faith is more than belief—it is life committed to Christ. Have you obeyed the gospel? Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Begin walking by faith today. Be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), and live each day trusting the One who died and rose for you. Let go of fear, live in obedience, and walk in the light—knowing that your Savior walks beside you and your home is secure in heaven.

Scripture Reference List:
Galatians 2:20 – The Christian life is lived by faith in Jesus
Matthew 6:34 – Do not worry about tomorrow
Philippians 4:11–13 – Contentment in all circumstances through Christ
Psalm 23:1–4 – The Lord is my Shepherd
Mark 4:39 – Jesus calms the storm
Romans 8:28 – All things work for good
2 Timothy 4:18 – God delivers from every evil
Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, for I am with you
1 Peter 1:5 – We are kept by God’s power
Titus 2:13 – Waiting for the blessed hope
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 – The Lord will return
Revelation 2:10 – Be faithful unto death
Proverbs 3:5–6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart
Psalm 91:1–2 – Dwelling in the shelter of the Most High
Mark 16:16 – Believe and be baptized for salvation
Acts 2:38 – Repent and be baptized

Song Author Credit:
James Wells wrote the lyrics of “Living by Faith,” and R.E. Winsett, a prominent gospel composer and music publisher, composed the tune. Winsett is best known for his work “Jesus Is Coming Soon.” Their collaboration on this hymn produced one of the most enduring songs of trust in the gospel hymn tradition.

Song History:
“Living by Faith” gained popularity in the early 1900s among churches of Christ and other restorationist congregations. It has been included in numerous hymnals and continues to be a favorite during times of personal difficulty, communal worship, and encouragement for the discouraged. Its message is timeless because faith is always the answer.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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