Sermon Framework | Irrational
- Herbert Berkley
- Jul 25
- 4 min read
Sermon Title: Irrational — When Faith Makes No Sense to the Flesh
Theme: Faith often transcends logic, not abandons it—because the Kingdom operates on resurrection logic, not human reason.
Texts: 1 Corinthians 1:18–20, Hebrews 11:8, Romans 12:2, Luke 6:28, Hebrews 10:34, Proverbs 3:5
Structure: Framework 2 (Combination Narrative) + Style 3 (Analogy)
1. Common Ground – We All Have a “Logic Line”
There’s a place we all draw the line. It’s the invisible fence of reason.
We say things like:
“I’ll trust God… but I need to see the plan first.”
“I’ll forgive… but I need an apology first.”
“I’ll go… but not without clarity.”
In other words: I’ll obey God—once it makes sense to me.
Let’s be honest.
We all want a reasonable faith. A predictable God. A safe Savior.
But what if God often leads us to the very edge of our logic line……and then calls us to step past it?
Welcome to holy irrationality.
2. Cultural Narrative – We Praise Logic but Live by Instinct
Our modern age praises logic like a religion:
We demand proof before action.
We trust science over Scripture.
We reduce faith to “personal preference.”
But culture doesn’t actually live by logic—it lives by impulse:
People go broke for feelings.
They destroy marriages for thrills.
They vote in fear and spend in fantasy.
We mock the irrational and yet live in it daily.
“The wisdom of this world is foolishness before God.” — 1 Corinthians 3:19, NASB
The real question isn’t whether we are irrational—it’s what form of irrationality we’ve surrendered to.
3. First Story Thread – Abraham: The Faith That Left Without a Map
“By faith Abraham… went out, not knowing where he was going.” — Hebrews 11:8, NASB
Think about it:
Abraham didn’t have Waze.
No destination preview.
No land deed.
Just a voice and a promise.
To his neighbors, Abraham looked insane.
But irrational obedience became the foundation of the covenant.
Faith doesn’t wait for certainty—it walks on the Word.
4. Second Story Thread – The Cross: The Pinnacle of “Foolishness”
“The word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing…” — 1 Corinthians 1:18, NASB
There is nothing logical about God saving the world through:
A beaten body
A blood-soaked tree
A dead Messiah
Even Jesus' closest friends scattered in confusion. The plan made no sense—until the resurrection proved it was perfect.
What’s more irrational than the innocent dying for the guilty?
And yet, it’s the center of our hope.
5. Analogy – The Parachute and the Cliff
Imagine standing at the edge of a cliff. Behind you: fire. Before you: a steep drop.
A man offers you a parachute.
You’ve never jumped. You don’t know the science. You’ve never flown.
You ask, “Does this make sense?”
He says, “No… but it will save you.”
That’s faith.
It doesn’t always feel logical. But it’s always anchored in trust.
6. Third Story Thread – Holy Risk: Rahab, Noah, and You
“By faith Rahab… welcomed the spies in peace.” — Hebrews 11:31, NASB
“ By faith Noah… prepared an ark.” — Hebrews 11:7, NASB
Rahab betrayed her city for a God she barely knew. Noah built a ship in the desert before the first drop fell.
This wasn’t stupidity. It was Spirit-led surrender.
They looked irrational to men. But they were reasonable to Heaven.
The Holy Spirit will often invite you into something that your resume can’t explain and your circle won’t affirm.
7. The Call of the Gospel – A New Logic for a New Life
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2, NASB
The Gospel doesn’t dismiss reason—it redeems it.
The renewed mind sees:
Suffering as purpose.
Surrender as power.
Sacrifice as worship.
In the world’s logic:
Keeping is winning.
Self is first.
Safety is god.
But in Christ’s Kingdom:
Losing is finding.
Serving is ruling.
Death is life.
8. Final Thread – What Would Irrational Faith Look Like Today?
Today, irrational faith might look like:
Forgiving your abuser.
Moving without a job offer.
Tithing when bills stack up.
Loving someone who keeps rejecting you.
Going public with your faith despite career risk.
The question isn’t: “Does this make sense? ”It’s: “Is this what Jesus is calling me to do?”
9. Reflective Questions
Ask these honestly:
Am I only obedient when I understand?
Have I placed logic above Lordship?
Where is God calling me into the uncomfortable unknown?
Am I waiting for proof when He’s already given me a promise?
10. Final Image – Jesus in Gethsemane
Picture Jesus.
Sweating blood. Alone in the garden. Praying, “Not My will, but Yours.”
The logical choice? Escape. The irrational choice? Embrace the cross.
But because Jesus walked beyond the logic line, you and I now have eternal life.
11. Conclusion: When Obedience Looks Irrational
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5, NASB
This isn’t an excuse to abandon wisdom—it’s a call to follow Christ when wisdom runs out.
When faith looks foolish, When obedience feels costly, When logic says “run” but God says “remain”—
That’s where resurrection power begins.
12. Call to Action – Step Beyond the Line
Where is your logic line?
Today, God may be calling you to:
Be baptized even though you don’t “feel ready.”
Confess sin even though it may cost reputation.
Serve where you feel unseen.
Say “yes” even when the “how” isn’t clear.
You don’t need the full plan—just the next step.
Step beyond the line. Step into the irrational. Step where logic ends and Jesus begins.
