I’ve heard people say, “Oh, I wish I had his faith, or her faith,” as if faith is a talent. And I do think there’s a kind of faith that’s a temperament—people who are more trusting or more skeptical—but that’s not saving faith. 
There is no type of person who becomes a Christian. Saving faith, the faith that brings you eternal life, is for everyone. And Jesus’ miraculous sign in John 4 teaches us about this faith.
In this passage, we learn that life-giving faith 1) starts with reason, 2) has to move beyond reason to trust, 3) grows beautiful and pure where gold grows beautiful and pure, 4) saves by its object, not its quality, and 5) comes to love Jesus for who he is in himself, not for the benefits he gives.
This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on January 26, 2014. Series: Seeing Jesus. Scripture: John 4:46-54.
Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

Released on 16 Mar 2026