When God Doesn’t Do It

Relational Faith, Not Transactional Faith

Scripture References

Primary text

• Psalm 63
• Matthew 6:33

Other references

• Exodus 16:3
• Jonah 4

Overview

Pastor Craig exposed the subtle lie that turns following Jesus into a “cause-and-effect” arrangement: if I do my part, God must do mine. Using Psalm 63 and Jesus’ call to “seek first the kingdom,” he showed that true faith is covenantal and relational—loving God for who He is, not for what He delivers. The message challenged hearers to repent of “vending-machine” expectations and pursue intimate, unconditional fellowship with the Father.

Main Points

1. The Vending-Machine Illusion

• Childhood fascination with vending machines illustrated how we expect a set result after inserting our “payment.”

• Illustration: Coins go in, the metal spiral turns, but sometimes the snack hangs—prompting shaking and anger.

• Many treat prayer, tithing, or good behavior the same way: input equals guaranteed outcome.
• This produces “cause-and-effect faith,” a fragile expectation that God will behave like a machine.

2. Transactional Faith Defined

Transactional faith is a distorted belief that turns our relationship with God into a contract, assuming that if we do our part, God is obligated to do His.

• When God doesn’t “dispense” what we ordered, we feel ripped off, frustrated, even betrayed.
• Biblical snapshots of this mindset:
  • Israelites—“Why are we struggling?” (Exodus 16:3)
  • Jonah—“Why bless Nineveh, not me?” (Jonah 4)
  • Martha, the older brother, and the rich young ruler (books/chaps not cited) share the same complaint: “God, you owe me.”

3. Covenant vs. Contract

• God initiates a covenant, not a contract.
  • Contract: transactional, temporary, enforceable by law.
  • Covenant: relational, eternal, sustained by love.
• Even when we are faithless, “He remains faithful.” His promises are unconditional; some blessings are conditional, but none are earned wages.

• Story: Pastor Craig compared a formal rental contract with letting a life-group member live rent-free—illustrating the difference between legal agreement and loving covenant.

4. Relational Faith Modeled (Psalm 63)

• David’s language is deeply intimate:

  “You, God, are my God; earnestly I seek You… My whole being longs for You.”

• David seeks God’s presence, not His perks—speaks of thirst, clinging, singing under God’s wings.

5. Diagnosing Our Own Hearts

Ask:

1. Do I follow God for who He is or for what He does?
2. Do I still trust Him when prayers aren’t answered my way?
3. Do I serve because I love Him, or because I hope for something in return?

6. The Remedy—Seek First (Matthew 6:33)

• Jesus’ command reframes life: pursue God above provision, approval, comfort, or control.
• Our prayer:
  “God, help me to know You and love You for who You are, not just for what You do.”

Key Truths

• God is not a tool to be used; He is the King to be worshiped.
• True faith is relational, not transactional.
• A covenant initiated by God is eternal and upheld by His love, even when we fail.
• Seeking God’s face precedes—and outweighs—seeking God’s hand.
• If I obey merely to get a blessing, I am missing God’s heart.

Response

• Repent of any “strings-attached” expectations you hold against God.
• Pray daily: “Father, help me seek You first.”
• Worship and serve without bargaining for outcomes.
• Evaluate motives using the three diagnostic questions; discuss them with trusted believers.
• Re-read Psalm 63 this week, personalizing David’s language toward God.

Closing

Pastor Craig invited believers to shed vending-machine Christianity and return to a pure, covenantal love. When we pursue God Himself, disappointment gives way to devotion. The service ended with people praying, “Jesus, save me,” and surrendering without conditions—because “whoever finds God finds life.”

Prayer

“God, forgive me for every time I’ve attached strings to our relationship. Cleanse my heart. Help me to know You and love You for who You are, not just for what You do. Draw me close so I can serve You faithfully, seeking first Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”