Faith: Hebrews wk 6
[teaching text]
Hebrews 11:1, 39-40
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen...39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, 40 God having provided something better for us
Hebrews 11:1
faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen
Faith in Jesus is superior
vs. 4 By faith Abel offered God a sacrifice
vs. 5 By faith Enoch walked with God
vs. 7 By faith Noah built the ark
vs. 8 By faith Abraham left his home for the land God promised
vs. 11 By faith Sarah believed God for a baby
vs. 24 By faith Moses refused the comfort of Egypt pursuing God's promised land
vs. 31 By faith Rahab believed she would be spared
vs. 4 By faith Abel obtained witness that he was righteous
vs. 5 By faith Enoch this testimony that he pleased God
vs. 7 By faith Noah became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith
vs. 8 By faith Abraham an inheritance
vs. 11 By faith Sarah a child
vs. 29 By faith Moses through the Red Sea on dry land
vs. 31 By faith Rahab not perish
Hebrews 11:32-33
And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell you of [all these others] who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions
Hall of fame — people are added to the hall of fame because of something exceptional they did
- vs. 31 The faithful Rahab was also a prostitute
- vs. 32 The faithful David — the man after God's heart — also murdered a guy after he slept with that man's wife and got her pregnant
- vs. 8-12 The faithful Abraham and Sarah at one point doubted God's follow through of the promise so they took matters into their own hands and Abraham made a baby with Sarah's slave
He moves the standard off the person who lives by faith and onto the person of their faith.
Hebrews 11:39
all these (people of faith), having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise.
Hebrews 11:13
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Faith is believing and receiving what God has revealed
"[Faith] is the willingness to trust in, to rely on, and to cling to." — David Guzik
Hebrews 11:40
having provided something better for us
"waited for His coming; we enjoy Him as having come" — Jamieson
"Hebrews 11 proves that the saints of all ages [those of the Old Testament, those who were wavering in their faith at the time of the writing, and those of us reading it now] are essentially one. There is a link which unites them; a thrill which passes from one hand to hand around the circle." — Meyer
1 Peter 1:3, 5-9, 13
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith — more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire — may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
[charlotte elliott pic]
Just as I am, without one plea, But that thy blood was shed for me, And that thou bidst (tells) me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt, Fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, those wilt (will) receive, wilt (will) welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve, Because they promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, of that free love The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove, Here for a season, then above, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
is very difficult when we live as practical atheists. This describes someone who may have a theoretical belief in God, but the belief doesn't matter in what they do from day to day.
"Hall of fame says you get there because you are exceptional. Hall of faith says you get there because Jesus is exceptional."