WHEREFORE
Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Wherefore - consequently- because of the truths presented in chapter 11;
A. Use of the heroes to instill idealism and provoke to action.
B. every conceivable hindrance to a life of faith has been set before us and the challenge met.
C. The blueprint for the desired acheivment is here in these two verses.
1. Lay aside the weights. These are different from the 'sins' which are also mentioned.
These are encumbrances.
a. Martha had a problem.
Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
We can get so busy doing 'stuff' that we don't have time for the Lord!
b. Abraham could not enter the promised land while encumbered with his family. From Ur to Haran was as far as he could go.
c. Peter and his brother had to leave the family business.
d. Matthew had to leave his tax gatherers table.
e. Paul had to lay aside his past accomplishments.
Phil 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
Phil 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
Phil 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Phil 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Phil 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
Phil 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Phil 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
2.And the SIN which doth so easily beset us. Trying to run the race of faith with unconfessed sins is like trying to run the 100 meter race with an arm load of dirty laundry.
a. How do we 'lay it aside'? Not by tying up the loose ends and somehow getting it under control, but by allowing Him to remove it from us.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
E. Let us RUN-- The life of faith is NOT a spectator sport.
1.Consider the words used in connection with this kind of life.
Come, labor, fight, work, go, follow. While the soul rests secure in Christ, we must RUN and finish our course.
F. With PATIENCE. this word means endurance Only winners are crowned and only those who finish the race are winners.
1 Cor 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
2 Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2 Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
G. Looking unto Jesus
Don't be sidetracked. Keep your eyes on the prize.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
HEROES OF THE FAITH, LESSON 9
FAITH REJOICES IN UNSEEN REALITIES
Heb 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
Heb 11:40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
INTRO: 'Hope is the facet of faith which looks heavenward'
These verses bring us full circle to the truth expressed in v-1. The unseen goal of our faith.
Rom 8:24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Rom 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
Rom 5:4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
Rom 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
I. Four things to note in these two verses.
A.These [all of chapter 11] received a good report through faith. [are spoken well of-]
B. Did not receive the promise. The end of their lives did NOT place them in the eternal heaven.
Jacob, David, Job, Isaiah, and Lazarus all spoke of going down at death.
C. Something better for us.
2 Cor 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
. Phil 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Jesus waits to welcome us home.
Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
Acts 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
D. We shall be made perfect.
1 Cor 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1 Cor 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
1 Cor 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
1 Cor 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1 Cor 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
1 Cor 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
II. Application;
The full force of the argument is that they were examples of faith, even though they knew that death did NOT deliver them into the presence of God immediately. They had a long wait in store, as they waited for us. We have the promise of coming immediately into his presence at death. How much MORE then should we walk by faith?
Heb 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
Heb 11:40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
INTRO: 'Hope is the facet of faith which looks heavenward'
These verses bring us full circle to the truth expressed in v-1. The unseen goal of our faith.
Rom 8:24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Rom 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
Rom 5:4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
Rom 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
I. Four things to note in these two verses.
A.These [all of chapter 11] received a good report through faith. [are spoken well of-]
B. Did not receive the promise. The end of their lives did NOT place them in the eternal heaven.
Jacob, David, Job, Isaiah, and Lazarus all spoke of going down at death.
C. Something better for us.
2 Cor 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
. Phil 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Jesus waits to welcome us home.
Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
Acts 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
D. We shall be made perfect.
1 Cor 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1 Cor 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
1 Cor 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
1 Cor 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1 Cor 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
1 Cor 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
II. Application;
The full force of the argument is that they were examples of faith, even though they knew that death did NOT deliver them into the presence of God immediately. They had a long wait in store, as they waited for us. We have the promise of coming immediately into his presence at death. How much MORE then should we walk by faith?
HEROES OF THE FAITH, LESSON 8
TRUE FAITH TAKES THE BAD WITH THE GOOD
Heb 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
Heb 11:33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
Heb 11:34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
Heb 11:35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
Heb 11:36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
Heb 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
Heb 11:38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
Heb 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
It is imperative that we learn this lesson in a walk of faith.
Which is the better example of faith in action; The shout of Gideon,"The sword of the Lord and of Gideon.", or the statement of Paul," I am now ready to be offered." ?
To boast in victory or to cringe in defeat are actions of a vain bully. Faith reacts the same in either case. It praises God!
I. True faith is NOT result oriented.
A. There are times when 'even the devils are subject to us.' and there are times when men treat our message as they did Stephen's.
Acts 7:57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
The constant in both cases is the FAITH of the preachers.
B. The parable of the talents seems to base rewards on results.
Mat 25:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
But a careful reading of the entire parable reveals the key word to be "FAITHFUL".
1 Cor 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
C. True faith is oriented toward obedience to the Word.
2 Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Tim 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
1 Sam 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
Paul's hope for a crown was not based upon his preaching to kings, his shipwrecks nor imprisonments nor floggings nor even his eventual dying as a martyr. It was based upon a faithful life of service.
2 Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2 Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
II. The results in our life.
A. The thrill of victory when everything comes up roses.
B. In the 'agony of defeat'. The thrill in knowing that even then God can and will sustain.
Psa 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Psa 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Learn this important lesson;
In the life of faith, even sorrows are opportunities for victory.
Acts 7:54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
Acts 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
Even death is a victory for the life of faith!
Phil 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Heb 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
Heb 11:33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
Heb 11:34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
Heb 11:35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
Heb 11:36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
Heb 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
Heb 11:38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
Heb 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
It is imperative that we learn this lesson in a walk of faith.
Which is the better example of faith in action; The shout of Gideon,"The sword of the Lord and of Gideon.", or the statement of Paul," I am now ready to be offered." ?
To boast in victory or to cringe in defeat are actions of a vain bully. Faith reacts the same in either case. It praises God!
I. True faith is NOT result oriented.
A. There are times when 'even the devils are subject to us.' and there are times when men treat our message as they did Stephen's.
Acts 7:57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
The constant in both cases is the FAITH of the preachers.
B. The parable of the talents seems to base rewards on results.
Mat 25:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
But a careful reading of the entire parable reveals the key word to be "FAITHFUL".
1 Cor 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
C. True faith is oriented toward obedience to the Word.
2 Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Tim 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
1 Sam 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
Paul's hope for a crown was not based upon his preaching to kings, his shipwrecks nor imprisonments nor floggings nor even his eventual dying as a martyr. It was based upon a faithful life of service.
2 Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2 Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
II. The results in our life.
A. The thrill of victory when everything comes up roses.
B. In the 'agony of defeat'. The thrill in knowing that even then God can and will sustain.
Psa 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Psa 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Learn this important lesson;
In the life of faith, even sorrows are opportunities for victory.
Acts 7:54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
Acts 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
Even death is a victory for the life of faith!
Phil 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
HEROES OF THE FAITH, LESSON 7
RAHAB- FROM UNSAVORY TO ELITE BY FAITH
Heb 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
Her faith caused her to ACT.
James 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
Her action in saving the spies resulted in the saving of her and her family;
Josh 6:23 And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel.
I. Consider her past. [and ours]
Isa 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Even when accepted by society, still rejected by God.
II. She heard about God and she believed. (In this, she did the same thing which Abraham did;)
Rom 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.]
Josh 2:9 And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.
Josh 2:10 For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
Josh 2:11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
NOTE: She HEARD.
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
She BELIEVED
III She ACTED;
James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.
.James 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
A. Faith requires an active decision to be made. She had to cast her lot with the conquerors or the condemned. Like Moses, Abraham and you and me.
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (The Bible never mentions an uncommunicated faith.)
IV. She hid the spies. She had chosen her course of action from which there was no turning back.
Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
To Turn back would get her in trouble with BOTH sides.
The Back slider doesn't 'belong' anywhere.
V. She became responsible for her family.
A. Her part.
Josh 2:18 Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee.
B. The individual's responsibility.
Josh 2:19 And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him.
VI. She had to carry out the plan till the end. The Scarlet cord in the window.
2 Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2 Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
VII. God reacted.
Josh 6:17 And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.
Because of our faith, we too shall be saved from God's wrath.
Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
VIII. The best is yet to come!.
Josephus records her inheritance in the nation, and Matthew tells us she was the mother of Boaz and thus in the lineage of Christ.
Who knows where one act of faith will lead?
Heb 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
Her faith caused her to ACT.
James 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
Her action in saving the spies resulted in the saving of her and her family;
Josh 6:23 And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel.
I. Consider her past. [and ours]
Isa 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Even when accepted by society, still rejected by God.
II. She heard about God and she believed. (In this, she did the same thing which Abraham did;)
Rom 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.]
Josh 2:9 And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.
Josh 2:10 For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
Josh 2:11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
NOTE: She HEARD.
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
She BELIEVED
III She ACTED;
James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.
.James 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
A. Faith requires an active decision to be made. She had to cast her lot with the conquerors or the condemned. Like Moses, Abraham and you and me.
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (The Bible never mentions an uncommunicated faith.)
IV. She hid the spies. She had chosen her course of action from which there was no turning back.
Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
To Turn back would get her in trouble with BOTH sides.
The Back slider doesn't 'belong' anywhere.
V. She became responsible for her family.
A. Her part.
Josh 2:18 Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee.
B. The individual's responsibility.
Josh 2:19 And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him.
VI. She had to carry out the plan till the end. The Scarlet cord in the window.
2 Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2 Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
VII. God reacted.
Josh 6:17 And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.
Because of our faith, we too shall be saved from God's wrath.
Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
VIII. The best is yet to come!.
Josephus records her inheritance in the nation, and Matthew tells us she was the mother of Boaz and thus in the lineage of Christ.
Who knows where one act of faith will lead?
HEROES OF THE FAITH, LESSON 6
FROM THE SEED OF FAITH, REAP A GLORIOUS HARVEST
MOSES
Heb 11:23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
Heb 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
Heb 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
Heb 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.
Heb 11:27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
Heb 11:28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
Heb 11:29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
Heb 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
Heb 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
Consider the far- reaching effect of a single act of uncompromising faith. These verses cover a span of over one hundred and twenty years. One act of faith, springing from parental love, reached across Egypt, even into Pharoah's palace. It set a nation free, parted the water of the Red Sea. Even after the babe grew old and died, the result continued. The Jordan was crossed. Jericho fell and the promised land lay before them.
V-23.Heb 11:23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
A. Don't look at an act of faith as an isolated event.
1.The greater the challenge, the greater the results will be of the action.
It is great to stand in Church and say. "I love the Lord." but think of those who said it as they looked into the eyes of those who were about to light the fire and burn them at the stake! Their testomony lives on yet.
To care for and train your child is commendable, but to do so in spite of all opposition will reap untold rewards.
V 24. Heb 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
A. An abiding faith in God can enable a parent to affect a child's life and the decisions they will make. A few years of earnest preparation by a faithful mother CAN meet the challenge of Pharoah's universities!
V 25. Heb 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
Whether in High School, College, Military Forces, or in society, a mother's faith, tearfully taught in sincere earnestness WILL have an effect.
V 26. Heb 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.
The right values MUST be taught as the basis for correct choices to be made.
V-27. Heb 11:27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
By faith, a shepherds life, with honor, is to be chosen over Pharoah's palace with compromise.
V 28. Heb 11:28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
Through Faith God avenged the mothers of Israel, delivered the people and even today brings hope to us.
1 Cor 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
V-29. Heb 11:29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
By Faith, God's people move on, unaffected by their surroundings. Unless we are like Peter who took his eyes off Jesus, nothing around us can hinder our progress in a walk of faith.
V 30. Heb 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
Faith accomplishes the impossible! Not by frontal assault but by obedience to God.
2 Cor 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
MOSES
Heb 11:23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
Heb 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
Heb 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
Heb 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.
Heb 11:27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
Heb 11:28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
Heb 11:29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
Heb 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
Heb 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
Consider the far- reaching effect of a single act of uncompromising faith. These verses cover a span of over one hundred and twenty years. One act of faith, springing from parental love, reached across Egypt, even into Pharoah's palace. It set a nation free, parted the water of the Red Sea. Even after the babe grew old and died, the result continued. The Jordan was crossed. Jericho fell and the promised land lay before them.
V-23.Heb 11:23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
A. Don't look at an act of faith as an isolated event.
1.The greater the challenge, the greater the results will be of the action.
It is great to stand in Church and say. "I love the Lord." but think of those who said it as they looked into the eyes of those who were about to light the fire and burn them at the stake! Their testomony lives on yet.
To care for and train your child is commendable, but to do so in spite of all opposition will reap untold rewards.
V 24. Heb 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
A. An abiding faith in God can enable a parent to affect a child's life and the decisions they will make. A few years of earnest preparation by a faithful mother CAN meet the challenge of Pharoah's universities!
V 25. Heb 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
Whether in High School, College, Military Forces, or in society, a mother's faith, tearfully taught in sincere earnestness WILL have an effect.
V 26. Heb 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.
The right values MUST be taught as the basis for correct choices to be made.
V-27. Heb 11:27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
By faith, a shepherds life, with honor, is to be chosen over Pharoah's palace with compromise.
V 28. Heb 11:28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
Through Faith God avenged the mothers of Israel, delivered the people and even today brings hope to us.
1 Cor 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
V-29. Heb 11:29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
By Faith, God's people move on, unaffected by their surroundings. Unless we are like Peter who took his eyes off Jesus, nothing around us can hinder our progress in a walk of faith.
V 30. Heb 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
Faith accomplishes the impossible! Not by frontal assault but by obedience to God.
2 Cor 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
HEROES OF THE FAITH, LESSON 4
ABRAHAM
Heb 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
Heb 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
Heb 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
The walk by faith is not for timid souls
It has been said that real men don't need religion. The truth is that it takes a real man or woman to walk by faith. It isn't for sissies.
Q. Was Abraham a 'wild eyed zealot' who had 'flipped out', or were the fires of youthful zeal still burning throughout his long life?
Ans. The only low spots in his life were those times when his faith was low and he doubted God.
1. He denied his wife in Egypt. The real problem was that he doubted God's ability to keep them safe.Gen 20:1-3
2. Taking Hagar as the one through whom the promised seed would come. Gen 16:1-4
Always remember that if the husband and wife are ONE, then the promise to one is effective to both. The promised seed was to her as well as to him.
I. Faith Goes at God's command.
A. By faith he went out. He left a place of palatial homes to live in tents.
1.Peter and Andrew left the family fishing business.
Mat 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
Mat 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Mat 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
2. Likewise, James and Zebedee.
Mat 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
Mat 4:22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.
3. Matthew left a cushy job.
Mat 9:9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
4. Paul changed course and never looked back.
Conclusion: If the walk of faith hasn't made a difference in your life, maybe you're not walking it yet!
II. Faith gives up ANYTHING God asks. He offered Isaac. Only then did God take on a new meaning in his life.
Gen 22:14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.
[Jehovah sees] After we have proven God through faith, we never have to feel abandoned again!
III. Faith looks beyond this present world. Abraham looked for a city.
Did these people have a vain faith?
Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
They will see the results of their faith.
Mat 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
HEROES OF THE FAITH, LESSON 5
FAITH EXPRESSES THE WILL OF GOD
Heb 11:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
Heb 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
Heb 11:22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
God chose the 'Patriarchal Blessing' as the means of expressing His will at that time.
Gen 27:27 And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed:
Gen 27:28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:
Gen 27:29 Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.
Gen 27:37 And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son?
Gen 27:38 And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept.
Gen 27:39 And Isaac his father answered and said unto him, Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above;
Gen 27:40 And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.
1. God had chosen Jacob before his birth and Esau to serve him.
Gen 25:23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
A.This is in keeping with the Divine principle of rejecting the first and accepting the second. I.E.;
1. First man Adam was rejected because of sin. Second man Adam was accepted because of righteousness.
1 Cor 15:47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
2.Cain was rejected because of the wrong sacrifice. Abel accepted.
3. You and I. First birth rejected.
John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
2. Esau was a 'macho' sort who pleased his father,
[Gen 25:28 And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.] while Jacob was the mild mannered sort who pleased mamma. [Who do WE choose as our heroes? Do we look below the surface?]
3. For the present lesson we will ignore the deception of Jacob and his mother and consider the content of Isaac's blessing. [They paid for their deception, but that is another lesson.]
A. Even as Isaac tried to defy God's will for his two sons, he spoke the truth and then stood by it.
1. Concerning Jacob.
Gen 27:28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:
Gen 27:29 Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.
2. Concerning Esau.
Gen 27:39 And Isaac his father answered and said unto him, Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above;
Gen 27:40 And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.
In these blessings he painted the future with a broad brush. The effects are still being felt.
B. The Application. God's Will is now revealed in the Bible. Though we may not always be thrilled with the message, we must still preach the truth and stand by it.
1. Truth may not always appeal to us.
Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
2. Truth CANNOT be hidden. The Jehovah's witness bible reveals the true nature of Christ in spite of their attempt to hide it. The catholic bible even condemns their practice of calling the priests, 'father'
3. When the heavens declare the glory of God, how can man hide it?
4. Every heretic condemns himself sooner or later.
5.The person of faith will not oppose the truth but will rejoice in it, accept it and stand by it.
Heb 11:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
Heb 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
Heb 11:22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
God chose the 'Patriarchal Blessing' as the means of expressing His will at that time.
Gen 27:27 And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed:
Gen 27:28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:
Gen 27:29 Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.
Gen 27:37 And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son?
Gen 27:38 And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept.
Gen 27:39 And Isaac his father answered and said unto him, Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above;
Gen 27:40 And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.
1. God had chosen Jacob before his birth and Esau to serve him.
Gen 25:23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
A.This is in keeping with the Divine principle of rejecting the first and accepting the second. I.E.;
1. First man Adam was rejected because of sin. Second man Adam was accepted because of righteousness.
1 Cor 15:47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
2.Cain was rejected because of the wrong sacrifice. Abel accepted.
3. You and I. First birth rejected.
John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
2. Esau was a 'macho' sort who pleased his father,
[Gen 25:28 And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.] while Jacob was the mild mannered sort who pleased mamma. [Who do WE choose as our heroes? Do we look below the surface?]
3. For the present lesson we will ignore the deception of Jacob and his mother and consider the content of Isaac's blessing. [They paid for their deception, but that is another lesson.]
A. Even as Isaac tried to defy God's will for his two sons, he spoke the truth and then stood by it.
1. Concerning Jacob.
Gen 27:28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:
Gen 27:29 Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.
2. Concerning Esau.
Gen 27:39 And Isaac his father answered and said unto him, Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above;
Gen 27:40 And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.
In these blessings he painted the future with a broad brush. The effects are still being felt.
B. The Application. God's Will is now revealed in the Bible. Though we may not always be thrilled with the message, we must still preach the truth and stand by it.
1. Truth may not always appeal to us.
Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
2. Truth CANNOT be hidden. The Jehovah's witness bible reveals the true nature of Christ in spite of their attempt to hide it. The catholic bible even condemns their practice of calling the priests, 'father'
3. When the heavens declare the glory of God, how can man hide it?
4. Every heretic condemns himself sooner or later.
5.The person of faith will not oppose the truth but will rejoice in it, accept it and stand by it.
HEROES OF THE FAITH, LESSON 3
NOAH - Faith prepares for Judgment
Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
The lessons thus far;
1. Faith recognizes the Creator.
2. Faith Worships the Creator.
3. Faith walks with the Creator.
Now; Faith Prepares to Face the Creator.
I. Warned by God. Judgment is a certainty. Faith accepts the fact.
Acts 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Many stew and fret over things that MAY happen while the sure event of the judgment is ignored. I.E. 'Global warming' may or may not be occuring and if it is it may or may not be caused by pollution of the air, water or the earth. The real danger is 'Spiritual Pollution'. This is 'obfuscation by spiritual proliferation'. The real danger to the human race isn't too many bombs but too many spirits.
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
1 John 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
1 John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
A. As in Noah's day, many still don't believe judgment will come.
2 Pet 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
2 Pet 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
2 Pet 3:5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
2 Pet 3:6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
2 Pet 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
These reject the idea of judgment because they have rejected the Creator.
II. 'things not seen as yet,' Remember, faith is the evidence of things not seen.
God didn't have to send occasional showers to keep Noah motivated!
To be convinced of the urgency of the impending event because of current events might be a powerful incentive for preparation but when the situation changes the urgency fades. It is much better to be absolutely convinced of the need to prepare simply because Gos says so. Faith in God's Word is much more lasting and effective than tittilation by the evening news.
For one hundred and fifty years Noah's faith never faltered.
III. 'prepared an ark to the saving of his house;' His faith made him feel responsible for his household.
A. For whom are WE responsible?
Rom 1:14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
Rom 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
IV.' by the which he condemned the world,'
The faith of God's people in 'things not seen' leaves the world without excuse.
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Noah's continous building was a daily testimony to others.
Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
V. 'became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.'
Faith is rewarded.
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Rewards will be determined by how well we are prepared for judgment.
Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
The lessons thus far;
1. Faith recognizes the Creator.
2. Faith Worships the Creator.
3. Faith walks with the Creator.
Now; Faith Prepares to Face the Creator.
I. Warned by God. Judgment is a certainty. Faith accepts the fact.
Acts 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Many stew and fret over things that MAY happen while the sure event of the judgment is ignored. I.E. 'Global warming' may or may not be occuring and if it is it may or may not be caused by pollution of the air, water or the earth. The real danger is 'Spiritual Pollution'. This is 'obfuscation by spiritual proliferation'. The real danger to the human race isn't too many bombs but too many spirits.
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
1 John 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
1 John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
A. As in Noah's day, many still don't believe judgment will come.
2 Pet 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
2 Pet 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
2 Pet 3:5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
2 Pet 3:6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
2 Pet 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
These reject the idea of judgment because they have rejected the Creator.
II. 'things not seen as yet,' Remember, faith is the evidence of things not seen.
God didn't have to send occasional showers to keep Noah motivated!
To be convinced of the urgency of the impending event because of current events might be a powerful incentive for preparation but when the situation changes the urgency fades. It is much better to be absolutely convinced of the need to prepare simply because Gos says so. Faith in God's Word is much more lasting and effective than tittilation by the evening news.
For one hundred and fifty years Noah's faith never faltered.
III. 'prepared an ark to the saving of his house;' His faith made him feel responsible for his household.
A. For whom are WE responsible?
Rom 1:14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
Rom 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
IV.' by the which he condemned the world,'
The faith of God's people in 'things not seen' leaves the world without excuse.
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Noah's continous building was a daily testimony to others.
Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
V. 'became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.'
Faith is rewarded.
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Rewards will be determined by how well we are prepared for judgment.
HEROES OF THE FAITH, LESSON 2
Hebrews Chapter Eleven
ENOCH-
Verses 5,6 Heb 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Gen 5:22 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:
Gen 5:23 And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years:
Gen 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
A. Enoch was a prophet.
Jude 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
Jude 1:15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
From where did he get his information? He walked with God.
1. To walk BEFORE God denotes holiness.
Gen 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
2. To walk AFTER God denotes obedience.
2 Ki 23:3 And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.
3. To walk WITH God speaks of fellowship.
Rev 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
What is involved in Fellowship?
a. Agreement.
Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
b. It denotes a common goal. Working toward the same end.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
To answer the question,"What is the goal?" we only need to know the purpose of Christ. HE sets the agenda, not us.
c. To fail in this is to walk contrary which is to part company with him. Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
d. False teachers CANNOT walk in fellowship with Christ.
Eph 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Eph 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Eph 4:19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
Eph 4:20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
e. Fellowship with Christ necessitates fellowship with all others who are in fellowship with Him.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
f. This tells us a walk with Christ MUST be in the light of the Word..
Psa 119:105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
g. It is a joy-filled walk.
Psa 55:14 We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company. [a happy crowd.]
h. It is a safe walk.
Psa 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psa 116:8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
Psa 116:9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
i. It need end only when He calls us home. If in rapture or in death, what matters it as long as we are with Him?
j. It MUST begin at the cross.
ENOCH-
Verses 5,6 Heb 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Gen 5:22 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:
Gen 5:23 And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years:
Gen 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
A. Enoch was a prophet.
Jude 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
Jude 1:15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
From where did he get his information? He walked with God.
1. To walk BEFORE God denotes holiness.
Gen 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
2. To walk AFTER God denotes obedience.
2 Ki 23:3 And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.
3. To walk WITH God speaks of fellowship.
Rev 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
What is involved in Fellowship?
a. Agreement.
Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
b. It denotes a common goal. Working toward the same end.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
To answer the question,"What is the goal?" we only need to know the purpose of Christ. HE sets the agenda, not us.
c. To fail in this is to walk contrary which is to part company with him. Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
d. False teachers CANNOT walk in fellowship with Christ.
Eph 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Eph 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Eph 4:19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
Eph 4:20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
e. Fellowship with Christ necessitates fellowship with all others who are in fellowship with Him.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
f. This tells us a walk with Christ MUST be in the light of the Word..
Psa 119:105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
g. It is a joy-filled walk.
Psa 55:14 We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company. [a happy crowd.]
h. It is a safe walk.
Psa 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psa 116:8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
Psa 116:9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
i. It need end only when He calls us home. If in rapture or in death, what matters it as long as we are with Him?
j. It MUST begin at the cross.
HEROES OF THE FAITH
LESSON NUMBER ONE
Hebrews Chapter Eleven
Verses 1-5
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Heb 11:2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
Heb 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Heb 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
Heb 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
Introduction: Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Heb 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
The difference between faith in theory and in practice. The difference between believing that a ladder can support you and in climbing the ladder. The difference between belief in the return of Christ and in living in the anticipation of that return.
We can trust God to keep His side of the bargain: What about us?
V 1. Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
SUBSTANCE= [hupostasis.] concrete support. EVIDENCE=The convincing PROOF.
Faith is the underlying foundation of all our hopes. Any other basis for one's beliefs can change with the circumstances. FAITH never wavers. The only ones who doubt are the ones who do NOT have faith. When FAITH is present, doubt must flee.
V 2. Heb 11:2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
While FAITH is not visible, its results are.
James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.
The rest of Hebrews Chapter eleven is based upon this truth.
V 3. Heb 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
The worlds were framed, [restored to order] by the WORD.
Psa 33:9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
All things were created from the invisible power of His Word. Einstein didn't invent nuclear physics. He merely glimpsed a truth that God's people have known by faith for centuries.
If, by FAITH, we do not accept this truth, all else is moot. With the creator God established in our minds, all else is beyond debate!
V 4. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
A. Abel- The second son of Adam and Eve. Gen.4.
B. A. more excellent sacrifice.
Gen 4:3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
Gen 4:4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
Gen 4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
Gen 4:6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
Gen 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
Cain followed his daddy's example - fig leaf. Abel followed God's example - Lamb. By faith he knew the truth expressed in;
Heb 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
Abel's blood still speaks.
Heb 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
A. It tells us there is a right way and a wrong way to worship God.
B. It speaks of the depravity of man and his hatred of good.
Mat 23:35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
C. It shows how acts of faith live on !
Hebrews Chapter Eleven
Verses 1-5
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Heb 11:2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
Heb 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Heb 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
Heb 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
Introduction: Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Heb 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
The difference between faith in theory and in practice. The difference between believing that a ladder can support you and in climbing the ladder. The difference between belief in the return of Christ and in living in the anticipation of that return.
We can trust God to keep His side of the bargain: What about us?
V 1. Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
SUBSTANCE= [hupostasis.] concrete support. EVIDENCE=The convincing PROOF.
Faith is the underlying foundation of all our hopes. Any other basis for one's beliefs can change with the circumstances. FAITH never wavers. The only ones who doubt are the ones who do NOT have faith. When FAITH is present, doubt must flee.
V 2. Heb 11:2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
While FAITH is not visible, its results are.
James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.
The rest of Hebrews Chapter eleven is based upon this truth.
V 3. Heb 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
The worlds were framed, [restored to order] by the WORD.
Psa 33:9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
All things were created from the invisible power of His Word. Einstein didn't invent nuclear physics. He merely glimpsed a truth that God's people have known by faith for centuries.
If, by FAITH, we do not accept this truth, all else is moot. With the creator God established in our minds, all else is beyond debate!
V 4. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
A. Abel- The second son of Adam and Eve. Gen.4.
B. A. more excellent sacrifice.
Gen 4:3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
Gen 4:4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
Gen 4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
Gen 4:6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
Gen 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
Cain followed his daddy's example - fig leaf. Abel followed God's example - Lamb. By faith he knew the truth expressed in;
Heb 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
Abel's blood still speaks.
Heb 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
A. It tells us there is a right way and a wrong way to worship God.
B. It speaks of the depravity of man and his hatred of good.
Mat 23:35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
C. It shows how acts of faith live on !
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)