Something Better

Faith of the Ancients: Something Better

Intro: Let’s Make a Deal (we always wonder if there is something better behind the next door)

Read: Hebrews 11:39-40

Hebrews 11:39–40 NASB95

And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.

Main Idea: We have to keep our eyes and hearts focused on the ‘something better’ that awaits those with faith in God!

1. God’s plan

a. There is a finish line

i. Made perfect

ii. No more sin and suffering

b. Redemption

i. This is not the forever we are created for (this is good but this is not “it”)

ii. Jesus saves us and awaits a day when salvation is complete

2. Saints’ stories

Hebrews 11:39-40 12:1

Hebrews 11:39–40 NASB95

And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.

Hebrews 12:1 NASB95

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

a. Every story of faith of chapter 11

i. They lived and died through triumph and tragedy “by” and “through” faith

ii. We can as well

b. Saints in heaven watching and waiting with us

c. Revelation 6:9-11 “wait a little longer”

Revelation 6:9–11 NASB95

When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.

3. Our race

Hebrews 12:1–2 NASB95

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

a. Race marked out for us

i. Purpose and meaning

ii. There is a finish line

iii. Jesus - the starter and the finisher

b. How to run our race

i. Things that hinder

ii. Sin that entangles

iii. Fixing our eyes on Jesus

4. Jesus’ example

Hebrews 12:2–3 NASB95

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

a. He endured the cross

b. Scorned it shame (didn't let pain and shame set in permanently)

c. By focusing on the joy set before him (you are the joy that got him through)

d. He made it to the father and awaits your arrival

Conclusion: The reality of growing weary and losing heart.

Isaiah 40:30–31 NASB95

Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.