The Hall of Faith
Hebrews • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 8 viewsThis message addresses faith and its examples. And why seeking the Lord is a characteristic of the faithful.
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I was born and raised in the state of Missouri. It’s slogan is “the Show-Me state.” U.S. Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver made this up, as he emphasized the need for proof or evidence and the nickname reflects the state’s people’s devotion to common sense.
But the Christian faith is not a “show me,” religion. Rather it is a devotion built on the God of the universe and His love, shown in Jesus Christ. God does not reveal himself in the ways that the evidence-hungry person demands. But there is a dimension to our faith that goes beyond reliance upon evidence only.
Paul said: “We walk by faith and not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.
Faith was something that the recipients of the Letter of Hebrews were struggling with. They underwent persecution and were thinking of giving up, going back to their former life and way of thinking. And so the writer (many consider to be Paul), warns the readers that this is simply not an option.
39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
Hebrews 11 is often called the “Hall of faith.” We have heard of the “Hall of Fame,” those facilities dedicated to the best in sport.
NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, OH.
MLB Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.
NBA Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA.
A different hall of fame.
A different hall of fame.
But Hebrews 11 is a different type of fame, for it is a hall of fame for Faith! Each person or group of people mentioned here have one thing in common.
6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the Hall of Faith. There are many individuals listed here. For instance:
Abel in 11:4
Enoch in 11:5
Noah in 11:7
Abraham in 11:8,17
Isaac in 11:9, 17 and 20
Jacob in 11:9, 21
Sarah in 11:11
Moses in 11:23, 24
People of the Exodus & Conquest in 11:29-30
Then there are those mentioned as an afterthought in verses 32 and following:
Gideon- mentioned in Judges 6-8, rescued the Israelites from oppression. Known as a man of great courage and faith.
Barak- Mentioned in Judges 4-5, a man of faith and courage, who took on the Canaanites.
Samson- gifted with incredible strength, was one of the greatest judges. Reminds us that our true strength is in the Lord. Judges 13-16
Jephthah- mentioned in Judges 11-12. was a mighty warrior who saved Israel from the Ammonites. But made a rash pledge and suffered greatly.
David- arguably Israel’s most devoted king, a “man after God’s own heart.” Wrote many of the psalms. Not a perfect man, but a forerunner to the Messiah, in that his kingdom will have no end. 1 Samuel 16-2 Samuel, 1 Kings 1.
Samuel- prophet of God who anointed Saul as Israel’s first king. 1 Samuel 7-25. Samuel is a picture of devotion, calling the people back to God.
“By faith,” or “faith,” or its implied reference is mentioned 27 times in Hebrews 11.
Judges was not a time known for faithfulness. It was characterized by ramped individualism. “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” That shows that it is an important subject to understand.
Also shows that the above individuals, though imperfect, are pictures of faith that we are to admire and even emulate.
One of the needs of the church for today is to teach the stories found in the Old Testament.
Can you guess the story by the picture?
Stories like
The Exodus;
Joshua and the sun standing still;
David and Goliath;
Daniel and the Lions’ Den
Shadrach, Meschach and Abednigo
They are all characterized by faith. Hebrews 11:1
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
We can also say that faith is a whole-hearted reliance upon God.
The New City Catechism states:
“Faith in Jesus Christ is acknowledging the truth of everything that God has revealed in His Word, trusting in Him, and also receiving and resting on Him alone for salvation as He is offered to us in the gospel.”
And faith can be characterized as “seeking after God.” Hebrews 11:6
6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Galatians 2:20
20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
These are the great cloud of witnesses, mentioned in Hebrews 12:1
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
In just a few weeks, we will celebrate “All Saints Day,” which is a time to recognize those who have passed from our lives during the past year.
Back to Hebrews 11:6, what separates these great faithful people from the average? It is that they sought the Lord!
6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Who is one who “seeks” the Lord?
Who is one who “seeks” the Lord?
Now it should be noted that “to seek” the Lord is not synonomous with a seeker, someone who does not know where they’re going or what they are doing. Seeking, in Hebrews 11 implies a hunger and a thirst for God.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:6
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
The psalmist reflected upon his own need for God and wrote:
1 As a deer pants for flowing streams,
so pants my soul for you, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
And God, knowing that our hearts will really never be satisfied with anything like Him, instructs us, commands us to seek Him, to delight in Him. Anything else is idolatry.
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Seek the Lord, while He may be found.
Seek the Lord, while He may be found.
There are many Scriptures that instruct us to “seek the Lord.”
6 “Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call upon him while he is near;
7 let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him,
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Notice that there is an inclusion of repentance from sin. This is not a “finding yourself” time, but knowing who God is and pursuing Him.
13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
This is in reference to the restoration after the exile. God would show Himself faithful, even after the people left Him.
Jesus invites us to seek Him.
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Do you seek the Lord?
Do we seek the Lord? (as a church)
What are obstacles to seeking the Lord?
