A Certain Future
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
The future could seem uncertain
Constant battle with sin
Hardships come our way
God seems silent to our prayers for guidance
Sickness overtakes our loved ones
The grave is the last place we see them
CONNECTION
And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
TAKE HOME
Our faith is the assurance we have in all that God has promised. So, we should keep our eyes on Jesus and put aside anything that keeps us from staying strong.
Scripture Introduction
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
What about believers before Jesus?
R. Albert Mohler Jr, “The author plainly answers that these men and women received their approval because they exercised faith.”
A Description of Faith 11:1-2
A Description of Faith 11:1-2
Title-Deed Rawson’s King Mill
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
What faith does.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
What faith is.
Substance
An accumulation of expectations based on the promises of God who cannot lie and does not change.
Evidence
Faith is not a feeling, optimism, or highest odds. It is a certainty not based on data but on the character of God.
Since Yahweh promises Jesus intercedes for me, and I trust Yahweh, I have evidence Jesus intercedes for me.
The fact you use your phone is the substance of your expectation that your words can be converted to electrical waves, to binary code, to radio wave and then back again. As you live this out, it is the evidence that this unseen process works.
We have certainty, but not always comprehension.
For by it the people of old received their commendation.
Received approval because they exercised faith.
* Key Point
Our faith can be understood as the assurance we have in all that God has promised.
Faith in Action 11:3-40
Faith in Action 11:3-40
James 2:14–17 “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
Us- creation
Abel- Offering
Enoch- pleased God
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.
Noah- Warning of flood
Abraham- left home
Sarah- Child
These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
He [God] has prepared for them a city v. 16
Considered him faithful v. 6
Looking to the reward v. 26
Resurrection to a better life v. 35
Abraham- Offer Isaac
God was able even to raise him from the dead v.19
Isaac- Blesses Jacob & Esau
Jacob- Blesses Joseph's sons (younger will serve the older)
Bowing in worship- buried in promise land
Joseph- Exodus & bones
Moses' parents- hid him
Moses- Called a Hebrew
mistreated rather than fleeting pleasures
Moses- Left Egypt
Seeing him who is invisible
Moses- Passover
Israel- Red Sea; Jericho
Rahab- Became a believer
Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, prophets
Victories
Suffering/Death
All were victorious by faith the working of God in their lives in response to their faith in him
* Key Point
And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
Hebrews 11:39-40
*APPLICATION
We don’t always experience the fullness of God's promises here on earth, because they are far greater than we can envision.
*IMPLEMENTATION
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33
How to Walk in Faith 12:1-2
How to Walk in Faith 12:1-2
*IMPLEMENTATION
Lay Aside Every Weight. Run With Endurance. Focus on Jesus.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
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,
Imagine seeing a runner dressed in Carhart's with tools hanging from his belt.
Weight- Not every hindrance is sin, in and of itself.
When what you love gets between you and God.
When your shortcomings get between you and God.
When the good and acceptable come before the perfect will of God.
It can be a relationship, habit, entertainment, activity, place, person, pleasure, honor, etc.
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,
Endurance is not something gained during the race, but what has been trained for.
Biblical health is in relationship with God not being cured.
The better your endurance, the easier the race (better theology easier walk).
Since you are prepared, keep running.
You might have to walk, but don’t give up (hardships may become taxing).
Hebrews 3:14 “For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.”
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Jesus like the pace vehicle or the markings
Focus on one thing, Jesus. Anything else will distract you.
Circumstances
Benefits
Perceptions
Summary
Our faith can be understood as the assurance we have in all that God has promised.
We don’t always experience the fullness of God's promises here on earth, because they are far greater than we can envision.
Lay Aside Every Weight. Run With Endurance. Focus on Jesus.
