Pleasing God Through Faith Pt. 2
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
This sermon provides the theological explanation for the practical example of Enoch in Heb.11:5.
We have customarily quoted Heb.11:6 without putting much attention on how the verse begins. It begins with a logical connective conjunction, meaning that what he precedes to say is related to what he previously says.
The Example of Enoch
The Example of Enoch
“It is impossible to please God without faith”. This stands in support of the fact that Enoch “was pleasing to God”.
“He that comes to God”. Enoch began his walk at 65 years old, this was the significant time for the Spirit to inform us about. This implies that before he may not have and he “came” at 65.
“must believe that he is”. How God revealed himself to Enoch is unknown. Adam and Noah’s communication to God is clearly seen. I believe Enoch’s coming to God was premised on his belief that God existed. God was real!!!
“and he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him”. The bible says “God took Him” this is definitely a reward since death had entered the world 7 generations earlier. What a reward to escape death.
The Application for us
The Application for us
“It is impossible to please God without faith”. Faith gives us the ability to please God.
This is not put up for the debate by the writer, this is a declarative statement. It’s only when I engage in a trusting and dependent relationship with God can please Him with what I do.
Only when I submit my will to His can I please Him. He takes away any reason I can have to doubt Him.
“He that comes to God”. Come - this word means to come with the intention to occupy yourself with. The author implores his audience to “draw near” (Heb 4:16; 7:25; 10:1; 22)
Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.
let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
God wants you to come and draw a little bit closer!
There are two things “coming” to God is conditioned on:
There are two things “coming” to God is conditioned on:
“He must believe that He is [eimi]” The Greek word used suggests the existence of God.
Sometimes we lose sight of God’s “realness”
Sometimes the flesh gets so alluring, or my problems get so big, I get so busy; I lose sight of God’s realness
His power, presence and purpose no longer is real to me. If I come it must be on the “conviction of things not seen”
“He must believe that He is [ginomai] a rewarder of those who [diligently] seek Him”
God becomes a rewarder. This is powerful because it introduces a condition
Similar to what Jesus says in Jn 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,
and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Do you believe God?
Do you believe God?
Come and be saved
Come and be restored
Come and be refreshed