The God of Our Faith

Hebrews 11:8–16 NKJV

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

What Is Faith?

The substance of things hoped for

The evidence of things not seen

Believing to the point of action

believing so much that you act like you believe

To trust; to rely upon

When you fully trust, you act differently

All of God’s Blessings Come Through Faith

We are saved by faith (Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:8–9) (… having been justified by faith… )

Without Faith it is impossible to please God

To be sure, you cannot be saved without faith

The Christian lives a life of faith (Heb. 10:38)

Hebrews 10:38 NKJV

38 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.”

Consider that for a moment ---

the just shall live by faith --- What is living by faith?

And if any man draws back —

Clearly, this faith is not just a one time thing---

its not a vaccination you got against hell so that you can go back on your merry way

It is a whole new life, and way of living - By faith.

Take a look at Abraham and Sarah and Their Faith

God Is Bigger Than Our Faith

The call of Abram (Gen. 12:1–3)

Genesis 12:1–3 NKJV

1 Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. 2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

The promises in Abram’s call

A new land

To be made a great nation - his descendants after him

He would be blessed

His name made great

All nations to be blessed through him - The Gospel plan

God’s blessings went beyond Abram’s faith

Didn’t know about heroes of the faith to follow him

Didn’t know we would still honor him

Didn’t know his name would appear in the Bible

God blessed his faith beyond his expectations

Still blesses beyond what we ask or think (Eph. 3:20)

Ephesians 3:20 NKJV

20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

God Is Better Than Our Faith

Sarah’s accomplishments by faith

She bore the promised seed: Isaac

She was well past the age to do so

But notice how small her faith

She laughed when she heard the promise (Gen. 18:12)

She lied about her laughing (Gen. 18:15)

God honored her small faith and gave her a son

The disciples’ small faith in the storm (Mark 4:35–41)

Mustard seed faith moves mountains (Matt. 17:20)

Matthew 17:20 NKJV

20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

God’s Promises Build Our Faith

By faith Abraham offered up Isaac (v. 17)

How could Abraham do this?

God’s promises concerning Isaac (vv. 18–19)

Faith grows as we take in God’s Word (Rom. 10:17)

Exploits of Bible characters make our faith soar

Moses opening the Red Sea (Ex. 14)

The walls of Jericho falling down (Josh. 6)

David overcoming Goliath (1 Sam. 17)

Claiming Bible promises increases our faith

Conclusion

Trust God for the Impossible

This trust is demonstrated through obedience

Consider George Muller's reasons in starting orphanage

Our Lord Will Come Through for You

God Is Bigger and Better Than Our Faith