To walk with God means that you are at peace with Him. If you would draw near to God, you must believe that He is who He says He is. Free shipping on books, Bibles, gifts, VBS, and church supplies of $50 or more. Picture Seth, and Enosh, and Kenan, and Mahalalel, and Jared, and Enoch, and Methuselah, and young Lamech all gathering round the old man. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Unlocking the Bible, 1-866-865-6253. 3:16-18) oozes with faith in the unseen God: O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. You may think, Thats a great story, but what if God hadnt delivered them? His faith proved the reality of the unseen God as greater than the reality of the flames that burned him to death. Rick Ezell is the pastor of First Baptist Greer, South Carolina. Hebrews 11 begins with a short general definition of what faith is. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. So in developing the theme of enduring faith, our authors first point is that faith is the means of realizing spiritual reality. God, who is Spirit, is eternal. All scholars agree that the word is used objectively in 1:3, which states that Christ is the exact representation of Gods nature (essence, or reality). God said to Abraham, Do not be afraid I am your shield, your very great reward (Gen 15:1 NIV). They refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzars idol, which caused the offended king to threaten to throw them into the blazing furnace. the word for substance is the Greek word hypostasis which is hard for us to directly define. Put your faith in Jesus Christ! Tim Russert was 100-percent right. I don't know how much faith they had, but they had enough to follow the head of the family. He believed so deeply and obeyed so completely and walked so intimately with God that it was natural for his entire family to do what he did. God has made Himself known in Jesus Christ. Our faith substantiates what we hope for, thus giving us assurance that they are true. And Enoch walked beyond space and time into eternity. You can be godly in a very ungodly world. After the author defines faith, they put flesh on it in ways that both the intended readers and Christians today can look to to understand how to live an authentic life of faith. If you do not come to Him in faith as your Savior, you will stand before Him in terror as your Judge! The worlds first baby became the worlds first murderer. It has to make a difference. Hebrews 11:1-3, Hebrews 11:8-16, Hebrews 11:1-16, Denomination: Genesis 1:1, Habakkuk 2:4, Hebrews 10:38, Hebrews 11, Hebrews 11:1-16, Hebrews 11:1-3, Hebrews 1:1-3, Hebrews 11:8-16, Hebrews 12, John 1:14, Romans 8:24, Sermon Topics: It seems that the responsibility of being a father caused Enoch to feel that he needed God in a way that he had not felt before. And Hebrews here makes this abundantly clear. Colin S. Smith. Let me apply verse 2 in two ways. On the other hand, to deceive someone under the guise of love is to deny truth. I think we take faith for granted. And I want to make two observations from them: i. Adam was still living when Enoch was born. To ensure you receive the best experience on Lifeway.com, we use cookies to process information about your visit. Hebrews 11:1-6. . He saw thousands of specific answers to prayer, which he carefully recorded and later published. Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found because God had taken him (Heb 11:5). "You gotta come down and defend the faith, Brother." Without faith you will not believe it anyway. No wonder we jump from one job to another and from one relationship to another. This story points us to the hope we have in Jesus who broke through the power of death and ascended into heaven. I will seek to clarify the meaning of the verse as I understand it, but I admit that my understanding may be limited. And in the light of that Enoch walked with God. Would you? Behind every support specialist, Bible study editor, graphic designer, and accountant is a Sunday School teacher, kids volunteer, or small group leader. Death for a believer is Christ taking us home. Faith believes God regardless of the circumstances. The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us (John 1:14). Verse 1 says that faith has substance. Faith is tangible, even though it is invisible. The story comes from Genesis 27. Until recently, the nearly universal voice of the Church was the traditional view that God created all from nothing. And that promise was fulfilled when Jesus laid down His life for us on the cross. That is, God has placed in us a hunger to know who we are and where we fit in the universe. a. If you want to get some place fast, get in a car. This is the kinda (expletive) you'd expect from an office temp with a bad attitude.". Abel trusted in God and offered the best that he had; Cain lacked faith and apparently just went through the motions. This Son also maintains the universe by the word of His power. Pink)! The truth is that God is not responsible for many of those things, fallen man is. The "hoped for" things we are sure of, are things God has promised. Independent/Bible. Your family. Hebrews 11:1-16 NASB. For example, God confronts our unbelief and sin. Impossible Without Faith: Hebrews 11:17-40. Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him (Gen 5:24). 2:4). There is a third principle for close relationships: Truth must be expressed in love. Hebrews 11:17-19 I. By Faith - Sermon on Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-12 Leave a reply Last week we discovered that God's vision in creation is to be with us. Faith taken seriously makes a difference in our world and changes the way we live. One brother kills another in an outburst of rage and envy. It did for three men: Abel, Enoch, and Noah. Prepare meaningful sermons and worship events with our sermons, illustrations, quotes, humor, commentary, powerpoint, children's sermons and bulletins. All men and all boys, heed this word. The "unseen things" we are convinced of, are things God has revealed. "It's the faith, Brother." Hebrews 11:32-35a Elijah: Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-23) Elisha: Shunammite Woman's Son (2 Kings 4:18-37). Genesis 5 is a chapter of numbers and as every accountant knows, the numbers tell a story. We don't even trust God. Why did Moses do what he did? And that is our calling today. Robert Rayburn expresses this very directly: Think of what must be believed in order to become a Christian. So what do we have when we stand back and look at these three men who lived before the flood? Because he believes that God has called him to do it! So it is. We are not a very trusting people. The author refers to them, although not by name, in 11:34 (quenched the power of fire). God had brought them through these hard times which included the loss of their property and being made homeless. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened (Matt 7:7-8). Enter your email address and we will send you a link to reset your password. Today we look at the 11th chapter of Hebrews which is often known as the faith chapter. In it are many examples of people who remained faithful to the LORD under the most difficult and impossible of situations. You will not share personal information because you are afraid that the person will use it in a way that damages you. were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. This is the first of 19 uses of by faith in this chapter. But even if your progress is slow, you will still be moving forward. The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Hebrews 11:23-29. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The word of God here does not refer to His written word, but to His spoken word. It understands the origins of all that is. He feels it in a way that he did not before. Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (NIV). It has to make a difference. All have to cross the river. In this sense, the phrase is parallel to our confession (ctive sense in 11:1: faith is the reality of the goods hoped for. Faith is the reality of what is hoped for in exactly the sense in which Jesus is called the [exact representation] of the reality of the transcendent God in 1:3 (ibid.). If the enemy can get us to doubt Gods love in a time of trials, we will draw away from God and disobey His Word of truth. Muller had no savings accounts and he refused to make the needs of the ministry known, even to potential donors. The example of Moses: v. 23. The word confidence itself means full of faith. Pastor Colin Smith preached this sermon on the faith of Abraham from Hebrews 11:8-16 as part of the series "Living By Faith." It has sustained the people of God through thousands of years in every sort of difficulty. We don't trust our government officials, we don't trust our bosses, we don't trust our neighbors, we don't trust our doctors, we don't trust our pastors. Enoch was taken. There is abundant evidence that an incredibly intelligent Designer created everything, especially human life. While the term is roughly equivalent to world, it allows for what modern science has established, that time is related to matter. 2Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. He wants us to have a faith that endures trials to the preserving of the soul (10:39). 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. God always looks to the heart first and foremost. Because he was looking to the reward (11:26). The French philosopher Pascal said that there is a "God-shaped vacuum" inside every human heart. A lack of truth erodes trust and causes distance in relationships. This is a constant theme of Scripture. You are watching the official sermon video of Sierra Bible Church. For the believer in Jesus, death is a transition from this life to the next. Whatever we may say about the two offering of Cain and Abel, the real difference was in the heart. I did what I did because I believed it to be biblical and thus pleasing to God, but it resulted in a number of people trying to get me fired. He will establish the truth, right every wrong, and bring the whole world to justice. God teaches us by pointing to real-life examples of faith in action. This ancient story may seem a long way from the realities of your life today. This leads me to ask two questions: Do you have it? It is essential for every believer to understand the nature of enduring faith. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. First, have you gained Gods approval by putting your trust in Christ alone as your only hope of heaven? Faith A Sermon . Bible Study & Sermon Videos; hebrews-11:2; Hebrews-11:2. Rick is a consultant, conference leader, communicator, and coach. Perhaps he was like many men who don't get serious until they look into the face of their firstborn son or daughter. Notice the word ungodly or ungodliness occurs four times. 3 By faith we understand. According to Hebrew 11:6 he firmly believed that God is a rewarder. When he looked at Abel's heart, he found faith there, and it was faith that he rewarded. For 65 years he lived for himself, but when his son Methuselah was born, he began to walk with God. Since God created all things from nothing, then everything owes its existence to God who spoke creation into existence. Like love, faith is demonstrated indirectly by action. Last week we looked at Abel and saw from his story that faith listens to God. Today we come to the story of Enoch, where we learn that faith walks with God. Any known sin in your life has been confessed and forgiven. I need wisdom. But He always relates to us in love. Navigating the challenges and joys of ministry life. For by it,'' that is, by faith, ''the elders obtained a good report. Rather, his emphasis is more on the operation and outworking of justifying faith in the face of trials (John Owen, An Exposition of Hebrews [The National Foundation for Christian Education], VII:5, 7). Scriptures: But this first one goes back to Genesis 1, to the biblical account of creation. "By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come.". Single men, take notice. It is important to define or give substance to such an abstract noun as faith. If someone lies to you or deceives you, you will not trust what he says or does. Just after I became pastor here, I had to take a stand on a matter that resulted in a lot of conflict. Faith is the means of realizing spiritual reality, of gaining Gods approval, and of understanding the origin of all that is. We're sorry, an error occurred. It is a willingness to trust in, to rely on, and to cling to. Search. He managed to save his own family - and no one else. It's easy to look at Enoch or Noah or Joseph or Moses or David and say, "I could never do that." Down deep in our hearts, we have believed a lie that the life of faith is restricted to a few "special" people. Follow Us Online. Walking isnt easy when the wind is against you. " It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom ." Whoever is as inclusive as you can get. That's as fine a tribute as you are likely to find, and not just about a public figure. Sermon: Living By Faith in God - Hebrews 11. A. b. That would conflict with the entire teaching of the New Testament, that faith is simply the channel through which Gods blessings flow. But when Methuselah was born, Enoch knew that he needed help and he began to walk with God. Any date. Most of us will be taken through the river. She writes that they prayed "sometimes with bitter disappointment, sometimes with a confidence that seemed infallible, and sometimes with frustration and a hurt so deep it ached." Lisa finally conceived, and 4-year-old Peter now brightens their lives. By faith they saw the unseen God as more real than the enraged king standing in front of them, threatening to roast them alive. Enoch walked with God and went straight to heaven. Christ said he would return, but it has been 2,000 years! (Hebrews 11:1-3) God spoke the universe into existence. To draw near to God, we must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him (11:6). Enoch got through his early years without too much trouble. These elements of relationships also apply to our relationship with God. Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Romans 10:17. THE FEEDING OF FAITH: You are not born with faith as you need to have it. Hebrews now refers to creation itself. How did they know to bring an offering to God? Some of you who are younger are trying to figure out if you will follow Jesus. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.. But here's what I wonder. In 1860 the motto "In God We Trust" was added to our currency. How do rewards fit in with faith? Delivered on Sabbath Morning, December 14, 1856, by the REV. He cites Habakkuk 2:4, But My righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. Then he expresses his confidence in his readers (10:39), But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul. His subject is enduring faith. Some of his readers were in danger of shrinking back to destruction. In ancient times the Jews considered Abraham to be almost worthy of their worship. It has to change the way we live. If you look at the end of Luke 3, you will see that this is the line of descent into which Jesus Christ was born. After telling us about Enoch who walked with God, Hebrews says, Whoever would draw near to God.. Dont go looking for a God of your own imagination. Enosh lived 905 years (Gen 5:11). [2] For by it the people of old received their commendation. Offering the lamb was a sign that Abel was trusting in Gods promise. Hebrews 1:1-3 tells us that Gods agent in creation was the Son. Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 Put Your Hand in the Hand of God The Rev. At one point before we knew how things would turn out, I said to Marla, I am at peace that even if I get fired, God will take care of us, because I did the right thing. Live to please God and you will know His peace, even if people angrily oppose you. One sees nothing, but the other man sees a distant steamer. Such faith takes the future promises of God and makes them real in the present. So many of us have filled our hearts with the junk food of the world. If you feed your flesh and your doubts, they will grow. A Matter of Faith: My Sermon on Hebrews 11 Faith is a living, busy, active, mighty thing. Isaac was old and blind. Some of the things that God says are not easy to accept. By faith he believed God regarding things he had not yet seen. v. 24. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. But, I have since pondered his question many times and I have sought to answer it. Enoch's journey led him to God, and when he found God, he walked with him. Habakkuk lived in difficult times before the Babylonians came to take away Judah into captivity. On the other hand, sinners are unable to believe because of spiritual blindness (2 Cor. Has it occurred to you that God may have done this so that you will seek Him and walk with Him in a way that you were not doing before? 4:15). By their choice, sin and the sinful nature entered the human race. Ditto for Cain. Permissions: You have permission and are encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format you choose, as long as you do not alter or change the wording in any way and do not charge a fee (beyond the cost of reproducing these materials). And if you add up all the numbers, you find that Enoch was taken up to heaven after 987 years. Without faith it is impossible to please God (11:6). Sermon Archive "Faith That Works" - Hebrews 11. Knowing the U nknowable. Our weekly email connects you to the latest content and resources. Charles Hoffacker On the whole, the Bible is not taken up with providing definitions in the way that a dictionary does. Abel had been killed, but that was before Seth or any of his descendants were born. Adam and Eve chose a different vision. 4 By faith Abel offered to God. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. Ten generations are recorded here from Adam to Noah. If what we believe makes any difference, then it has to change the way we live. You can't see any of this. And that of course is the thing that ultimately matters about us all. Hebrews uses the word three times. He literally gave away all of his money and possessions and, by faith, founded an orphanage in Bristol, England. The greater the difficulties, the easier for faith. ( Hebrews 11:1) A definition of faith. I trust him." It is precisely this facet of faith that is needed when we face trials, adversity, and suffering, for, in those moments, it is difficult to believe God is who He says He is. Take that faith away and we have nothing left. Abel knew that a life must be laid down because God had revealed it, back in the garden of Eden when He made garments of skins to clothe Adam and Eve. For posting on the web, a link to this document on our website (www.UnlockingtheBible.org) is preferred. As John Stott remarked, death is a "trivial episode" to the believer. a. He believed that in His excellent goodness, God is ever willing to bestow blessings, and ever ready to reward those who come to Him. 2:8-9). Hebrews: All About Faith. The Greek word, hypostasis, occurs twice in Paul in the sense of confidence (2 Cor. Its no good saying, If God wants me He can make himself known to me. And it is Gods approval that counts, since He is the judge of the living and the dead! Abel found the righteousness that comes by faith. By love, I mean, seeking the highest good of the other person. The highest good for every person is to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. As Psalm 33:6, 9 affirms, By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host. It is the first murder in human history. But what does that have to do with us? Hebrews 11:1 has always been a difficult verse for me to get a handle on. There are many mysteries about this story. We are told in vs. 5 that Adam lived for 930 years. Faith proves to us the fact that the things we presently cannot seeGod, angels, demons, heaven, hellare very much true and real. In other words, faith applies the reality of Gods promises and the unseen world to life in the present, visible world. Faith is unconditional trust in the promises of God. Adam died after 930 years. He began walking with God after the birth of his son Methuselah. A life was laid down for him. By faith, Moses saw through the world with its fleeting pleasures and treasures. Now the writer lays down an axiomatic truth. So, this was soon after the death of Adam, and before any of the other patriarchs died. To walk with God is to live in a constant, conscious enjoyment of the presence of God. God is the reward of those who seek Him. It has to change the way we live. Perhaps that's what happened to Enoch. Our calling is to seek Him. This is called providence. Walking with God involves peace, purpose, progress, privilege and pleasure. You may say, Thats just the way I feel, and thats true. The writer of Hebrews 11 would surely say agree to that. That is what faith is: Faith is believing there is another dimension to life other than those which can be touched, tasted, seen or felt. What is faith? Our Savior broke the power of death when He rose from the grave. That means more than that heaven is a place of great happiness. *Indicated Required Field See ourPrivacy Policy. From Abel to Enoch to Noah - what joins these men together? What a loony tune!. That you are God's creature, that you have rebelled, that he is holy and you are guilty as a sinner before him, that he sent Jesus Christ into the world to atone for sin, that by believing in Jesus his righteousness and the virtue of his death are imputed to you so that your guilt is swept away and you are accounted righteous in God's sight, that, if you believe in Jesus, you have been made a new creature in Christ, have been given a summons to live a new life and the power to live it, that when you die and your body is laid in the ground, your soul will be immediately and gloriously in the presence of God in heaven, and Jesus Christ will come again to judge the living and the dead and to vindicate those who have trusted in him, and that endless bliss and perfect satisfaction of human life, body and soul, awaits, at the resurrection, those who have trusted Jesus Christ.
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