August 28, 2016
Morning Service

Heb. 11

 

            Last week we saw what faith is, and how important it is to have it.  Without it we cannot please God.

Heb 11:1  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

AND;

Heb 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

AND;

Rom 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

And Paul’s admonition to Timothy, “2Ti 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

There is no substitute for the study of the Word.  We must study.  It is our responsibility to continually point you to the Lamb of God, Jesus of Nazareth, the Word made flesh.

 

Last week I jumped over several great people of faith, to bring forth a truth, that some don’t understand.  The redemption of the entire body, not just the spirit.

1.      Heb 11:13-16  These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.  (14)  For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.  (15)  And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.  (16)  But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

2.     Heb 11:39-40  And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:  (40)  God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

This will happen at the resurrection:  a must read is ICor. 15.  Explains in detail what will happen at the end of time.

 

But this morning I want us to look at some of these great people of faith, that will be made perfect with us at this glorious resurrection.

 

Leaving off speaking of Abraham, and Sarah’s faith we look at Isaac, the promised child.

Heb 11:20-40  By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 

·         A story filled with trickery, and deception.  The eldest destined to serve the younger.  Jacob, being the younger, attains the blessing, and the righteous line continues through him.

(21)  By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. 

·        Another wonderful story of the history of Israel.  Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and  Manasseh, Manasseh being the eldest.  Another account of the younger being greater than the eldest.  Joshua was from the tribe of Ephraim.

 

(22)  By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. 

·         Joseph went through so much, but remained faithful, and obedient to God.  Such a great life to read about.  The perfect type of Jesus.  So many wonderful lessons for us to learn from in the life of Joseph.  Mistreated by his brothers, forgotten by people he had helped, falsely accused of sexual immorality, but remained true, and faithful to his God, and himself.

(23)  By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. 

·        Moses, none greater in the eyes of the Israelites.  Even to the point, where Israel as a nation, is still blinded by his teachings, from seeing who Jesus really is.

·        All male children were to be killed when born, but his parents were not afraid of the kings command.  There may come a time when we confront this type of situation.  Governments are ordained of God, but are not to go against His will.

(24)  By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;  (25)  Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;  (26)  Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 

·         By faith Moses refused a life of luxury in the house of Pharaoh.  Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God.  WHERE DO WE STAND ON THIS ISSUE.  Do we allow peer pressure from people we shouldn’t even be with to determine our actions?  This is such an important issue with our children.  We must keep them in a Christian environment, and away from the things of the world.

·         Are we Christian enough to esteem the riches of Christ to be greater than the riches of this world.  The things of the world are just passing, the things of Christ are forever.

·         Do we have respect unto the recompence of the reward?  That reward is being made perfect with all these great people of faith.   

(27)  By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 

·         Hopefully we can see how this applies to us today.  Not fearing anything because we see Him Who is invisible, through the eyes of faith.  Our Lord is sitting in the seat of authority in heaven waiting till all enemies are placed under His feet, the last enemy being that of death.  “If God be for us, who can stand against us?”

(28)  Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 

·         When instructed to put the blood on the door posts, they weren’t for sure that this would work, but they put it on with faith, believing that it would work.

·         And this is how we are to put the blood of Christ on our lives, by faith.  The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  We are hoping for salvation, but haven’t seen it yet. 

(29)  By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. 

·         This was an act of faith.  God performed many wonderful miracles to deliver His people out of the bondage in Egypt.

·         We serve this same God.  He was born of a virgin, took on the flesh of a man, Jesus of Nazareth, was crucified, died, and rose again, that whosoever will can have eternal life.

·         And this same God, is more than able, and willing, to deliver us from any bondage we are experiencing.  We just have to call on Him, out of a sincere heart, as did the children of Israel while in Egypt, and He will deliver us.

ALMIGHTY GOD, WE CALL ON YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS.  DELIVER US FROM TEMPTATION, AND HELP US PREPARE FOR A HOME IN HEAVEN WITH YOU.  AMEN.