August 2, 2020
Morning Service

(Heb 6:1)  Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, (Heb 6:2)  of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (Heb 6:3)  And this we will do if God permits.

 

Last week we discussed “ repentance from dead works”.  This morning we want to look at some things the Bible says concerning “faith towards God”. 

·         The scriptures that leaps out at us are found in Heb. 11:1.  (Heb 11:1)  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  Telling us what faith is.

·         Also, Heb. 11:6;  (Heb 11:6)  But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.  Telling us the importance of faith.

·         And if faith is so important, how do I get it?  Paul tells us in the Roman letter; 10:17

“faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” So then I can get this faith by hearing, or reading our Holy Bible, for it is the infallible Word of God.

·         And because it is so important Paul told Timothy, (1Ti 4:13)  Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.  Reading, what? 

·         And again; (2Ti 2:15)  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Read, and study what?

·         Now notice;  (2Ti 3:14)  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; (2Ti 3:15)  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  (2Ti 3:16)  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  (2Ti 3:17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

·         But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;  Paul is saying remember what I have taught you, and you know, and believe that I am from God.

·         And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 

·         Now this, O.T. scriptures, along with Paul’s letters, is what Timothy, and others had to read.  The Old Testament writings.

And these o.t. Scriptures were able to make one wise unto salvation, THROUGH FAITH WHICH IS IN JESUS CHRIST.  There’s that faith again.  And the reason these o.t. scriptures were able to make one wise unto salvation was because they testified of the Messiah, and Jesus fulfilled all the O.T. prophecies concerning the Messiah.

·         Jesus Himself saying, (Mat 5:17)  Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

·         And again; (Joh 5:39)  Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

 

Do you see how that when we read this in the Bible it builds our faith that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah, the Lamb of God, and the very Son of God.  And it will.  It will build your faith so strong that no devil in hell can take it away.

 

Now chapter 11 of Heb. Is called the faith chapter in the Bible.  It mentions so many heroes of the faith. 

·         Listen to the writer:  (Heb 11:3)  Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 

·         (Heb 11:4)  By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

·         (Heb 11:5)  By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

And others; Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses.  Wonderful stories of those that have gone on before us.  Then listen to the writer;

·         (Heb 11:32)  And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: (Heb 11:33)  Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,                          (Heb 11:34)  Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. (Heb 11:35)  Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

(Heb 11:36)  And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: (Heb 11:37)  They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Heb 11:38)  (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

This same God that delivered through all these terrible things that happened in these lives, is the same God we serve today.  “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever.”  What am I saying?  If God be for us who can be against us?

We must pray like the disciples did, “Lord increase our faith.”  We have seen great things happen, so let’s read, and pray, and look for more wonderful things to come from our God.  There is nothing our God can’t do.  Let’s trust Him for many more wonderful things to happen.  Let’s not sell our God short, let’s trust Him through the faith we attain by reading, and studying our Bibles.

 

Our prayer, Almighty God increase our desire to study Your Word, that we might build our faith, and show ourselves approved unto You.  In Jesus name.  Amen.