Hebrews 11
15 Outlines
Hebrews 11:1-3
LET'S HAVE FAITH!
"In college I was
asked to prepare a lesson to teach my speech class. We were to be graded on our
creativity and ability to drive home a point in a memorable way. The title of
my talk was "The Law of the Pendulum." I spent 20 minutes carefully
teaching the physical principle that governs a swinging pendulum.
The law of the pendulum
is: A pendulum can never return to a point higher than the point from which it
was released. Because of friction and gravity, when the pendulum returns, it
will fall short of its original release point. Each time it swings it makes
less and less of an arc, until finally it is at rest. This point of rest is
called the state of equilibrium, where all forces acting on the pendulum are
equal.
"I attached a
3-foot string to a child's toy top and secured it to the top of the blackboard
with a thumbtack. I pulled the top to one side and made a mark on the
blackboard where I let it go. Each time it swung back
I made a new mark. It took less than a minute for the top to complete its
swinging and come to rest. When I finished the demonstration, the markings on
the blackboard proved my thesis.
"I then asked how
many people in the room BELIEVED the law of the pendulum was true. All of my
classmates raised their hands, so did the teacher. He started to walk to the
front of the room thinking the class was over. In reality it had just begun.
Hanging from the steel
ceiling beams in the middle of the room was a large, crude but functional
pendulum (250 pounds of metal weights tied to four strands of 500-pound test
parachute cord.).
"I invited the
instructor to climb up on a table and sit in a chair with the back of his head
against a cement wall. Then I brought the 250 pounds of metal up to his nose.
Holding the huge
pendulum just a fraction of an inch from his face, I once again explained the
law of the pendulum he had applauded only moments before, "If the law of
the pendulum is true, then when I release this mass of metal, it will swing
across the room and return short of the release point. Your nose will be in no
danger."
"After that final
restatement of this law, I looked him in the eye and asked, "Sir, do you
believe this law is true?"
"There was a long
pause. Huge beads of sweat formed on his upper lip and then weakly he nodded
and whispered, 'Yes.'
"I released the
pendulum. It made a swishing sound as it arced across the room. At the far end
of its swing, it paused momentarily and started back. I never saw a man move so
fast in my life. He literally dived from the table.
"Deftly stepping
around the still-swinging pendulum, I asked the class, 'Does he believe in the
law of the pendulum?'
"The students
unanimously answered, 'NO!' "
Ken Davis, How To Speak To Youth, pp. 104-106 (Got this from Biblical
Studies Foundation. http://www.bible.org)
What is faith?
Does faith begin or end
at salvation?
Is it it difficult to
live by faith? Why?
THE DESCRIPTION OF FAITH
- Vs. 1
What is the basis of a
Christian's faith?
It is the Word of God.
The best reflection of
our faith is how much we trust God to obey Him!
If what He says is true, then we must trust in and act on what He says.
The word translated "substance"
literally means 'that which stands under'. In other words, faith holds up all
that we hope for in Christ. Faith is the foundation. Faith is the assurance that what we hope for
is true!
It is also the evidence
or proof of things we don't yet see.
Old Testament characters
are known for their faith.
Noah never saw it rain but
he was convinced it was going to rain.
Noah may never have seen
a boat, let alone an ark, and yet he was convinced that an ark needed to be
built, and he built it.
Noah never saw a flood,
but that didn't stop him from preaching so that people would get on board. He
was convinced!
THE DELIGHT OF FAITH -
Vs. 2
The elders or men of old
in this could be any person who had faith in Old Testament times. But I think that the author of Hebrews is
specifically referring to those he refers to in this chapter.
In the King James, when
it says that the elders received a good report, it actually means the elders
had a "witness borne to them".
In other words, they had
the delight of knowing that God approved of their faith.
Discuss:
How did Noah know that
God approved of his faith?
How did Enoch know that
God approved of his faith?
How did Abraham know God
approved of his faith?
How did Rahab know that
God approved of her faith?
How did Shadrack Meshack
and Abednego know that God approved of their faith?
How will you know that
God approves of your faith?
THE DECISION OF FAITH -
Vs. 3
Notice how the author
gets us involved in faith. Faith was not
just for the great heroes of the Old Testament. Faith is for the Christian
right now. We decide to believe in God's creative work by faith.
And notice what decision
is made by faith. The God who created
the worlds, the ages, the universe expects us to
believe in his creative work by faith.
It is by faith that things were created and not a work that comes from
things that already appeared.
You see the evolutionist
has a problem even if evolution were true.
His problem is,
"Where did the first cell come from?"
There have been many theories about the origin of life. None of them beat the truth of creation, and
take more faith to believe!
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Hebrews 11:1-6
LEARNING BY FAITH
BY FAITH WE UNDERSTAND CONFIDENCE – Vss. 1-2
BY FAITH WE UNDERSTAND CREATION – Vs. 3
BY FAITH WE UNDERSTAND COMMITMENT – Vs. 4
BY FAITH WE UNDERSTAND COMMUNION – Vss. 5-6
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Hebrews 11:1-13
FAITH ON STAGE - PART 1
OF 2
Hebrews 11 has been
called "The Faith Hall of Fame".
Indeed, many examples of
people with faith are given.
It is as if the author
of Hebrews brings examples of faith "on stage" before us to
demonstrate this essential quality for every true Christian. In verses 1-13, there are 6 examples of
people of faith.
We will consider three
of them in this message and three next week.
Introduction - Vss. 1-3
ABEL THE WORSHIPER - Vs.
4
He offered a better
sacrifice in worship of God than his brother Cain. See Genesis 4:1-8
ENOCH THE
He walked with God. See
Genesis 5:21-24
NOAH THE WORKER - Vs. 7
Noah obeyed God's
command and got busy.
By faith, Noah worked.
See Genesis 6:22
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Hebrews 11:1-13
FAITH ON STAGE - PART 2
OF 2
Hebrews 11 has been
called "The Faith Hall of Fame".
Indeed, many examples of
people with faith are given.
It is as if the author
of Hebrews brings examples of faith "on stage" before us to
demonstrate this essential quality for every true Christian. In verses 1-13, there are 6 examples of
people of faith.
Last week we considered:
Abel The Worshiper - Vs.
4
Enoch The
Noah The Worker - Vs. 7
This week we see:
ABRAHAM THE WANDERER -
Vss. 8-9
Abraham was called to
wander through the land which would one day belong to his family. Vss.8-9,
Genesis 12:1-9, 14-18
ABRAHAM THE WATCHER -
Vs. 10
Abraham was also
watching or looking for the city that God built. Vs. 12
I feel that the city
which Abraham was looking for by faith was "The New Jerusalem".
Hebrews 13:14, Revelation 21:1-2, 22:1-7
SARAH THE WAITER - Vss.
11-12
Sarah had to wait for
God to keep His promise of giving her a son.
Sarah had a rocky start
with her faith. Genesis 16:1-3, 18:9-13
Evidently, under
Abraham's influence, she became a woman of faith, as described in this text.
CONCLUSION - Vs. 13
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Hebrews 11:4, Genesis 4:1-8
A LIFE THAT SPEAKS
Have you noticed that people have something to say
after they are dead?
Richard Nixon's life speaks of sorrow and deception.
Princess Di's Life still speaks of eliminating land
mines, one of her favorite causes.
Al Capone's life still speaks of organized crime.
Babe Ruth's life still speaks of baseball.
Billy Sunday's life still speaks of evangelism.
Whether we are dead or alive, our lives will speak of
something.
Abel, son of Adam and Eve, still has a life that
speaks.
In Hebrews 11:4 God shows us that our lives should be:
DIRECTED BY GOD
Abel came to God by faith, offering God the sacrifice
which he required. Genesis 4:1-5
DEVOTED TO GOD
Just as Abel offered the right sacrifice, and thus
declared righteous, there are certain sacrifices we should offer today.
1. The only sacrifice for sin - a blood sacrifice.
Our only
sacrifice for sin is the blood of Christ.
2. The sacrifice of self. Romans 12:1
3. The sacrifice of song. Hebrews 13:15
4. The sacrifice of
service. Hebrews 13:16
DETESTED BECAUSE OF GOD
Genesis 4:5-8, John 15:18-21, 1 Timothy 3:12
DECLARED WHEN WITH GOD - "...he, being dead, yet
speaketh”.
After we are in Heaven, our lives on earth should
still speak for God.
Abel still speaks of faith. David still speaks of
song. Paul still teaches.
Peter still preaches. Luther still speaks of
reformation. Moody still speaks of evangelism. Finney still speaks of
revival.
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Hebrews 11:4-7
MODELS OF FAITH
The Bible is very clear
that faith is of extreme importance (See Hebrews 11:6 in the text.).
God realized that we
would need models of examples of faith to follow.
In our text we have
three such examples.
BY FAITH ABEL PAID THE
RIGHT PRICE Vs. 4, Genesis 4:1-8
Abel brought the right
sacrifice for sin to God. He brought a blood sacrifice.
Today there is only one
sacrifice for sin. It is the blood of Christ.
A person is forgiven of sin and given eternal life based on faith in the
right price paid for sin, the blood of Christ. Hebrews 9:22-28.
BY FAITH ENOCH TOOK THE
RIGHT PATH Vss. 5-6
Enoch pleased God
because he walked with God. Genesis 5:21-24
BY FAITH NOAH COMPLETED
THE RIGHT PROJECT Vs. 7
The story of Noah and the
ark is found in Genesis 6-9.
Particular attention
should be paid to Genesis 6:22. "Thus did Noah; according to all God
commanded him, so did he."
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Hebrews 11:5-6
FAITH
I began this message by
quoting verses from 3 hymns - "Just A Closer Walk With Thee,"
"In the Garden", and "O Master Let Me Walk With Thee".
The words from these
three hymns remind us of the importance of walking with God. The original faith walker was a man named
Enoch. He walked by faith!
HIS TRIP
"By faith Enoch was
translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had
translated him:"
Enoch jumps off the
pages of Genesis 5 and grabs our attention.
If Hebrews 11 is the
"Faith Chapter" of the Bible, Genesis 5 is the "Death
Chapter". The key phrase in this
list of genealogies is, "And he died".
Enoch is the exception
to the rule. Genesis 5:21-24
Enoch did not see
death. God brought Him directly home to
Heaven. This translation from earth to
Heaven was a result of Enoch's faith.
That was some trip!
As a result of the faith
of each Christian, we too will experience "translation". We call it the rapture, and it is possible
that some of us will experience the rapture before we experience death.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
While we await the
coming of the Lord Jesus, faith is to be a key part of our waiting.
Titus 2:11-14 - The
evidence that we believe that Jesus is coming back soon is found in our Godly
living.
HIS TESTIMONY
"for before his
translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God."
This is a wonderful
testimony to have. Enoch pleased God.
This is a thought that I
don't want you to take lightly.
There are a lot of
things that people deem important. And many
things are important things after a fashion.
Family is important.
Friends are important.
Church is important.
The job is important.
Inter-personal
relationships are important.
Paying our bills is
important.
But there is nothing
more important than pleasing God!
If we get to the end of
our lives and God is not pleased, what do we have? Nothing!
How did Enoch please
God? Enoch pleased God by walking with God! Genesis 5:24
To please God today, we
must walk with God.
Our walk with God has
certain ingredients in it.
1. COOPERATION
We can not walk with God
unless we are in agreement with God. Amos 3:3
2. COMMUNICATION
To walk with someone
does imply some sort of fellowship or communication. If we are going to walk with God, we must be
listening to what He has to say. What's
the use of walking with someone if you are not speaking with someone?
We talk much about
prayer and the concept of talking to God.
Indeed the Bible tells
us that this important.
But just as Elijah heard
a still, small voice, we need to be listening for that same voice as we pray
and as we listen to the Word of God.
3. CONDUCT
Walking with God
requires certain kinds of behavior, if we are going to walk the way God wants
us to walk.
We are to walk in
newness of life. Romans 6:4
We are to walk in the
Spirit. Galatians 5:16
We are to walk in love.
Ephesians 5:2 -
4. CONFIDENCE
Confidence is a very
important part of our walk with God. In fact, I mention it now but the concept
is developed in the next verse. 2 Corinthians 5:7
HIS TRUST
"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."
If we do not have faith,
it is impossible to please God.
If we are going to come
to God, we must believe that He exists.
If I asked each of you
if you believed that God exists, you will all say "yes".
However, the real
question is "Do you act like God exists?"
I confess that all too
often, I haven't.
Very often our behavior
betrays how much we really believe in the existence of God. If we really believed in God's existence, we
wouldn't be so quick to do some of the things we do.
We must also believe
that God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Do we truly believer
that God rewards those who seek Him?
How does God reward
those who seek Him?
Peace
Answered prayer
Holy Spirit Power
Godliness
Now, if we truly believe
that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, what will be do?
Isaiah 55:6, Psalm 27:4-8, John 15:1-7
If we truly are men and
women of faith, we must be men and women who believe He exists and that he is a
rewarder of them who diligently seek Him. If we believe that He is a rewarder
of them who diligently seek Him, we will seek Him. This is what Trust is about!
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FAITH’S DIPSTICK
Hebrews 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.
A dipstick is used to measure the amount of oil in an
engine.
To measure our faith we may use the Word of God as our
dipstick.
He that believeth on the Son hath
everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the
wrath of God abideth on him.
Now it came to pass on a certain day,
that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go
over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. [23] But as they
sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and
they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. [24] And they came to him,
and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked
the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. [25] And he said unto them, Where
is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he
commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.
Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother
trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. [4] And if he
trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again
to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. [5] And the apostles said
unto the Lord, Increase our faith. [6] And the Lord said, If
ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree,
Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should
obey you.
Please note in this passage that “mustard seed faith”
is in the context of forgiveness.
MOUNTAIN-MOVING FAITH - Mark 11:22-24
And Jesus answering saith unto them,
Have faith in God. [23] For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say
unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall
not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith
shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. [24] Therefore I say
unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray,
believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I
am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only,
and my servant shall be healed. [9] For I am a man under authority, having
soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another,
Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. [10] When
Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto
you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Only twice does Jesus marvel. The other time is mentioned in Mark 6:6.
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Hebrews 11:7
A PUBLIC FAITH
Some people think that
faith is a quiet, private matter. In some senses that is true, but faith should
always be a public matter. People should be able to see your faith by your
actions. This was true of Noah. His faith could be seen.
NOAH WARNED - "By
faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet..."
Genesis 6:5-21
NOAH WORKED -
"...moved with fear, prepared an ark..."
Genesis 6:22 - 7:16
NOAH WON! - "...to
the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir
of the righteousness which is by faith."
Genesis 7:17-8:22
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Hebrew 11:8-19
FAITHFUL
THE JOURNEY OF FAITH – Vss. 8-10
THE CHILD OF FAITH – Vss. 11-12
THE GOAL OF FAITH – Vss. 13-16
THE OFFERING BY FAITH – Vss. 17-19
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Hebrews 11:17-19 etc.
THE FAITH OF ABRAHAM
By faith, Abraham
1. DID THE UNTHINKABLE Hebrews 11:17-18, Genesis
22:1-6, 9
2. BELIEVED THE IMPOSSIBLE Genesis 22:7-8, Hebrews
11:19
3. EXPERIENCED THE UNBELIEVABLE Genesis 22:10-14
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Hebrews 11:27-30
FAITH WALKS
Faith is an essential and valuable characteristic for
the Christian.
We are saved by faith. Ephesians 2:8-9
We are to live by faith. Hebrews 11:6
In our text we see some of the things that faith does
for us, as we exercise it.
Faith walks OUT of bondage. Vs. 27 - By faith Moses led the children of
Faith walks IN obedience Vs. 28 - Moses was told to keep the Passover. He did
as he was told.
Faith walks THROUGH trouble Vs. 29 - The waters of the
Faith walks AROUND the enemy Vs. 30 -
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Hebrews 11:32
LESSONS
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:
There are many lessons
to learn from the Heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11. Here are some lessons from the summary of
heroes mentioned in verse 32.
Gideon - Little is much
when God is in it.
Judges
Barak - Don't add
conditions to God's Call.
Judges 4:1-9, 14-15, 17-24
Samson - There is no
greater burden than a great potential.
Samuel had great potential as a
leader, but allowed personal sins to restrict his
effectiveness.
Judges 13:1-5, 14:-4, 16:1-31
Jephthae - Think before
you speak.
Judges 11:30-40
David - A life worth
living has a heart for God.
1 Samuel 13:14, 16:7, Psalm 23
Samuel - Instill
devotion to God in the heart of a child.
1 Samuel 1:10, 20-28, 1 Samuel
3:1, 19-21
The Prophets - Expect
God to do great things.
James 5:15-18, 2 Kings
4:1-7
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Hebrews 11:32-40
MEN OF FAITH
Hebrews 11 is the
"Faith Chapter" in the Bible. Earlier in the chapter the stories of
great men and women of faith are featured. In this passage the author mentions
several names of well known men and then
mentions those who's names he does not share.
The important thing is that these were men of faith (Hebrews 11:6).
POPULAR MEN - Vs. 32
Here were men of renown,
well know men.
POWERFUL MEN - Vss.
33-35a
God worked mighty
miracles through them.
PERSECUTED MEN - Vss.
35b-38
Some of men of faith are
severely tested through persecution.
PROMISED MEN - Vss.
39-40
These men were promised
a Messiah who had not yet come. 1 Peter 1:10-11
They had to wait until
the time of Christianity for God to fulfill the promise of redemption.
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Hebrews 11:33-40
FAITH FOR ALL SEASONS
No matter what the
conditions or situations, good or bad, winning or losing, we should be men and
women of faith.
Hebrews
The stories of these
people of faith are referred to in the next verses, as well as the stories of anonymous
others, whose faith resulted in severe deprivation.
THE POWER OF FAITH -
Vss. 33-35A
THE PERSEVERANCE OF
FAITH - Vss. 35B-38
THE PROMISE OF FAITH -
Vss. 39-40
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