“Running the race by faith”
SERMON Title: Running the race by faith
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 11:1-16 (ESV)
Introduction:
Hebrews 11 is often regarded as the chapter of faith. Prior to this chapter, we’ve been constantly reminded that Jesus is better. We know though, as we continue on this walk with God - faith is absolutely needed. The previous references (High Priest, Tabernacle) were only the pointers to the door of salvation, but faith is the hinge of the actual door we need opened to approach Jesus.
Jesus is the door that gives access to true salvation and deliverance.
Jesus is the door that gives you access to true rest and sabbath.
Jesus is the door that gives you free access to God’s presence.
It is only through “living by faith” that makes Jesus’ work personally relevant for our lives. But what does that look like exactly? We’ll be focusing on what faith is and how faith practically works out in the life of the people of God.
Overview:
What is faith?
Faith lies in the (a) things we hope for and (b) things we cannot see.
(a) An assurance that what is hoped for will become a reality.
(b) A conviction that the unseen promises of God will be fulfilled.
Christians choose to hope differently based not on our own imperfect human assessment of things or distorted truths, but based on God’s promises for us.
In faith, we believe in the hope of being born again to a living hope.
In faith, we believe in the hope of receiving the inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.
In faith, we believe in the hope of salvation in Christ Jesus.
Faith is the only basis for our relationship with God. God’s approval or disapproval for us, His commendation or rebuke, lies in where He sees our faith. (Hebrews 11:2).
Faith does not contradict reason nor scientific judgment. Instead, one who seeks out Christ until the end, will have found God.
The hall of faith
Abel (11:4)
The rituals and offerings one offers to God must be performed by faith, otherwise they are meaningless before God.
Abel’s reward still lives on, though he died; commended by God for generations and generations.
Enoch (11:5-6)
Enoch’s life was very pleasing to God; one of communion and he did not experience death.
The writer of Hebrews mentions how without faith, it is impossible to please God. With this, we know that in Enoch’s pursuit to please God, he did so with faith.
Noah (11:7)
Noah was the only one righteously living out his faith in God and the world we condemned in relation to Noah’s obedience in faith.
He became an heir of righteousness by choosing to place faith in God and His Word.
Abraham (11:8-9)
In faith, Abraham followed the Lord’s commands for him though he did not know where he was going.
Abraham believed and trusted with the eyes of faith to believe in the faithful Lord’s will for him and his generations.
In the same way that Abraham was called to live as a foreigner, our heart and yearning is to always look heavenward and believe in our ultimate and final destination as a city with its foundations, having a designer and builder as God.
Sarah (11:11)
In faith, Sarah received the power to conceive even when it was scientifically impossible. Yet she believed in the faithfulness of the Lord’s Word and His promise was kept towards her.
Application:
Looking heavenward
Each one of the faithful believers was mentioned as one who looked ahead and beyond to a heavenly reality which required faith.
Each one of the faithful believers chose to perceive with the eyes of faith, looking beyond the material world and into the spiritual reality. They were basing their faith in the promise of God.
Though some of them received their blessing in their lifetime (Abraham, Noah, and Sarah) - yet the ultimate reward promised to the faithful ones is the ultimate spiritual reward to come.
Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city. (11:16)
The Lord is not ashamed to be our Lord, yet this is entirely based on our faith. We are to increasingly grow and mature in our faith so that we may please God and receive the heavenly inheritance He is preparing for us in heaven.
Sermon reflection questions:
Where do you orient your eyes most of the time? In the past, in the present, in the future, or heavenwards?
Do you have firm and unwavering faith to run the race with Jesus until the end? What is the promise of God that you are basing your faith on?
Pray that the Holy Spirit may remind you that the promise of God we hold onto as the basis and anchor of your faith being rooted in the gospel. Jesus is the one who bore our sin, our shame, our guilt, and our punishment. God has and continues to cleanse me through the blood of Jesus and receives me as His own.
