The Importance Of Pleasing Faith Series

SERMON SERIES

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAITH

Sermon 1

The Importance of Pleasing Faith

Hebrews 11:1, 5-6

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

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.

Intro:

Robert W. Ross said in the Wycliffe Bible Commentary that Hebrews 11:1 is not really a definition of faith but rather a description of faith.

He said, “Faith is trust in the unseen. It is not trust in the unknown, . . . . Faith is the ultimate assurance and the ultimate evidence that things not seen are realities.”

Hebrews 11:6 says if you are going to please God, then you cannot do it unless you have faith!! Just like if you are going to drive a car, then you are going to have to have gas power or electrical power.

When we purchase a new automobile, we have faith in the person who designed it, in the people who built it, in the inspectors who tested it for safety.

In fact, we have faith that everything will work safely and completely. In other words, we trust people without a thought or moment of hesitation.

If we can put faith in people whom we have not seen with our own eyes, how can we not put faith in God whom we have not seen with our own eyes?

I John 5:9 says “If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: ”

Real quick let me give you examples of pleasing faith.

1. Willing Faith

Heb. 11:8 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went

- Abraham had willing faith. He was willing to follow the Lord no matter where the Lord led him!

2. Walking Faith

Heb. 11:5 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.

- Enoch had walking faith. He walked with the Lord right on home, and his testimony was that He pleased the Lord!

- Does your testimony say that you walk with God and please God?

3. Working Faith

Heb. 11:7 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

- Noah had working faith. He believed in working and building an Ark that would save him and his family from that no one had ever seen or heard of before . . . a flood!

- Noah’s fear of the flood and of the Father drove him to working faith!

4. Worshipping Faith

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.

- Abel had worshipping faith. He offered through faith a sacrifice in an act of worship that testified that he was a righteous man.

- God testified that Abel was a righteous man. I wonder what the Lord would testify about you and I? Not our own family, friends, or our own mouths, but what would the Lord testify about us? Would our faith cause God to testify that we are righteous?

• I’m interested in Hebrews 11:6a 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him:

• My only reason for living is to please God, so if I please Him (according to this verse), it is important to have pleasing faith!

• So let’s look at the Importance of Pleasing Faith

Body – The Importance of Pleasing Faith

I. Pleasing Faith is Important for Salvation

Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith”

The evidence that your faith has pleased God is that you are saved!

A. Pleasing Faith Cleanses You Through Salvation

I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

• If you have faith in Jesus that is pleasing unto the Lord, then His cleansing will Wash You and Whiten you!

• Is 1:18 “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” - That’s a promise!

B. Pleasing Faith Commits You Through Salvation