Being Led By Faith

Being Led By Faith

Griffith Baptist Church – 11/9/08

A.M. Service

Text: Hebrews 11:8-10

Key verse: Hebrews 11:8 - 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.

Premise: The secret to great faith is simply to let God lead us and trust the outcome, no matter what we see or don’t see.

The Introduction

A minister waited in line to have his car filled with gas just before a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him in front of the service station. Finally, the attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump. "Reverend," said the young man, "sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip." The minister chuckled, "I know what you mean. It’s the same in my business."

I love planning trips.

For the Christian, it’s even better, because the trip is already planned for you.

There is an itinerary, stops along the way, places to see, interesting people you will meet, wonderful companions to travel with, a great final destination, and best of all, it’s all paid for!

As we take a look at Abraham in this passage, four wonderful truths come to mind that encourage us to surrender ourselves to trusting God on our journey.

Body

1. Director – Truth #1 – Abraham, when he was called (by God) . . . (v. 8)

A. We all rely in guides who know what they are talking about and can guide you rightly - In an interview with an African Safari guide, he was asked, “Is it true that jungle animals won’t harm you if you carry a torch?” The guide replied, “That depends on how fast you carry it.”

B. God guides and goes with us from beginning to end.

i. From the moment of our salvation to moment of our graduation into heaven, He is there.

ii. Before we were children of the devil and under his control and guidance (Eph. 2:1-3; Jn. 8:44)

C. God is there, . . .:

i. Wherever we go - Joshua 1:9 – Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (Ps. 37:28; Is. 41:10; Heb. 13:5)

ii. Whoever or whatever comes against us - Romans 8:31 – What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

iii. Living in us to be overcomers - 1 John 4:4 - Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

2. Direction – Truth #2 – . . . to go into a place . . . (v.8)

A. We all need good, clear direction - A brochure put out several years ago by the Durham, N.C., County Public Library explained the use of the card catalogue, acknowledging that this can be mystifying at times. The brochure told of one patron who, upon reading “See Main Entry” on a catalogue card, went out to the front steps of the library. Durham, N.C. Herald

B. God gives small directions so we can accomplish big things

i. He doesn’t overwhelm us with details

ii. If He did, this wouldn’t be faith.

iii. It is a step at a time according to the how our faith measures up

C. To receive directions properly we need to do:

i. Total Confidence in God and not ourselves - Proverbs 3:5-6 – 5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

ii. Live a holy lifestyle - Proverbs 11:5 – The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

iii. Trust God’s inerrant Word - Psalms 119:133 - Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

a. How much do you trust God’s Word?

b. God’s Word always works and is never without effect - Isaiah 55:11 - So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

iv. Understand that God sees more than we do - Psalms 32:8 - I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

3. Determination - . . . obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went (v. 8)