Faith At The End Of Life Lesson 6 Series

A. INTRODUCTION: ISAAC, JACOB, JOSEPH – HEBREWS 11:20-22

1. From father (Isaac), to grandson (Joseph), Hebrews 11 discusses their faith at the end of their lives. “When Isaac was old and turning blind” (Genesis 27:1). “Word came to Joseph, “Your father (Jacob) is failing rapidly”(Genesis 48:1). “Soon, I will die, Joseph told his brothers.” (Genesis 50:24).

2. Last words/actions are critical/imperative.

3. Much of the strengths and weaknesses of these three heroes are not mentioned in Hebrews.

4. Their last actions were tied to God’s promises – to Abraham about land and God’s promise for future Jews.

B. ISAAC – FAITH AFTER QUESTIONABLE

1. Isaac was off base. “Isaac loved Esau, because he enjoyed eating wild game … Rebekah loved Jacob” (Genesis 25:28).

2. Rebekah knew God’s purpose. “The Lord told her, ‘The sons in your womb … two nations ... older son will serve the younger’” (Genesis 25:23).

a. Did Rebekah tell Isaac?

b. Was Isaac blinded by inordinate love of Esau?

c. Did Isaac deliberately ignore God?

d. Did Isaac enquire the mind of God?

3. God intervened. “Isaac said, ‘I have blessed him he shall be blessed’” (27:33).

C. JACOB – FUTURE FAITH IN FINAL BLESSING

1. Hebrews 11 did not include the greatest questionable past.

a. God appearing at Bethel.

b. 14 years worked for Laban, plus 7 more years.

c. Jacob wrestles with God at Peniel.

2. Two important facts – Jacob recognized the sons of Joseph were born by:

a. Egyptian wife.

b. Born outside the Holy Land.

3. Joseph brought two sons and objected. “Jacob crossed his hands … stretched out the right hand … Ephraim’s head who was the younger … left hand on Manasseh … the first born” (Genesis 48:14, NLT). This faith-act was included in the Faith Hall of Fame.

D. JOSEPH: FUTURE FAITH

1. Hebrews 11 did not include:

a. His dreams.

b. His chastity.

c. His wisdom as warden of a prison.

d. His elevation in Egypt.

e. His saving the world.

2. Included in Faith’s Hall of Fame:

a. Remember God “promised Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob” (50:24).

b. Remember God promised, “To lead you out of the land of Egypt … back to the land … promised” (50:24).

3. Joseph’s long distance faith tied to the God of Abraham. “God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land” (50:24).

4. Faith in future. “Sons of Israel swear an oath … take my bones with you” (50:25).

E. FAITH IN GOD OF ACTION THE LAST MINUTE

1. The greatest faith of all three men was right before their death. What about you?

2. Greatest faith tied to God’s promise. “Faith comes … word of God” (Romans 10:17).

3. It took a life of faith-walking to produce future – faith.

4. Our greatest faith-experience may not be the one most remembered by God.

5. Faith-chasers is a race (Hebrews 12:1). The most important is not the beginning but the finish.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.

Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.

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