Finding The Faith Of Our Heroes - Part 2: Great Truths From Enoch's Godly Faith Series

Finding the Faith of Our Heroes

Part 2: Great Truths from Enoch's Godly Faith

Hebrews 11:1-6; Genesis 5:18-24; Jude 1:14-15

Sermon by Rick Crandall

(Prepared August 30, 2023)

BACKGROUND:

*Today in Hebrews 11, we continue our study of some of the greatest Old Testament heroes of our faith. But as we begin, remember that the focus of our faith must always be on the goodness and greatness of the Lord God Almighty. In Mark 11:22 Jesus tells us to "have faith in GOD," so Christians: Our faith is not in our faith. Our faith is not in our own power or goodness. Our faith is in GOD, because all good things are possible with Him. God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost is big enough, and good enough to take care of every need we will ever have!

*From Hebrews 11:1, also remember that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." The original word for "substance" there has the idea of something strong under us, something strong enough for us to stand on. And faith in Jesus Christ is the only firm foundation for our lives. Biblical faith is not just positive thinking or having a positive attitude. Biblical "faith is the substance of things hoped for." This means that right now, our faith in Jesus Christ is our rock-solid foundation for today and forever.

*But biblical faith is also the "evidence of things not seen." In other words: biblical faith gives us proof of the spiritual things we cannot see with our eyes. James Merritt explained that: "Faith sees what the physical eyes cannot see. Faith sees the invisible, touches the intangible, hears the inaudible, and attempts the impossible. Our vision may be 20/20, but the eyes of faith can see farther, deeper, clearer, and better than our physical eyes will ever see." (1)

*"Faith is the evidence of things not seen." Faith opens us up to a whole new dimension in life. Faith opens us up to the most important things in life, because the most important things cannot be seen with our eyes. This is true of the love, joy, and peace in our hearts. And this is especially true when it comes to the things of God. We can't see God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Heaven, angels and much more. We can't see any of these things right now with our physical eyes. But faith opens our spiritual eyes, and we can see.

*This is the kind of faith everyone desperately needs. And the heroes in Hebrews 11 can help us see why. Please think about godly faith as we read Hebrews 11:1-6.

MESSAGE:

*What's the biggest problem in the world today? Ask a dozen different people, and you might get a dozen different answers. You might say war, or world hunger, or cancer. Many deceived people would say that the biggest problem is "global warming." Bible believers might say that the biggest problem is sin, and in a way, that is true. But the biggest problem people have is no faith in the true and living God. Nothing matters more, because, without faith in Jesus Christ, there is no remedy for sin, no forgiveness for our sins, and no way to please God.

*God's Word makes this truth clear in vs. 5-6. It's a two-sentence biography of the prophet Enoch. He was one of the most remarkable men who ever lived, and today we can see 4 great truths from Enoch's godly faith.

1. FIRST OF ALL: FAITH LETS US WALK WITH THE LORD.

*Enoch was a man who walked with the Lord in a most unusual way. In all of the billions of people who have ever lived, there have only been two men who never had to die. And Enoch was one of those men.

*Verse 5 tells us that "By faith Enoch was translated so that he did not see death." Enoch was "translated." That means he was "transferred" or "transported" somewhere else the Lord. Enoch was carried home to Heaven by God without dying. "By faith Enoch was translated so that he did not see death." James Merritt said, "Enoch did not walk through the valley of the shadow of death. -- He flew over it!" (2)

*How did that happen? How did Enoch avoid death? To answer that question we have to go back to the Old Testament Scripture that introduces this prophet. And there we see that it all started, because Enoch was walking with the Lord.

*Genesis 5:18-24 mentions Enoch's walk twice, and it is just as vital for us to walk with the Lord today. There God's Word says:

18. Jared lived one hundred and sixty-two years, and begot Enoch.

19. After he begot Enoch, Jared lived eight hundred years, and begot sons and daughters.