Title: It is a Matter of Faith – Our DNA
Theme: To show that faith is priority in the life of Christian. It is part of our DNA
Text: Hebrews 11
Opening Scripture
Joh 4:46-54 So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. (47) When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. (48) Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” (49) The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!” (50) Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. (51) And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, “Your son lives!” (52) Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” (53) So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household. (54) This again is the second sign Jesus did when He had come out of Judea into Galilee.
Introduction
This is one of the most incredible stories of faith. Who he was or position he hold did not matter. What mattered is that he had a son who was sick, “at the point of death”. He needed a miracle and knew only one person to turn to, Jesus. He is persistent in his request. But notice the “incredible part”. Jesus looks at him and says, “Go your way; you son lives.” So the man leaves and believes.
The next details are important. He meets his servant on the road who confirms the miracle. When did it happen? Yesterday. This tells me that this nobleman had a days journey even after Jesus told him that his son was healed.
I wondered what the rest of the day was like. I can tell you it was a day full of faith. It was a day full of relief. It was a day of trusting Jesus that led to a life change. It was a day that led to faith in Christ. But not only for him but for the household.
This is real faith. Real faith is not always seeing, real faith is trusting even though we don’t see it.
Look with me now at Hebrews 11
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
NIrV Heb 11:1 Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being certain of what we do not see.
NLT Heb 11:1 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.
This verse headlines a chapter full of people who exemplies a life of faith. And faith is important. How do we know?
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
God gives great attention to those who have faith.
This was developed
This is how they come to live their lives. Notice I said come. This faith was developed for many over time. Through ups and downs. Through moments of “mistrust” to moments of blind faith.
Take for instance Abraham. Called out by God to leave his land. This was an act of faith. Yet this faith was raw and developing. One time he finds himself in a foreign land in Egypt. What does he try to do when fear of attack from the king come, instead of trusting God he lies. We find out this not only happens once but twice. This does not include Ishameal who was born out of Abraham and Sarai discovering their own plan.
Yet in this chapter we learn that: Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. (9) By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; (10) for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Abraham’s final act of faith came in Isaac. His God chosen son. At 100 years of age he finally sees part of God’s promise fulfilled.
Hebrews 11:17-19 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, (18) of whom it was said, "IN ISAAC YOUR SEED SHALL BE CALLED," (19) concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.
Faith is not knowing the unknown. It is trusting in the One who has been there.
So after understanding what faith is now let us look at the many men and women of faith in the Bible and see what we can get.
In Abel we see the trust of faith – vs 4
The Bible reminds of that Abel
4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.
Abel had faith enough in God that he gave Him his best gift. The first fruits of his sacrifice. Not a after thought not what was left over but the best. That which could have been sold and bargained for for his own benefit yet he gave it to the Lord, as a sacrifice. For others (including Cain) it would seem to be a waste to offer it to the Lord. But for Abel this sacrifice spoke for eternity.
Application: You know when we give today we give more than just what we have. It does not go unnoticed but it affects eternity. We are here in the beautiful sanctuary because someone “gave”. Many souls have been saved. Many lives changed.
In Enoch the faith to Cleave – vs 5
(Heb 11:5) By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "AND WAS NOT FOUND, BECAUSE GOD HAD TAKEN HIM"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
Enoch cleaved to the Lord. He saw something in God that he did not want to let go of. He found peace in God that he could not shake. It was a daily walk. Then can the time that God “took him”. What does that mean. Well we know he did not see death.
Application: Let us have that close relationship with God. We may not be “translated” or taken up as Enoch was but I can tell you God will walk us through death. We may not even see it as others see it but just a passing point to get to the other side.
In Noah we see the Preparation in faith vs 7
7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
Noah acted on his faith in God and built an ark. He built a legacy of faith that protected his family. Because of his righteousness his family was saved. Because of his trust in God. Did he get it right every time? No, but he trusted God.
Application: We need to have the faith to trust God and prepare our home. As Jousha said in Joshua 24:15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
In Abraham to faith to Leave – vs 8 - 10
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance.
And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
We mentioned Abraham earlier but Abaham had the faith to leave. To leave his land
Application: God oftentimes calls us to leave when we trust Him. Leave our friends. Leave those who we are dependent on. Change the atmosphere.
In Sarah the faith to believe – vs 11 - 12
11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.
Sarai had a faith that trusted God in her barrenness. She trust Him her old age. She had faith that God could create.
Application: It may look impossible but God can take the impossible and make it possible. Even if He has to create something out of nothing. Barrenness in not a hinderance from God. God can make it water in the dessert and create abundance.
Faith not focused in this world but the next – vs 13 - 16
Hebrews 11:13 – 16
They did not get so caught up in this world but by faith that looked forward to a city. They did not get so caught up in the rewards of this world. Even the promises of this world but looked forward to God’s kingdom.
Application: Faith looks forward to a better life. Where there will be no more tears or fears, suffering or pain. Jesus will be the light of the city.
Abraham’s Offering of Faith – vs 17 - 19
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 of whom it was said, "IN ISAAC YOUR SEED SHALL BE CALLED," 19 concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.
Abraham was called to his greatest challenge. Give up his promise. Maybe this had become a “god” to him. May the dream, the promise had become bigger than the Promiser. His life was more than seeing a fulfilment but it was trust in God.
Application: You may be praying for something. You have faith that God will, “save your children, or heal you, or deliver you” but don’t let that distract you from your relationship with God himself.
He is Jehovah Jireh – God who will provide. But don’t miss the Jehovah part. He is God. God of the universe who wants to have a very personal relationship with us. He is a jealous God not willing to share us.
Isaac – Future faith vs. 20
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
Isaac saw a future. Even though he was an only promised child in God. Yet God used him.
Application: There is a bigger future. A future that is greater than us. God can use one person to change the land. One person to change the atmosphere of: the home, your job, even your friends.
Jacob – Giving faith, growing faith – vs. 21
21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.
Jacob had faith enough to allow God to work on him and mold him. He did not give up on the first mistake. He kept going. Showing this by giving a tenth of all he owned (maybe he knew that this was his greatest weakness so he put it in God’s hands).
Application: We have to trust God by faith that He will grow us. He will teach us.
In Joseph we see a life of faith - vs. 22
22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.
Joseph had faith in God. He showed that throughout his life. From and early age of listening to God. To being sold slavery, to living by faith in Potiphar’s house, the character of faith in resisting Potiphar’s advances, faith in prison and faith in the palace (“He Pharoah, I don’t interpret dreams God does”).
Application: When no one else understands your walk with God. When everyone else tries to get you to compromise. You have faith in God. It is okay if people do not understand or even persecute you because of your faith.
Parental faith - Moses parents saw in Moses something more – vs. 23
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's command.
Moses parents were willing to take a risk and raise Moses. In spite of the world around them that was trying to take his life. They trusted God. God protected him. God provided for him (his mother got paid to take care of him).
Application: We have go to see in our children more than just a child being raised. But someone who will impact the world. Someone who would change the world. Someone who would deliver the world.
In Moses the faith to overcome insecurities and lead – vs. 24 – 29
24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26) esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. 27) By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.
28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.
These verses give us a little insight into Moses early life. We are told that he contemplated and forsook the life in
Egypt. A plush and comfortable life to follow God.
Application: God will help us overcome our insecurities and lead by faith. We must forsake the easy route and follow God.
Walls fall when we have faith – vs. 30
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.
Israel marched around the walls 13 times. For 6 days one time. Then on the seventh day 7 times. On the seventh time they gave a shout of praise and the walls fell flat.
Application: When we praise Him by faith. Before we see the miracle. Before we see the battle being won. Before we see the victory. When we praise Him the walls will fall.
We are saved by faith - vs. 31
31 By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.
Rahab trusted God and the spies. She followed through by keeping their visit to herself and place the scarlet ribbon in her window. Guess what, anyone who was in her home when the walls fell were saved.
Side note: She lived around the walls but was protected in the invasion. Her place was spared.
Application: When we have faith in God we can be saved.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Conclusion - Summary
#1 Salvation by faith
Noah – saved in the ark
Rahab – did not perish
#2 Leaving faith
#3 Praising Faith
