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Introduction:
Have you ever been discouraged? Have you ever said, “I am tired
of all of this. I am tired of all the studying. I am tired of all
the ridicule. I am tired of always trying to do good only to be
hated by the world and even my friends and family.” And of
course, when we actually have those thoughts, we become more
discouraged because nobody in the Bible ever had those doubtful
days. Why can’t we be more like Bible characters? Did you know
the Bible describes Christians who have been through this? In Hebrews
10, the Hebrew writer encourages Christians like you and
me who were struggling to keep their faith. In Hebrews
10:32-39 he wrote to “remember the former days.” How
easy it was to believe and continue in faith when our Christianity
was first started and our conviction was fresh. His final
statement is we are not to be of those who shrink back to
destruction, but rather to maintain our faith to the preserving of
our souls. And then he records what I call the “Hall of
Faith.” He provides a great cloud of witnesses to teach us what
faith can do for us and what we can do with faith. The definition
of faith provided in this chapter is essentially “seeing the
unseen”. That is, not blindly accepting what some unknown source
has stated but rather examining the evidence and believing the
logical conclusion even though we cannot see it. This is the faith
we had when we were first convicted of Christ and in those days we
clearly saw the unseen things. But sometimes our vision becomes
blurred. The Hebrew writer encourages us to get back to seeing the
unseen. Discussion: I.
By faith, we see the unseen
beginning of the world (Hebrews
11:3). A.
Only the Father, Son and Spirit were present at the
beginning. By faith we know what happened. Hebrews
3:4 claims God is the builder of all things. After all,
every house is built by someone. It is illogical to see the design
of our universe and believe it happened accidentally. B.
Romans
1:18-20
explains the universe, the world, our bodies and even the very
cells within us declare the power of God. Psalm
19:1-6 speaks of the testimony of our universe. In fact,
based upon the laws of nature, the mere fact we exist testifies a
designer. We see the days of creation. II.
By faith, we see the unseen judgment to come (Hebrews
11:7). A.
Noah had not seen a 40-day flood that could cover the whole
world. In fact, there is some reason to believe he had not even
seen rain. But God told him it was coming. Noah did not waiver in
unbelief. He simply saw the unseen and prepared according to
God’s instruction. B.
We cannot see the judgment to come. And because it is
unseen many mock us as we prepare to meet our God. But the day is
coming and we see it by faith (II
Peter 3:3-13). When you are able to see this unseen day,
shrinking back to destruction will not be a problem. C.
Seeing this day is inextricably linked with seeing those
first seven days we just mentioned. I must admit, I have days of
doubt. Days when temptation attacks and life would seemingly be
easier if there were no responsibility to obey God. But that first
day when God said, “Let there be light” is implanted in my
mind and, by faith, I know it happened. Because I know that day
happened, I know the day of destruction and judgment will happen.
I know that day will not be a day of sadness for those who serve
the Lord. That faith keeps us going. Remembering the former days
when that conviction was strong helps us keep from shrinking back
to destruction. That day is coming. And if you see it coming, you
will serve God faithfully. III.
By faith, we follow the Master’s direction though we
cannot see where He leads us (Hebrews
11:8). A.
Isaiah
55:8-9
says God’s ways are not ours; His thoughts are higher than ours.
He is greater, smarter and wiser. Therefore, we often do not
understand what is happening in our lives, but we can trust in God
that by following His direction, we will make it to that city. B.
As the Proverbialist said, “Trust in the Lord with all
your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs
3:5). That is exactly what Abraham did in Hebrews
11:8. I am not saying we can make it because everything
that happens comes from God and we can just trust Him that it is
what was best. Rather, we can trust God’s direction to provide
salvation no matter what happens to us. As Paul said in Romans
8:28, no matter the direct cause of what happens, if we
love God, He will use it for good. IV.
By faith, we are not distracted by the “cities” from
which we came (Hebrews
11:13-15). A.
All these mentioned died in faith, without receiving the
fulfillment of the promises. Fulfillment came with Christ. But
they continued seeing the unseen, focusing on it and not
distracted by what they could see around them. Think of the times
they could have returned to the lands from which they came because
the Promised Land was too much trouble. Abraham: when the five
kings captured Lot (Genesis
14). Isaac: when he had trouble with herdsman of Gerar
over the wells (Genesis
26). Jacob: when he was frightened of meeting Esau (Genesis
33). But they were looking forward to the promise. B.
How easy it could be to get distracted by the cities from
which we came? Most of us have had moments when we thought life
was easier and better when we weren’t Christians or when we
weren’t so involved in the life of the church. At those moments
we must see the promise. As Paul said in II
Corinthians 4:17-18, we must not look at the things that
are seen, but at the things that are unseen. Because what we see
is temporal. That is, it will be destroyed. But the unseen things
are eternal. As Paul told the Colossians, “Set your mind on
things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians
3:2—ESV). Heaven awaits us if we will see it right now
while it is yet unseen. V.
By faith, we are not overcome by fears, temptations and
tribulations (Hebrews
11:24-27). A.
The sins of this world are only pleasing for a moment. And
yet, in that moment we are blinded. Temptation blurs our vision
and we can justify anything. To overcome this we must see the
unseen. We must see God. We must see the reward still to come for
faithful service. B.
Then, no matter the temptation, no matter the temporal
fears, no matter the persecution or tribulation we will have the
strength to withstand. Remember, God does not allow us to be
tempted beyond what we are able, but always provides a way of
escape (I
Corinthians 10:13). We must simply open our eyes to see
Him who is unseen and see the reward He offers for faithfulness. VI.
By faith, we are granted approval by God (Hebrews
11:39). A.
The Hebrew writer provides a litany of actions the faithful
performed and endured simply because of faith. But the list is
concluded by pointing out these were granted approval by God
because of their faith. If we want God's approval we too must have
faith (Hebrews
11:6). B.
I
Peter 1:3-9
says our faith will be tested as if by fire in order that God be
glorified and we obtain salvation. Therefore, we must not shrink
back to destruction. Despite the temptations Satan hurls, we must
maintain our faith. Despite the ridicule others will give us, we
must maintain our faith. Despite the hurt we will endure, we must
maintain our faith. Then God will approve. Conclusion: Having looked at all this information about faith, we might easily become discouraged about our own salvation. After all, we have all had times of doubt in which we did not demonstrate strength against temptation. But, lest you be overcome, allow me to point out who all these people were in the list in Hebrews 11. Noah once became drunk and exposed himself to his sons. Abraham did not trust God’s plan at one point and tried to fix it by having a son with a concubine. Jacob lied to his father and stole from his brother. Sarah laughed when her pregnancy was prophesied. Moses killed a man and later refused to go when God first called him. Rahab was a harlot. Barak was afraid to lead in battle by himself. Samson repeatedly disobeyed God’s law and showed disdain for the blessing God had given him. Jephthah made a rash vow. David committed adultery and then murdered the woman’s husband. Samuel did not raise his children to be faithful. Yet all of these are counted as faithful. In other words, you and I, like these in the hall of faith have had numerous times of unfaithfulness. But just as these, we can put the past behind us and grow in faith, not shrinking back to destruction but increasing our faith to the preservation of our souls. And then, in the final analysis, on the Day of Judgment we will be found faithful and hear, “Enter in good and faithful servant.”
Glory
to God in the church by Christ Jesus
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