Hebrews #30: an exposition of Hebrews 11:8-16. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, November 16, 2014.
Intro:
He is known as the “father of the Jews” and the friend of God. His name is synonymous with faith. Small wonder that when the writer of Hebrews wanted to encourage that struggling band of Hebrew believers in Rome he would set before the the example of “Father Abraham.” The great patriarch’s story is recorded for us in Genesis chapters 12 through 25. He is revered by Jews, Christians and Muslims as a man of faith. If faith had a poster child – it would be Abraham. He was not a perfect man. In fact there are some glaring faults in his character but his life is a shining example of what God can do in the life of a flawed man who yields to God’s sovereign call. The life of faith is not an easy life. It’s not always neat and clean. It is often filled with heartache but it is well worth the trouble as it is the only life that leads to glory. Many in the church had already abandoned the Way. The struggle was too much. The pain unbearable. Others were on the verge of giving up when the writer took pen in hand to plead with them to continue in the faith. He assured them Christ was better than the best that Judaism or the world has to offer. He reminded them of Christ’s entering the sanctuary not made with hands as He enter the very presence of God and atoned for their sin guaranteeing a future glory. He pled with them to not throw all that away for momentary relief. Now, in chapter 11, he is setting before them a catalogue of the faithful. Men and women who exhibit the faith described as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
There was Abel who offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain. Then there was Enoch who was well pleasing to God and thus was taken up so that he should not see death. Then there was Noah, who had been graced by God and thus walked with Him in persevering obedience. All of these reminding us that without faith it is impossible to please God. Faith is the essential ingredient for a life pleasing to God. Now we turn our attention to Father Abraham. Our text is found in Hebrews chapter 11 beginning with verse 8.
Text: Hebrews 11:8-16
As we reflect on the life of Abraham we are reminded that…
Thesis: Genuine, biblical faith is an obedient, undaunted and resilient faith.
I want to point out 3 things along the way.
- The life of faith produces uncommon obedience. (11:8-10)
- The life of faith dares to believe the impossible. (11:11-12)
- The life of faith enables one to finish well. (11:13-16)