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“Hebrew 11: 1-3 - The Value of Our Faith” (Sermon Outline by Ptr. J. Garcia)

Hebrews 11:1-3

1. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2. For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

Objectives:

·         That the church may know the value and importance of their faith.

·         That the church may know of one of the objects of their faith, who is Jesus Christ.

·         That the church may open their eyes toward Jesus Christ and have a deeper relationship with him.

Introduction

Greetings…Prayer…

Hebrews 11 is one of the most important part of the Bible wherein in this chapter, faith was being emphasized and even with the people in the Old Testament (OT). A friend of mine told me before that Hebrews 11 is a chapter which talks about the "Heroes of Faith". Probably because the people mentioned here in this chapter were like heroes not because they have super power, like superman or justice league but because of their faith toward God, specifically with the Messiah – Jesus Christ.

So, in this first part of our series, we will discuss about the importance or value of faith of the ancient or OT people in relation to our faith today.

The opening of the whole book or letter to the Hebrews emphasizes about Jesus Christ, that he is just the shadow of what was written in the OT. And so, even from those times, Jesus was already there in a vague image. Those faithful people in the OT were the people who truly believe in the Messiah.

Hebrews 1:1-3

1Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

And so, in Hebrews 11:1-3 (read above), we can find three things that were emphasized in these verses.

I.                 Faith assures us of the heavenly things that we hoped for (v. 1)

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen

It all started in the Garden of Eden, should Eve and Adam had not committed sin, we are no longer in need of faith. Why?since they always talk with God and have fellowship with God. But as a result of sin, everything began to have a disorder that included the lives of human being. People became broken and vulnerable. We are now being hurt by the forces that surround us. And these experiences make us think and long for a beautiful and perfect place wherein people do not have to suffer and experience pain in life. The Bible especially in Revelation already told us about this life in the future at the second coming of Jesus Christ.

We live in this world temporarily and everything that we see are only passing. The true life begins the moment we died and being born again. And so this world is not our permanent place and home. The Bible says in Philippians 3:20 and Ephesians 2:19 that our citizenship is in heaven.

Philippians 3:20

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;

Ephesians 2:19

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household.

The sad truth is that these things were not true to others even though majority of the people think that there is heaven and those majority wanted that after they die, they will go to heaven, a place where there is no more pains and sufferings, a place that's only full of joy and happiness.

So to have faith on such things is such a mystery in the human being. The bible says in the Roman 10:17

Roman 10:17

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

We really need to hear the message of the Bible, not just an ordinary message but words which is heard through the Word of Christ (Jesus Christ himself speaking to our hearts). That is why, it is really important that in every preaching or sermon that the focus is always on Jesus Christ.

John 20:29

Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

II.                   Faith commends us before God (v.2)

For by it the people of old received their commendation. 

The next session we will continue with our series and discuss about the lives of the OT people here described here in Hebrews Chapter 11. With this, we will be able to see why they were commended before God.

Just like the custom in this world, people tends to do their best in the work if they are being watched by their supervisor so that they will be commended. Same also at school.

1 Corinthians 10:31

So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

III.                 Faith makes us understand about the heavenly things (v.3)

By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

At school, science teaches us that the universe was created by a big bang theory – time, space and matter. In the beginning (time – present, past and future), God created the heavens (length and height) and the earth (matter – liquid, solid and gas). God who created them is outside of it. He is not limited of time. He is outside the universe. He is not affected by it.

The question, “Where did God come from?” assume a wrong question about God who is a limited God. if we put God in our finite brain, he is not a God worth worshipping with.

In the Bible there are many unbelievable things for us since we were there when they happened. And that is why, we really need faith. However, there are also many things in the Bible that we can use faith and reasoning. As a Christian, you need to know and be founded by the truths in the Bible. This is not only for your own good but also for others.

1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

According the message of Ravi Zacharias, a Christian apologist that pain and suffering or evilness leads us to see God and his glory. 

Conclusion

The faith that we have is not just a simple one or an ordinary one. This faith is so precious and valuable.

This faith assures us of the heavenly things that we hoped for.

The faith that we have is the only way that commend us before God.

The faith that we have makes us understand about the heavenly things. Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Jesus also said, “No one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” You really need to be born again if you are still not. The way for you to attain this is to believe and trust heartily to person of Jesus and of what He has done for you on the cross.

THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS US ALL!!!