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Hebrews 11Hebrews 11:1-40(1) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

I. Faith is the substance: For many years now, the word “faith” has been given a lot of strange connotations, or, more accurately, explanations for what it is. I have to admit that now when I see a church that has the word “faith” attached to it, my spiritual truth sensors are on high alert because for the most part, these “faith” churches preach a form of the Gospel that is not found anywhere in the scriptures. To them, “faith” is more power to be tapped into in order to achieve some kind of gain—be it in this life or the next.

There are many of these teachers today, but one of the most notorious was the infamous Jim Baker, of the PTL Club. I remember years ago as a young disc jockey at a local Christian radio station listening to one of his broadcasts when he was trying to explain “faith” to his listeners. Jim Baker explained it as a “force” that had many, many levels, and he gave an example of himself that he was believing God for a castle. He wanted to own a castle. He went on to say that he did not expect many of his listeners to understand because their faith was not of sufficient size that they would be able to believe God for a castle. He said that many of his listeners, in order to grow their faith, should start off small, like believing God for a pair of tennis shoes. He said, “I’ve been serving God a long time, so I have ‘castle faith,’ but you might not be where I’m at, so you might only have ‘tennis shoe faith.’”

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Paul confronted this twisting of scripture in I Timothy 6.

1 Timothy 6:2-10 (2) And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.(3) If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;(4) He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,(5) Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.(6) But godliness with contentment is great gain.(7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.(8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.(9) But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.(10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

So, if faith is not a “power,” then what is it?

a. What is faith? The word “faith” is actually another word for “belief.” They are synonymous with one another, as we are going to see. Paul says here in Hebrews 11:1 that “. . . faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Just as our eyes give us physical eyesight and our eyesight gives us the sense of our material world, our faith, or our belief, gives us the evidence of the invisible or the spiritual.

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b. Faith is not blind: Although many people believe it, there is really no such thing as “blind faith.” Blind Faith was actually the name of a rock band in the ‘70’s. However, the term “blind faith” has no place in Christendom. Our faith or belief comes from our trusting in, relying on, and clinging to the written Word of God.

Faith is not a contradiction to reasoning, but it is absolutely complimentary to reason. So, from whence cometh our faith? The Apostle Paul answered this question quite emphatically back in Romans 10:17.

Romans 10:17(17) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

So, it is the Word of God that produces faith. More importantly, it is the prophetic Word of God that produces faith or belief. Look with me, if you will, to John 14:27 – 29.

John 14:27-29(27) Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.(28) Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.(29) And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

So, you see, it is the prophetic Word of God that produces our faith or belief. This is why I’ve always said, “If you’re going to be a student of the Word, you’ll need to be a student of prophecy.” Show me a preacher or pastor who takes little interest in the prophetic Word of God, and I will show you a man who has little effect in the Kingdom of God.

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Because I have studied God’s Word and have seen His prophecies come to pass, I am convinced of the truth of the Gospel and the faithfulness of God’s promise. Therefore, I trust in, rely on, and cling to every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

So, “. . . faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Because I have studied His Word, I have seen Him keep His Word, and I know He will keep His Word. Just because I have not yet experienced the fulfillment of His promise on any particular circumstance, I know I will because if God said it, it is as good as done. Therefore, my hope is strengthened.

(2) For by it the elders obtained a good report.

II. A good report: Paul is going to give us many examples of godliness through people who all had different circumstances and personalities. They all, however, had one thing in common: faith in the Word of God.

These Jewish believers had become discouraged. They were contemplating giving up on Jesus and going back to their rituals and Judaism. They needed to hear a good testimony, so Paul gives them these examples of faith to help them break out of their discouragement. If you are discouraged, whether you are sitting here or listening by radio, it is my prayer that this chapter will have the same effect on you, and you will find great encouragement in it.

(3) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

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III. By faith/believing God’s Word: Today in the world of science and astronomy, there is a great emphasis upon discovering the origins of the universe and of the earth, itself. The scientists in these communities have come up with all sorts of theories as to how everything came to be. This is not the case with the man or woman of God. We both know and understand how the worlds were framed. From the very first chapter in Genesis, we read this:

Genesis 1:1-5(1) In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.(2) And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.(3) And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.(4) And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.(5) And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

Psalm 33:6-9(6) By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.(7) He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.(8) Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.(9) For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.

a. We understand by faith: Although I was not a witness to the act of creation, I know how it happened by faith; that is, by believing the words of God. I also know this by reason. I look at the world and all that is in the heavens and my heart declares, “There is a God.” Many in the scientific and astronomical societies have actually given up on their fanciful hypotheses about such theories as “The Big Bang” and such and have embraced “Intelligent Design.”

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If you doubt this, I challenge you to watch the movie “Expelled” by Ben Stein. Those scientists and astronomers, who have embraced “Intelligent Design,” have been ostracized by their scientific communities; yet, they cling to it because they found no evidence for the former. Thus, they have come to the conclusion that the latter must be true. This would be described as, “Faith going beyond but not in contradiction to reason.”

b. Made from nothing: Most of the scientists of Paul’s time believed that the known universe had been created out of existing matter, but this verse corrects this misunderstanding. In the book of Genesis, Chapter 1, as we just read, God created the heavens and earth. The word “created” in the Latin is “Ex Nihilo,” which means, “from nothing.” Currently, there is the world’s largest particle collider in Europe. Even these scientists realize that there is a real problem with the “Big Bang Theory” and the creation of matter. They believe that they will eventually collide these particles, which are supposed to be miniature “big bangs,” and they will find what they have termed, “The God Particle,” the one thing that makes all matter possible. As believers, we know that the worlds were created by the shear Word of God.

(4) By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

IV. More excellent sacrifice: What was the difference between the sacrifice of Cain and Abel? It wasn’t just because one was an animal sacrifice and the other was vegetable. The difference was because Abel’s sacrifice was made by faith.

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a. God testifies of His gifts: How was it that God testified of Abel’s gift? Because we are not told exactly, some have speculated and they could be right that God showed His pleasure with Abel’s sacrifice by consuming it with fire from heaven. Examples of such can be found in Leviticus 9:24, II Chronicles 7:1, I Chronicles 21:26, and, of course, the story of Elijah in I Kings 18:38.

b. A legacy of love: We are told that through it (faith) Abel, being dead, still speaks. It has been said what matters most in this life are the things which we leave behind. Abel believed God, and his life showed it. Though he was a man and thus had his own troubles, what he left behind for us was a legacy of love for God. Though he is now with the Lord, Abel’s righteousness, which was by faith, still speaks to us today.

(5) By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.(6) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

V. Mystery man: Enoch is one of those mystery men of the Old Testament, being mentioned only one time in the Old Testament, but oh, what a mention it is!

Genesis 5:21-24(21) And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah:(22) And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:(23) And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years:(24) And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

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a. Enoch, the prophet: Enoch is a great illustration of New Testament revelation. Though we are told virtually nothing about his life in the Old Testament, as we just read, other than he walked with God and was translated, the Holy Spirit fills in the blank for us through Jude, for we read this in Jude 14 and 15.

Jude 1:14-15(14) And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,(15) To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

While Jude recognizes that Enoch is a prophet, there are many in Jewish and Christian circles who attribute many more prophecies to him, even citing the book of Enoch, which is a spurious work, at best.

b. Pleasing to God: Enoch was a man of faith; therefore, he was pleasing to God. However, he was much more than a man of faith. Enoch “walked” with God. In walking with God, he fulfilled his purpose on this earth.

Revelation 4:11(11) Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Because Enoch fulfilled his purpose on this earth, God took him. What does it mean to “walk with God?” Many people study God, many people work for God, but I’m not sure that all that many “walk with God.”

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To “walk with God” is to be consumed by God, to have a real and present sense of His presence in your life from the moment you wake until you lay your head down at night, having been in communion the whole time with Him. It is a 24/7 fellowship, which is pleasing to God.

c. Without faith: The writer of Hebrews says that before Enoch was taken, he had this testimony that he pleased God. Let that one sink in for a moment. Let your spiritual fingers grasp this one. It says that “he had this testimony.” What a great example we have in him. There are too many voices today, in pulpits and on radio and television, that leave you with the feeling that you are not pleasing to God because of your failures, your shortcomings, and your sin. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ, then you, my friend, are living a vicarious life. Thus, you are able to enjoy all the benefits of Jesus’ obedience to God because Jesus said, “. . . I do always those things which please (the Father).” Because of Jesus and through Jesus, your testimony should be the same. You should have the testimony of Enoch. His testimony was that he pleased God. Yours should be the same.

The writer of Hebrews goes on to tell us that without faith, it is “impossible” to please Him for all those who come to Him “must” believe that He is “and” that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

If you’ve been listening to me for any length of time, no doubt you have heard me say in my teachings that if you are talking about the Gospel, it is “grace plus nothing.” If you tell me that you are saved through Jesus Christ “and . . .” you have lost me. There is no and!

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Ephesians 2:8(8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Here in verse 6 of Hebrews 11, we are not talking about salvation. We are talking about “pleasing” God. This, my friends, is a two-prong proclamation. Not only do you have to have faith, but you must also believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

So often today, I see Christians who live a non-rewarded life and who blame their lack of reward or blessing on their own failures. The problem with these type of Christians is that they are saved. Thus, they have faith, but they do not believe that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Consequently, they remain in a state of mundane existence in the Kingdom of God. I’m here to tell you, my friends, that if you will diligently seek the Lord, you will also see His reward—not just here, but in the hereafter, as well. The definition of “to diligently seek” in the Greek means “to search out, to investigate, to crave, to worship, to inquire, to seek after.” Thus, Paul the Apostle would say, “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings . . .”

(7) By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

VI. Faith that moves: Noah had been warned of a coming divine event so extraordinary in its nature that I’m sure to not only Noah but later to those to whom he preached that it would have seemed impossible. You see, Noah was told by the Lord that He was going to cause it to rain on the face of the earth.

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On the surface, that doesn’t seem very extraordinary, but when you take it in its context, you will see how extraordinary this really was. We find this in Genesis 2:5-6.

Genesis 2:5-6(5) And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.(6) But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.

As you can see, at the time of Noah, it had never rained upon the face of the earth. How extraordinary this warning must have seemed to him! How unbelievable! Yet, Noah believed God, for he knew God’s Word was faithful. His faith was not just in agreeing that the flood would come; his faith was shown in doing what God had told him to do in regard to the coming flood. Thus, he was moved with Godly fear and prepared an ark.

Thus, our illustration is that true faith will always do something.

James 2:17-20(17) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.(18) Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.(19) Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.(20) But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

a. Noah condemned the world: The writer of Hebrews says that Noah condemned the world. It’s not accurate to think that Noah went about preaching condemnation. However, it was the mere act of preparing the ark for the saving of his household by which he condemned the world.

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In believing God, Noah knew what was coming. So, in building the ark, Noah was preparing for the world which was to come and was leaving the one to the condemnation that it had brought upon itself. You and I should live the same way, my friends. We need to live this life knowing that there is a better one to come, and that this present world is on a collision course with the judgment of God.

(8) By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

VII. Abraham obeyed: This statement about Abraham gives me great hope because he is known as the father of all those who walk by faith. Yet, Abraham’s faith was not perfect.

Genesis 12:1-5 (1) Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:(2) And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:(3) And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.(4) So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.(5) And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.

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Acts 7:2-4 (2) And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,(3) And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.(4) Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.

You see that it is evident from the reading of Genesis 12 and Acts 7 that when God called Abraham to go, Abraham first only went half way to the place where God had called him. Only eventually did he obey completely after his father had died. This story gives a little more light on the question that was asked of Jesus in Matthew 8.

Matthew 8:19-22(19) And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.(20) And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.(21) And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.(22) But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

So often, people want to follow Jesus, but it’s their cares of this world and the seemingly-present obligations that stop them. With Abraham, it was a little different. Abraham did obey but first stopped for several years before completely fulfilling what the Lord had called him to do. Yet, now, centuries later, God does not remember his delayed obedience but only his faith. This should give you and I great hope!

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(9) By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:(10) For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

VIII. Dwelling in the Land of Promise: It is important to note that Abraham lived as a sojourner in the land that God had promised. In fact, from the time of his calling, Abraham never owned any part of this land, except for the burial plots in which he and his wife were buried. When you look at the Greek word for “dwelt,” it is the word “paroikos,” which means, “resident alien.” A “resident alien” is one who lives somewhere without a permanent status.

Just so you understand, let me give you an example of a sojourner, or more accurately how you can identify a sojourner. You can tell a sojourner by the way they talk, by the way they dress, their mannerisms, their entertainment, their citizenship, and even their friends. All of these things speak of their native home. If someone is the same in all of these areas as are the natives, they are no longer considered sojourners but have taken up permanent residence. I’ve heard it said, and I agree with it, that Christians should never get their green cards for planet Earth.

a. They dwelt in tents: Because they had no permanent home, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived in tents instead of houses. They were looking for a better city, a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

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(11) Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.(12) Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

IX. Sarah’s faith: Just like her husband Abraham, Sarah’s faith was not perfect, either. In Genesis 18:9-15, we are told the story of the angels who told Abraham that Sarah would give birth in her old age. Sarah laughed in unbelief. Then in Genesis 21:6, we find Sarah laughing in faith. From the time that God had given her the promise until the time of its fulfillment when she gave birth to Isaac, the son of promise, this Godly couple’s life had many negative turns, which were motivated by fear. This fear led them into diverse sins, such as Abraham lying to Pharaoh and Sarah talking Abraham into committing adultery with Hagar. Hagar conceived and brought forth a son named Ishmael, which brought about the trouble that we have in the Middle East to this day.

a. She judged him faithful: Sarah judged God faithful Who had promised. In reality, faith boils down to just that: To judge that God is faithful and able to keep His promises.

b. Sarah brings forth a multitude: Because of the faith of Sarah and Abraham, millions of descendants were born. Their faith has had a major impact on more lives than they ever could have dreamed. In fact, they were told that all the nations of the earth would be blessed because of them. How true this has become.

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As a case in point, when you look at the list of Nobel Prize winners, one common denominator jumps out: A vast number of them are Jews. In almost every field of study and science, their contribution to the benefit of mankind is evident. Howbeit, the ultimate blessing that would come upon mankind would be because of one of the descendants of Abraham, who was born 2,000 years ago. His name was Jesus Christ.

(13) These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

X. These all died in faith: I have to admit that over the years that I’ve been serving the Lord, which is well over 30 now, I have heard and seen some of the strangest teachings on the issue of faith. It’s these little verses like we just read that jump out in stark contrast to a lot of the faith teaching that goes on today. The writer of Hebrews says here that these all died in faith, which I find strange when you compare it to some of the teachings on faith that you hear today.

“If you just have enough faith,” they say, “you won’t be sick.” Or, “If you have enough faith, you can prolong your life.” The writer of Hebrews says that there sprung from Abraham and Sarah a multitude of people which were innumerable but that they all died in faith, not having received the promises, talking about the coming Messiah. However, they saw them afar off, and they were persuaded of them and embracing them, they confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

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a. A proper perspective on life: I think it is extremely important that as Christians we maintain a proper perspective on life and that we keep a loose hold on the things of this earth. We are strangers and pilgrims here. As I said before, I’m perfectly satisfied to dwell in a tent because this world is not my home; I’m just passing through, really just living the transient life here. However, I’m looking for a permanent home, which is in the eternal Kingdom of God.

Illustration: I was recently reminded of the story of my sister-in-law, Sun, who was a little Korean lady who had served the Lord for many, many years. She lived a life that was full of faith. Sun was a health nut. She loved to stay in shape. She exercised regularly, ate right, didn’t smoke or do other things that would have been bad for her health. Yet, one day, not too many years ago, Sun found out that she had terminal cancer. Because she had been in such great health and fitness, she had not suffered any symptoms until the cancer was well advanced. After going to the oncologist, Sun was told that the only thing they could do for her was to give her massive amounts of chemo that would only, at best, prolong her life for a short time, to which she replied to the doctor, “Well, then, I’m going home.” As Sun and my brother made their way out to the car after that doctor visit, Sun was not overcome with grief or despair but quite the contrary. When she got in the car, she looked over at her husband and threw her little arm into the air and said, “Bonsai, I’m going home!” That’s the attitude to have.

I got to minister to Sun over the phone during the last months of her life. She was always cheerful, always hopeful, and was eagerly looking forward to her new home in heaven.

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(14) For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.(15) And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

XI. They could have returned: When Sarah and Abraham came to Haran, they could have turned right around and went back to Babylon. You can do that, but they didn’t. After their stay in Haran, though it was a lengthy time, they continued their journey with God, walking in obedience to their heavenly call.

(16) But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

XII. God is not ashamed: I heard it said one time that in this particular verse when the writer says that “. . . God is not ashamed to be called their God,” that it may indicate that God is ashamed that some call him God. The way that people act sometimes, in a way I would have to say that I couldn’t blame Him. There have been times in my own life when I felt that He might be ashamed of me because of my position in the body of Christ as a minister of God. I am so thankful that God knows me intimately, He knows my heart, and I would never want to be an embarrassment to God. If I’m being truthful with you, however, I’m afraid that there have been times when I was.

(17) By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,(18) Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:(19) Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

XIII. Great insight: Paul gives us some great insight into the story of Abraham offering up Isaac to the Lord. The Apostle would write this in I Corinthians 15:1-4:

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1 Corinthians 15:1-4(1) Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;(2) By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.(3) For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;(4) And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

We know that Paul was referring to Old Testament prophesies concerning the death of Christ in Isaiah 53, where it says that “He was numbered with the transgressors,” and Psalm 22, where it says that “His soul was poured out to death.” We know the scriptures prophesized that He would be buried and make His grave with the rich.

But where exactly in the Old Testament does it talk about Jesus being raised the third day? Well, it was pre-figured in the person of Jonah. It would be Jesus, Himself, who would give us this New Testament revelation on an Old Testament story.

Matthew 12:40(40) For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

Now, I know what some of you may be thinking. “But where in the Old Testament does it speak of His resurrection after three days?” For the answer to that, we have to go to the story of Abraham in Genesis 22:2.

Genesis 22:2(2) And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

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Now, I have a question: Did Abraham only have one son? The answer to that is a resounding No! He had another son by Hagar, who was named Ishmael and was 13 years older that Isaac. God had told Abraham before, “Through Isaac shall thy seed by called.” So, God did not recognize Abraham’s work of the flesh. He only recognized the work of the Spirit, who was Isaac, the son of promise.

a. Not a boy: Sunday School can sometimes really mess you up because in many of the coloring books, etc., Isaac is often depicted as a young boy eight or so years old. You envision this picture of some 108-year-old man leading some little eight-year-old boy to Mount Moriah, where he is going to offer him up as a human sacrifice unto God. The idea that they are trying to convey is God asking Abraham to give his most cherished possession, his little boy, and God testing Abraham by asking him if he would hold back anything from Him.

The truth, however, is so much more understandable. Isaac was probably about 27 years old at this time and not some little boy as some people have supposed. Abraham was probably 125 at this time. So, now, let’s look at this scenario. You have a strapping young man in the prime of his youth, who could have easily overpowered his father. Isaac could have put a stop to it at any time. What was this frail, old man going to do? The picture here is of a young man in his prime willing and submissive to the father’s will.

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Three days journey: It was a journey of three days from Hebron to Mount Moriah. In the mind of Abraham, his son, Isaac, the son of promise, was already dead because he knew that God had required him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. After three days, they came to Mount Moriah, and Abraham said this as recorded in Genesis 22:5:

Genesis 22:5(5) And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.

This is an interesting verse because it employs a grammatical polysyndeton, which is a repetition of a word over and over. In this particular case, it is the word “and.” It is a grammatical structure which indicates continued, deliberate action with absolutely no hesitation. So, when the scripture says, “I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you,” Abraham is declaring that Isaac is going to come back with him.

You see, Abraham understood God, and he believed God, and he knew that God had already told him “Through Isaac shall thy seed be called.” Well, at this particular time, Isaac had no children. Because Abraham knew that God always keeps His word, he believed beyond a shadow of a doubt that if he was to take the life of Isaac that God not only would but would have to raise Isaac from the dead because he knew God’s Word is always true, God always keeps His Word, and God’s Word is always faithful.

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(20) By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

XIV. Isaac blessed Jacob: Now, to say that Isaac was obedient to God and just wanted to bless Jacob would not be true to the narrative of the story. The truth is that Isaac was actually operating out of his flesh in dealing with the issue of blessing Jacob and Esau. Isaac really wanted to bless Esau and wanted to give him the birthright, howbeit for carnal reasons because Esau was his favorite. Isaac saw Esau as a man’s man because he was a hunter, and Isaac enjoyed the venison that Esau would bring back for him. God, however, had chosen Jacob.

Isaac came to a place of faith when he realized that he had actually blessed Jacob instead of Esau. In fact, it tells us in Genesis 27:33:

Genesis 27:33(33) And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed.

Isaac trembled very exceedingly. Why was he trembling? Isaac trembled because he knew that he had tried to thwart the Will of God. He had tried to beat God at His own plan. In the end, God is the One who won. Isaac trembled because he realized that he would always be defeated when he tried to resist the Will of God. Isaac came to the point where he learned that in spite of his arrogance against the Will of God, God’s Will was always glorious.

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a. Isaac’s faith and blessing: So, where is the faith of Isaac in this blessing? After his attempt to circumvent the Will of God, Isaac says of Jacob that indeed “. . . he shall be blessed.” Isaac knew that God had defeated his attempt to box Him in, and Isaac responded in faith by saying in essence, “You win, God. Let Jacob be blessed with the birthright, and let Esau be blessed after him in Your own way.”

(21) By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

XV. Jacob blesses the sons of Joseph: Jacob had led a pretty carnal life; yet, his faith could look beyond death, and he blessed each of Joseph’s sons.

(22) By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

XVI. Joseph’s dying prophesy:

Genesis 50:24(24) And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

Even with his dying breath, Joseph gave the Children of Israel hope and a promise that God would surely visit them and would lead them out of the land of Egypt and into the land that He had sworn to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Though he, himself, would not see the fulfillment of this prophesy, he knew that God’s promise was true and that God would keep His Word.

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a. Concerning his bones: Joseph was so convinced of the validity of God’s Word and His promise that he gave the Children of Israel instructions concerning his bones after his death. Even though he knew he would be dead, Joseph wanted to leave them a tangible legacy of hope so that the Children of Israel would be patient in waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promise of deliverance.

How did he do this? He did this by commanding that his bones would not be buried in the land of Egypt. In fact, the coffin of Joseph would lay above the ground of Egypt for over 400 years until it would be carried back to Canaan. It was there as a silent witness through those years that Israel would be going back to the Land of Promise just as God had said.

During that time, every new generation of Israel who saw Joseph’s coffin no doubt would ask why it was not buried to which I am sure they were answered, “Because Joseph, that great man, would not be buried in Egypt but in the Promised Land that God will one day lead us to.”

(23) By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.

XVII. The faith of Moses’ parents: Moses’ parents showed great faith when they perceived that he was especially favored by God. They stepped out in faith, endangering their own lives to protect his because they knew that God favored him. In fact, it is interesting that his mother would weave an ark of papyrus and would set Moses afloat in the river and committed him to the hands of God, knowing that God would guide Moses on the course that He had set for him.

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a. Moses’ ark was made of papyrus: This was the same material that Moses would use to deliver the Law of God to the Children of Israel.

(24) By faith Moses, when he was come to years, 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 pleasures of sin for a season;(26) Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

XVIII. Moses comes of age: I find it interesting that the only mother that Moses really had, or, I should say, the only woman that tucked him in at night, was the daughter of Pharaoh. After he came of age, however, Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. This reminds me of a story in the Gospel of Matthew found in Chapter 12.

Matthew 12:46-50(46) While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.(47) Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.(48) But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?(49) And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!(50) For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

a. Moses chooses affliction: When Moses chose to be identified with the Children of God instead of as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, he knew it had consequences. Moses knew to go God’s way meant to suffer affliction. We are told that he chose that instead of enjoying the pleasures of sin for a season. Make no mistake about it, my friends, sin has its pleasures. If it didn’t, no one would be struggling against it.

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However, in faith, Moses saw past the pleasures of sin and chose to give them up, even if the pleasure of that sin would have lasted an entire lifetime.

b. The reproach of Christ: Even though Moses didn’t know it at the time, the persecution he so freely gave himself to for becoming a servant of God actually put him in the same company as Jesus, who would, many years later, suffer to set men free.

(27) By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

XIX. Not fearing the king: Moses had taken a hard line in identifying himself with the Children of Israel and distancing himself from the heritage of Pharaoh’s daughter. In order to get a grip on how intense this story really is and how devastating Moses’ choice was to himself, it is imperative that you realize that Moses had grown up in the house of Pharaoh and was known as the “Prince of Egypt.” No doubt, his status as a Prince of Egypt brought many great accolades and privileges from Pharaoh, himself. His very livelihood up to this point had been wrought by the Empire of Egypt. Great trust had been bestowed upon Moses, not only by the Pharaoh’s daughter, who considered him her son, but by Pharaoh, himself. Thus, I believe it is understandable that the wrath of Pharaoh was kindled against him when he denied the birthright of his step-mother and embraced the heritage of the Hebrews. I’m sure in Pharaoh’s eyes, it was the ultimate display of disrespect and the epitome of betrayal. Because of this, Moses could easily see the danger of remaining in Egypt, close to the revengeful hand of Pharaoh. Yet, by faith, Moses was able to see Him who is invisible and was so much greater than Pharaoh or the gods of Egypt.

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a. You and me: When you really think about it, you and I and all those who have forsaken this world to follow Christ many times suffer the same things that Moses did such as the loss of family, friends, and so on. You see, I don’t believe for a moment that Moses hated Pharaoh’s daughter who had raised him or Pharaoh, himself, who had afforded him a life that only a king could give. However, when Moses came of age, he also came to himself, understanding that there was only one, true God and feeling the unction and call upon his life, he had no other choice but to give up that life that was contrary to God, knowing that it would kindle strife and wrath in his adopted family. He just knew that he had to follow the one, true God. When did this happen?

b. Moses comes of age: So, how old was Moses when he came of age? Once again, so many Sunday School books and Walt Disney cartoons, like “The Prince of Egypt” have gotten it wrong. Moses is always depicted as a very young man. However, in fact, Moses was 40 years old when he came to the age. You see then that Moses had lived in luxury for many, many years. When the call of God and the Holy Spirit was upon him, he did not fear the wrath of Pharaoh or the rejection of family and friends. He stepped out in faith on a journey to learn more about the true and living God, which would take him to the back side of the desert for another 40 years. In fact, it wouldn’t be until he was 80 years old that Moses would find himself standing before the burning bush and receiving his final instructions as to what God was going to do through him.

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You see, Moses spent 40 years in Egypt believing that he was somebody, another 40 years on the back side of the desert realizing he was a nobody, only to spend the last 40 years of his life leading the Children of Israel and realizing that God must first take us to the position of nobody before He can turn us into somebody that He can use.

(28) Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

XX. Moses keeps the Passover: Moses showed faith in being obedient to God’s Word to sprinkle the blood of a lamb over the doorposts of the houses of all the Children of Israel in order to escape the destruction of all the first born.

(29) By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

XXI. The Red Sea miracle: Tell the story from Exodus 14:1-31. The children of Israel were able to pass through the midst of the water on dry land because they walked by faith. This was not so with the Egyptians, which is why they were consumed by the waters, not unlike the story that we read in Acts 19:11-20.

Acts 19:11-20(11) And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:(12) So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.(13) Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.(14) And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.(15) And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

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(16) And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.(17) And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.(18) And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.(19) Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.(20) So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

(30) By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

XXII. The walls of Jericho: By faith the walls of Jericho fell before the Children of Israel. Their faith was exampled in four main ways. First, their faith was daring. Having already crossed the Jordan River at flood stage, any line of retreat had been effectively cut off. Therefore, there was no turning back for them. Secondly, the Children of Israel demonstrated obedient faith. In Joshua 5:13-15, we read this:

Joshua 5:13-15(13) And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?(14) And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?(15) And the captain of the LORD’S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

Even though the Children of Israel didn’t fully understand the instructions of the Lord, they were obedient to His instructions.

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Thirdly, the Children of Israel exhibited patient faith because the walls of Jericho did not fall for the first six days; yet, they kept on marching, just as the Lord had commanded. Lastly, the Children of Israel demonstrated anticipating faith, for they knew that God would act on the seventh day when they shouted.

(31) By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

XXIII. A harlot? In my humble opinion, this story of Rahab the harlot and the scarlet thread of redemption is one of the greatest demonstrations of the grace of God because it reveals that the way of salvation is open to all, regardless of our past, our present, or our future. If God wanted to demonstrate great faith, he really could have picked many others. Why not a woman of sound reputation or of good, moral fiber? But, no, He gives us the story of Rahab the harlot and her faith. You see, Rahab trusted in the God of Israel and showed a willingness to identify with His people, no matter what the cost. In fact, when the Hebrew spies came to Rahab, she declared to them, “He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.” This statement alone was proof of her faith—not a perfect faith or necessarily a strong faith—but a commendable faith, nonetheless. One of the greatest symbols of the blood of Jesus in the Old Testament is the scarlet cord, which Rahab hung outside her window.

(32) And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:(33) Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

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(34) Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.(35) Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:(36) And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:(37) They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;(38) (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.(39) And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:(40) God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.