Speaker : Pastor Tang Long Kin
Hebrews 11:13–16
Introduction
- Have you been promised something that you have yet to receive?
- How do you feel about it?
Hebrews 11:13–16
13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
1) Faith Manifested
a) Transformed mindset
i. Strangers and Exiles on earth
- Earth was not their permanent home
- In faith Abraham believed though he did not understand fully
- Abraham believe despite lack of evidence
- Abraham believe despite being in an impossible state
- Are we being assimilated into the worldly system
ii. Patience
- Faith requires patience to wait on the timing of God
- Do we have the patience to wait on God’s timing?
b) Transformed heart
Seeking and desiring a better homeland
- Do we have the desires for the things promised by Jesus?
- Do we desire after God Himself?
- Are we seeking a better home?
- Are we earthly bound or heavenly bound?
2) Result of their faith
- God was not ashamed to be called their God
- The greatest reward is to be acknowledged by God Himself.
Conclusion
- Desiring God is honouring God
- Nothing delights God more than our desire for Him.
- Desiring God is the response of faith within our heart.
- Carrying out a command or conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of His name is our external response of faith.
- “It is impossible to please God without faith”
1. How is our faith demonstrated in our relationship to:
- God – do we desire Him?
- Others – are we bearing witness for Jesus?
2. How is our faith shown in our personal life?
- What are the values in our life?
- How do we view our material possessions?
