Faith is Better

Text: Hebrews 11

Introduction:
  1. Faith is based on evidence
    1. Many have suggested a leap of faith
      1. This is neo-orthodoxy
      2. This is man thinking that faith is illogical or unreasonable but so is materialism
    2. Evidence for faith
      1. Creation (v. 4)
      2. Conscience
      3. The presence of good and evil (morality)
      4. Resurrection
      5. Bible's historicity
  2. Faith is necessary to please God
    1. Have faith in Who He is
      1. Trust His wisdom and plan
      2. Trust His goodness and greatness
    2. Have faith to accomplish His will (see examples in the chapter)
    3. Have faith to believe that He will reward obedience
      1. Even when that obedience is harmful in this life
        1. Martyrs
        2. Suffering for the stand you take
      2. Even when we get no reward in this life
  3. Faith can be mixed with disobedience or self-doubt
    1. Note the examples in this list
      1. Samson stands out as the best example of disobedience and faith being mixed
        1. Note that Samson suffered greatly for his disobedience
        2. This is not to condone or soften the effects of disobedience, but to encourage you if you have failed that you can still be used
      2. Gideon
        1. He doubted himself and his abilities
        2. He needed more outward evidence than some
    2. Faith has varying degrees
      1. It is like a muscle that can be strengthened or weakened
        1. Using is strengthens it
        2. Having a pillar fall weakens it
      2. Mk. 9 "I believe, help thou mine unbelief"
  4. Faith does not necessarily equal earthly success
    1. Many were martyred
    2. Many suffered financial ruin
    3. Many were homeless
    4. Yet these all had faith and will receive a greater resurrection
    5. Be careful of how you measure success in the spiritual realm
      1. Size is not an indicator of faith or faithfulness
      2. Affluence is not an indicator of faith or faithfulness
  5. Faith is better than Law
    1. It is the only way we could be justified
      1. We are all Lawbreakers
      2. Therefore, even if we remained perfect from now on, we would still be guilty of breaking the law at some time
    2. It is the only way to have victory over sin
      1. The law gives us knowledge of sin, but no way to break the power of sin
      2. Faith is the pathway to overcoming sin
    3. It is the only way to please God
      1. Works do not please Him in the sense that they do anything to reconcile us to Him
        1. It pleased God to sacrifice his Son (Is. 53)
        2. Works for the Christian do please God
      2. It is not sacrifices and offerings, but a contrite heart that pleases God
        1. He wants a change from the inside out
        2. Outward rituals cannot permanently change the heart