March 18, 2018

The Conviction of Things Not Seen

Pastor: Ben Muresan Series: Hebrews: Christ Is Superior Topic: Hebrews Scripture: Hebrews 11:1–3

First Reading: Genesis 1:1-31

Second Reading: Hebrews 11:1-40

The sermon text will be Hebrews 11:1-3, a passage that explains saving faith.

One of the main themes in Hebrews 10 is that of perseverance in the faith. The inspired author writes: “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised” (Hebrews 10:35-36). What follows in Hebrews 11 is a list of people from the Old Testament who persevered in their faith, who did not throw away their confidence, and who therefore received what was promised. They were looking forward to “something better” which God promised in Christ. They trusted God’s Word and not their circumstances and experiences which were marked by opposition, difficulty, and persecution. The mistake we can make is interpreting Hebrews 11 as merely a list of examples that we should follow. While there is much for us to learn from the examples set by these Christians of old, the emphasis in the chapter is on God’s faithfulness in keeping his promise. Old Covenant believers trusted in the same thing—God’s promise to provide redemption for his people through the Messiah. We continue to trust in the same promise, that Christ has accomplished our salvation, that the benefits of it are being applied to us even now by the Holy Spirit, and that we will be raised and glorified in the Last Day.

other sermons in this series

Aug 26

2018

Benediction (Hebrews 13:20-25)

Pastor: Ben Muresan Scripture: Hebrews 13:20–25 Series: Hebrews: Christ Is Superior

Aug 12

2018

Kingdom Life (Hebrews 13:1-6)

Pastor: Ben Muresan Scripture: Hebrews 13:1–6 Series: Hebrews: Christ Is Superior