April 21st, Tuesday: Hebrews 11 - 12

Heb 11

Faith is confidence in God that leads to obedience to God.

True faith is based on what God says and is demonstrated in what we do.

People with faith do things for God, and God does things for them.

Faith is not a luxury – it is a necessity.

It is for common people and not just great leaders.

You see – we need faith for worshiping as well as for working.

And even walking.

And waiting.

And warring.

In any area of life where you ignore faith – you'll end up sinning.

John Calvin defined faith as 'A steady and certain knowledge that the divine benevolence towards us, which being founded on the truth of the gratuitous promise in Christ, is both revealed to our minds and confirmed to our hearts by the Holy Spirit. '

Note that faith is founded on divine truth – that's God's promise.

And is witnessed to by the Spirit in the heart.

It has both objective and subjective aspects, and both are essential.

The phrase 'still others' reminds us that we can live by faith and appear to be defeated!

See, not everybody who trusted God was delivered or protected.

But the most important thing is not God's deliverance – it is God's approval!

Faith and God gives you the ability to endure when others are giving up.

D.L. Moody said, 'Faith makes all things possible. Love makes all things easy.'

Heb 12

Runners.

The people listed as the 'cloud' that witnesses to us.

'God can be trusted' – that's what these witnesses are saying to us.

'Put your faith in His Word, and keep running the race – don't give up!'

'Don't give up – don't stop!'

When you read the Old Testament, your faith should grow.

For the account shows what God did in and through people who dared to trust His promises.

When you read the Gospels, you see the greatest example of endurance in Jesus Christ.

Tertulian said, 'You can judge the quality of their faith from the way they behave.'

Discipline is an index to doctrine.

Children.

Chastening refers to child training – helping the child prepare for adulthood.

It does not necessarily mean punishment for disobedience.

No – although that might sometimes be included.

The successful runner must exercise discipline and submit to training.

Never fear the chastening hand of the Lord – it's controlled by a loving heart.

God's goal is your maturity.

The people of Israel had a frightening experience of Law at Mount Sinai.

But our experience at Mount Zion is one of grace and glory.

We are citizens of the heavenly city.

And will one day fellowship with Patriarchs and angels, and God Himself.

But this does not means we can ignore His solemn voice to us.

If God is shaking things in your life – listen to His Word.

You'll discover the things that cannot be shaken, and you will run the race to the end.

G.W. Campbell wrote, 'We cry too often to be delivered from the punishment, instead of the sin that lies behind it.'

We're anxious to escape from the things that causes us pain, rather than the things that cause God pain.