December 10, 2013
STEPPING OUT IN FAITH
Hebrews 11:23-40
Greg Turner
Central Truth
We are called to step out in faith and allow the Lord to work His will for our lives and the lives of others. His plans for us exceed our expectations!
Key Verse | Hebrews 11:24–26
By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. (Hebrews 11:24-26)
Hebrews 11:23-40
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.
29 By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, 1 11:37 Some manuscripts add they were tempted they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38 of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
Dive Deeper | Hebrews 11:23-40
It's really humbling to see this list in Hebrews 11 of great heroes and how they were willing to step forward based on their faith. It challenges me to ask: How strong is my faith? Am I willing to step forward based on faith?
Moses left the life of a prince in the greatest nation on earth to serve His Lord. He knew that he was giving up a life of luxury. By the world's standards, he had it made. Yet, he chose instead to identify himself with the lowest class in the society -- the Hebrews that comprised the slave labor force. He believed in the promises given to Abraham and that the Hebrews were destined for the Promised Land and that a Messiah was coming. He knew he would suffer, have to endure trials and be persecuted because of these beliefs. Nevertheless, based on this faith, he was willing to give up everything to serve the Lord.
I look at how I get sidetracked based on concerns of this world. Will I find new clients to replace old ones? Will I be able to earn enough to maintain my standard of living? Is my company going to survive the economic downturn? Will my health improve or get worse? How can I get ahead and put these worries behind me?
Isn't it time for me to turn these matters over to the Lord? Do I really believe He has a plan for me? ("'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.'" (Jeremiah 29:11)) Do I really believe that my worries are not important and that He will take care of me? ("Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?'" (Matthew 6:31)) When will I accept His grace and plan and give up my worries of this world? When will I step forward in faith?
Discussion Questions
1. What are my worries today? What keeps me up at night? Am I being selfish or overly concerned about worldly matters?
2. Am I praying, studying, and reading Scripture consistently to allow God to work in my life to be a light in a dark world? Am I doing my part to participate in a community that assists me to stay on the right path?
3. What is a specific, tangible way that I can step out in faith today -- like Moses and the great heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 -- and allow God to work through me and for His glory?