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Pastor: Dr. Lester Hutson

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In the previous lesson we discussed the fact that our testimony should bring glory to God. We are to let the light of Christ, His gospel and the Word of God shine through us so that the good works we do will be seen of men and cause them to glorify God and not us, nor any other person nor some institution (Matthew 5:16). But our testimony should also show that we completely trust God and His Word.

Remember, it is what others see us do that makes up our testimony: what others testify of us. What greater proof that we believe in a living Christ and serve The One True God than to live for Him by faith? James said, 'that faith without works is dead' (James 2:20). You can tell people that you believe in God and His Word but until your actions show them your faith your message will be lost on them.

Chapter 11 of Hebrews is the chapter on faith. It begins with the description of faith, 'now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen' (v.1). It explains that, 'through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear' (v. 3). Then it records the faith of the great men and women of God of the Old Testament.

Abel's sacrifice was accepted by God because his faith caused him to offer a 'more excellent sacrifice' thus showing that he was 'righteous' (v.4). Enoch was taken directly to Heaven without dying because he lived his life by faith (v. 5). Noah and his family were saved from the world-wide flood which killed all other humans because of his faith (v. 7). Abraham's faith in God was proven when he obeyed God and left his home to journey to the promised land (v. 8). Then later it was again proven when he offered up his only son even though God had told him that through this son he would have countless children (v. 17). Through faith Sara conceived Isaac 'when she was past age' (v. 11). 'By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come' (v.20). It speaks of the faith of Isaac, Jacob and Joseph (vs. 20, 21, 22). It speaks of the great faith of Moses who gave up the riches and heritage of power and glory bestowed on him by his surrogate mother the daughter of the mighty Pharaoh of Egypt to suffer with his people and lead them out of captivity and into the promised land (vs. 24-27). It was Moses' faith, exercised in the keeping of the first Passover, that saved the Jewish firstborn from 'he that destroyed the firstborn' (v. 28). Then it records the Israelites exercising their faith by crossing the Red Sea on dry land while the armies of Pharaoh were drowned as they tried to follow (v. 29). It was faith that brought down the walls of Jericho (v. 30). Rahab's faith saved her life (v. 31).

What do all these saints in Hebrews chapter 11 have in common besides their faith? They put their faith in action. They believed the Word of God and acted on it. They accomplished great deeds to the glory of God because of their faith. Those who witnessed their actions were certainly moved to wonder at such great faith, don't you think?

Several times I've heard someone say of a Godly Christian, 'I wish I had their faith.' The Christian they were referring to was going through a difficult time with a positive, Christ-centered attitude and the observer knew that if they were in the same situation they would fall apart: they would not be able to cope.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to have someone say that to you? of you? What an open door to tell someone about the saving grace of Jesus and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to overcome trials and tribulations (John 3:16, 36; 16:33; 1 John 4:4).

We can have that kind of faith if we so choose. It is a matter of belief and trust. You either have it or you don't. No one can give you faith. You acquire it by choosing to act on what you believe. I'm sure you exercise faith every day or at least every once in a while.

When you go to your dentist you exercise your faith in him and his training to fix your teeth. When you have a sickness or an injury you exercise your faith in your doctor trusting that he will prescribe the proper treatment and medication. When you travel by air you put your faith in the pilot and the aircraft to safely get you to your destination. This daily type of faith is no different that the faith it takes to become a child of God and to trust His Word. There is no difference and it comes from you, not from God or some person. It comes from you believing and then acting on that belief.

We hear of Christians with great faith and we want that same type of faith don't we? But their great faith started out as simple faith then grew to become a stronger faith. You don't kill a Goliath until you have first killed a lion and a bear; until you've successfully tested your faith.

It is part of the growth process we Christians go through that our faith be tested. Peter said, 'that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ' (1 Peter 1:7). Job, our greatest example of faithfulness to God despite terrible circumstances, said, 'he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold' (Job 23:10). God tests us so that we can exercise our faith and allow it to grow into something more precious than gold; an offering of 'praise, honor and glory' for Him.

What the lost world desperately needs is to put their faith in Christ as their savior. However, they first need to know that God's Word is just that, The Word of God. Paul said that, 'faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God' (Romans 10:17). The world needs to hear that Word and to believe it is true. We Christians have the unique opportunity to show with our actions that God's Word is true and that following it will produce success. The testimony we should give with our lives is that the Bible is God's Word and that it is true. We should live by the Bible. We should go through the trials and tribulations that come our way with a positive, Christ-centered attitude so that the world can see that we trust God's Word. Then when we come through those trials victoriously and with a stronger faith they will see that too and wish they had your faith.

SUMMARY:

Let your testimony be that you believe God's Word and that you will not give up or stop serving God no matter what your circumstances. Then your faith will be strengthened and the lost world around you will be more willing to accept God's Word as it relates to their lives. Keep the following words of Paul's close to your heart at all times, 'be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord' (1 Corinthians 15:58). May God bless you as you endure for Him and show with your actions that the Bible is God's Word and that you trust it explicitly.

NEXT LESSON:

Our testimony should bring glory to God, promote faith in God and His Word and it should also cause others to see Christ in us. We will discuss this latter facet of our testimony in our next lesson.

"It Does Make a Difference What You Believe"