The Enduring Power of Faith

  

 

By Faith- 8

TITLE: The Enduring Power of Faith

TEXT: Hebrews 11:20-22

THESIS: The examples of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph illustrate that true faith consists of

profound hope and trust in God, especially at the end of life, expressed through passing on the promises of God to the next generation, witnessing and worshiping amid adversity, and envisioning a hopeful future that extends beyond one’s own existence.

 

TRANSITION: One great example of this is….

 

TRUTH: John Paton was born in Scotland in 1824. He felt a strong calling to minister to the lost souls of the South Seas Island, particularly after learning about the violent and cannibalistic practices of the people living there. Despite warnings from everyone about the dangers, Paton was resolute. He and His wife, Mary, set sail for the New Hebrides in 1858.

 

Their arrival was met with hostility. Within a few months, Mary tragically dies from complications after giving birth, leaving Paton to raise their son alone. Despite this harrowing loss, he remained committed to his mission. Paton lived among the indigenous people, learning their language and culture, and slowly earning their trust through his kindness and perseverance.

 

His faith was continuously tested. At one point, he found himself surrounded by hostile tribesmen who were determined to kill him. With nowhere to turn, and sensing that his was truly at stake, Paton turned to prayer. He prayed fervently for deliverance, trusting that God had a purpose for his life and mission. Miraculously, the tribe members hesitated, allowing him to escape and continue his work.

 

Paton’s determination bore fruit over the years. Through his faith, dedication, and genuine love for the people, he began to see transformations. As he preached the gospel, individuals slowly began to come to faith. One of the most notable moments in Paton’s ministry was his translation of the Bible into the local language. The first conversion of a chief led to the widespread acceptance of Christianity.

 

 

I.                             Faith provides proper perspective (Heb. 11:20).

 

Explanation: Because of a famine, Isaac had moved his family to Gerar. While he was there, God spoke to him in a remarkable and encouraging vision. “Do not go down to Egypt; dwell in the land of which I shall tell you. Sojourn in this land, and I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath that I swore to Abraham, your father. I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands, because Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes and my laws” (Gen. 26:2-5). The covenant promise made to Abraham is now passed on to Isaac.

 

The story of the blessing itself is quite interesting, yet it is a story of deceit. Isaac, nearing the end of his life and blind, intended to bestow his blessing upon his older son, Esau. Rebekah, Isaac’s wife, overheard this and conspired with their younger son, Jacob, to secure the blessing for him instead.

 

Rebekah prepared a meal that Isaac favored and dressed Jacob in Esau’s clothes, even placing a goat skin on his hands and neck to mimic Esau’s hairy skin. When Jacob approached Isaac, he deceived his father by pretending to be Esau, leading Isaac to bless Jacob, believing he was blessing his firstborn.

 

Despite the deceit, Isaac ultimately recognized that God’s will was unfolding in Jacob’s favor, as earlier God had told Rebekah that the older would serve the younger (Gen. 25:23). After realizing the truth, Isaac affirmed Jacob’s blessing, trusting in God’s sovereignty over the situation and acknowledging that God’s plans were greater than human actions. God’s purpose providentially unfolds despite human failure.

 

This is especially reassuring in difficult times. God’s sovereignty allows us to find comfort in knowing that nothing happens outside of His will or knowledge. When we trust in His plans, we can let go of anxiety and focus on living faithfully in the present.

 

In agreement with former pastor and theologian A.W. Pink, we first need to define God’s divine sovereignty. Pink wrote, “To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the Most High doing according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, so that none can stay His hand or say unto Him what thou hast done? To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the Almighty, the Possessor of all power in heaven and earth, so that none can defeat His counsels, thwart His purpose, or resist His will” (Dan. 4:35; Ps. 115:3).

 

Charles Spurgeon, speaking on the sovereignty of God, wrote, “The sovereignty of God is the fortress of the believer. If God be for us, who can be against us? Our greatest comfort lies in the fact that God is over all circumstances, orchestrating our lives according to His perfect will.”

 

The former president of Southwestern Baptist Seminary, B. H. Carroll, wrote, “The great comfort of a …believer is that God controls circumstances. His sovereignty assures us that even in our darkest hours, His purposes are being fulfilled.”

 

Faith has this perspective of God.

 

TRANSITION: because faith is grounded in God’s sovereignty….

 

II.                         Faith moves with conviction.  (Heb. 11:21).

Explanation: The blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh takes place in the latter part of the book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 48. The context revolves around Jacob, also known as Israel, as he nears the end of his life in Egypt, Jacob calls for his son Joseph and his two sons, Ephriam and Manasseh, to receive a blessing before he dies.

 

Traditionally, the firstborn son would receive a greater blessing, but Jacob intentionally crossed his hands when blessing the boys, placing his left hand on Manasseh, the older. This act symbolizes God’s choice and anointing, demonstrating that God’s ways often transcend human expectations. Joseph initially tries to correct Jacob, but Jacob insists.

 

Again, the blessing is significant, as it reflects the continuation of God’s covenant promises to Jacob’s family and emphasizes that God’s favor doesn’t always align with human customs or birthright.

 

As we discuss how “faith moves with conviction,” think about the story of David and Goliath. David, when faced with Goliath, declared, “You come to me with sword and with spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head….” (1Sam. 17:45).

 

A robust awareness of God's sovereignty means recognizing that He is in control of all circumstances, both good and bad. This awareness fosters a deep sense of confidence. Life is filled with uncertainties and trials, and it can often feel overwhelming. However, when the individuals trust in God’s sovereign providence, they find comfort in knowing their decisions and trials are not in vain.

 

Plus, this awareness keeps us from becoming man-pleasers. How? Because faith prioritizes the will of God over the applause of man. When we understand that God is ultimately in control and has a unique purpose for our lives, we become less concerned with losing the validation of others and more focused on living in a way that honors Him. This instills confidence.

 

Daniel is a great example of this. At the same time, holding a high position in Babylon. His colleagues, envious of his success and favor with the king, conspired against him by convincing King Darius to issue a decree forbidding anyone from praying to any god or human being other than the king for 30 days. Despite knowing the decree could lead to punishment, Daniel continues praying to God three times a day, as he has always done. Daniel demonstrated unwavering devotion. By faith Daniel moves with conviction in devotion to God.

 

Another great example is that of Esther. Queen Esther shows remarkable courage and conviction when she risked her life to approach King Xerxes to plead to her people. Believing that she was placed in her royal position “For such a time as this” (Esther 4:14), her faith in God’s divine sovereignty propelled her to act, saving many lives.

 

Faith moves with conviction because of the perception of God's sovereignty.

 

TRANSITION: This conviction enables…….

 

 

 

III.                      Faith lives and dies in anticipation. (Heb. 11:22)

Explanation: Joseph’s journey was marked by numerous challenges and betrayals, yet he consistently exemplifies faith in God’s plan. From being sold into slavery by his brothers to facing false accusations and imprisonment, Joseph’s circumstances often seemed bleak. However, through it all, he maintained a hopeful perspective, trusting that God had a purpose for his life.

 

Even while he was in a position of power in Egypt, Joseph had a deep awareness of God’s promises to his family and the people of Israel. When he spoke to his brothers towards the end of his life, he made them swear to carry his bones back to Canaan when God would deliver the Israelites from Egypt. This request highlights his belief that, despite the current circumstances, God’s promises of a homeland would eventually come to pass.

 

Joseph’s anticipation of the Exodus signifies more than just a physical journey; it embodies his hope in God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He realized the temporary nature of their time in Egypt because of God’s promise. Now we see God’s providence in establishing the nation.

 

At the end of his life, Joseph displayed profound anticipation of God’s plan for his people. He makes his brothers promise to carry his bones back to Canaan when God visits them, reflecting his belief in the eventual fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

 

The story of Hannah, found in 1 Samuel 1, is an example of this faith. Hannah, distressed by her inability to have children, earnestly prayed for a son. Her faith lived in anticipation as she made a vow to God, promising that if He granted her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord’s service. Despite years of disappointment and ridicule from others, Hannah maintained her faith. When God finally answered her prayers and she gave birth to Samuel, she fulfilled her vow by dedicating him to the Lord. Her faith was full of anticipation in the promises of God.

 

Because of faith’s view of God's sovereignty, we move with conviction and live and die in anticipation.

 

Transition

 

As we discuss faith and God’s sovereignty, I want to explore what God is doing in this text more deeply. First, God chooses the right individual (Jacob). Second, He selects the appropriate tribe. Finally, God establishes a nation. He desires to sovereignly reach the nations of the world by passing down His promises, which in turn instill faith in others.

 

TAKE-AWAY: Beyond allowing your faith to give you proper perspective, move you to conviction, and live and die with anticipation. Also, pass down the promises of God to your children and grandchildren. Leave a legacy of Faith to the next generation.

 

In his later years, John Paton reflected on his journey, declaring, “I have always been able to look back upon my years of toil and of suffering and feel that I have not lived in vain, but that it was all for the glory of God.”