We learned that God also sets the parameters of faith. In other words, faith is not just something we possess, it is something that possesses us. It is both contained and expressed daily in and throughout our lives.

• We learned that Faith is assurance.

o Not just a mental ascent. Described with words such as substance, reality, confidence, and guarantee.

o Adrian Rogers “rock-ribbed assurance”

• We learned that Faith is conviction.

o Conviction carries the very manifestation of Truth.

o Again, this word finds its very meaning in Christ Himself.

• We learned that Faith is the means of Gaining God’s approval (what we’ll expound on today).

Text: Hebrews 11:1-16

I. Faith is demonstrated in obedience 11:8-31

A. Noah built an ark (v7)

1. 2Pt. 2:4 “preacher of righteousness”

2. Every day he went to work on the ark was a testimony of the coming judgment of God.

B. Abraham offered Isaac, his only begotten son, as a sacrifice to the Lord (v17)

C. Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter (v24)

D. If ever there was a time for God’s people to demonstrate faith by obedience, it is today!

E. Turn to Lk. 17:5-10 “Lord, Increase our faith.” Quickest answer to increased faith is doing something extraordinary for God.

II. Faith is demonstrated in Faithfulness 11:32-38

A. I’ll just allow the Scripture to encourage you.

B. We want to be men, women and children of whom this world is not worthy! Not perfect! God help us to be people of faith! But it will not happen apart from faithfulness!

III. Faith is demonstrated in Leaving a Legacy 11:39-40

A. Faith doesn’t look for everything to be fulfilled in our lifetime (v13, 39).

1. Mt. 13:17 “For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

2. Remember what characterized others in faith:

a. Verse 10 “[Abraham] was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

b. Verses 13-16

3. Jesus provides us with a proper perspective while we sojourn on this earth: Mt. 6:25-33

B. God uses people in the present to provide something better for believers in the future!

1. Is your faith currently building a legacy for others to remember and emulate?

2. Are you alright with not getting out of this life little more than the reputation of being a man or woman of faith?

3. Are you willing to become known as a person who will attempt great things for God? Don’t just expect great things from God and look to others to attempt great things.

How is faith demonstrated?

• Your faith will be demonstrated by your obedience to God’s Word.

• Your faith will be demonstrated by faithful service to King Jesus.

• Your faith will be demonstrated by leaving a legacy that points to Christ and service to His Kingdom.