On Sunday morning, we looked at James 5.7-12. The passage calls our attention to live in a way that anticipates the return of Jesus. We called that a picture of biblical faithfulness. I noted three main spiritual attitudes that I thought James was emphasizing: patience, standing firm, and fearing God. I noted that the thrust behind those emphases was about persevering in faith until Jesus returns. James gave us four commands: be patient; establish (strengthen) our hearts; don’t grumble; avoid the practice of using an oath to add credibility to your word (live a life of integrity and honesty). At the end of the sermon, I quickly summarized the passage with six applications (one from each verse):
- v7) Live expectantly
- v8) Live righteously
- v9) Live lovingly
- v10) Live faithfully
- v11) Live hopefully
- v12) Live w/integrity
Let’s build on those applications by looking into Hebrews 11 through the lens of biblically faithful glasses . . . Here’s a brief list of how the heroes of faith in that great chapter lived in anticipation of God’s “something better” promises:
- Heb 11.4-6 Like Abel & Enoch, live in a way that pleases God – sacrificially, obediently
- v10 Like Abraham, look forward to the city designed and built by God
- v11 Like Sarah, ground your faith in God’s faithfulness
- v13 Like , remember that earth is not their home
- v16 Like , desire a better country – your struggles are preparing you for this better country
- v17-19 Like Abraham, be willing to give God that which you treasure most – God gave Jesus for you
- v24-26 Like Moses, reject the false promises of worldly fame & ease – instead, treasure Jesus
- v29 Like Israel at the Red Sea, don’t let the world’s obstacles defeat your faith in God
- v32-40 Like [the faithful saints of old], desire the “something better” that God has provided
The saints listed in Hebrews 11 died looking ‘forward’ to the promise of “something better”. After Calvary, those who trust in Christ have the great advantage of being able to see and know the reality of “something better” – Jesus who died for our sins and rose again so that we may experience eternal life. Since you have trusted Christ, live in anticipation of that day when your faith shall be sight, and you shall see Jesus as He is, and you shall be like him (1 Jn 3.2). Oh what a glorious day that will be.
Let your anticipation of the “coming of the Lord” be one more thing to encourage you and equip you in your faith.
Anticipating with you,
Pastor Gary