Hebrews 11:1-4 – Second Wind: Week 1
August 22, 2021
Pastor Ricky Smith
Sermon Notes
I. Firm Foundation
Hebrews 11:1-2
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation.
The substance of faith will give us a second wind
II. Faith Framed in Creation
Hebrews 11:3
By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
Creation gives us a snapshot of God’s eternal faithfulness
III. Friendly Advice
Hebrews 11:4
By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.Matthew 7:21-27
Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its collapse!”
The testimony of others motivates me to keep moving
Next Steps
- I repent of my sin and confess Jesus as my Savior and King for the first time.
- I choose to intentionally slow down and reflect on the majesty of God in creation this week.
- I commit to sharing my story with someone this week to motivate them to keep the faith.
Deep Dive
- Share a personal testimony of how God has impacted your life for His glory.
- Read Psalm 8:3- 4. What does creation reveal about our Creator?
- Read Matthew 7:21-27. How do bad examples remind us of the importance of a faith rooted in Christ?
Springboard
- Who do you know that has been an example of Godliness you have tried to mimic?
- How does our faithfulness to follow God point others to do the same?
- Read Isaiah 6:1-8. Discuss how Isaiah’s response in verse 8 is an example for us.
