Faith #2 (Creation)

August 19, 2022 (Friday)

 

It is important for us to understand saving faith. It completely rests on Jesus. I believe it is significant that the very next verse explaining faith in Hebrews 11, states, “By faith we understand that the universe has been created by a word from God so that the visible came into existence from the invisible.” [Hebrews 11:3 CEB] I do not think it is a stretch to declare with certainty that having saving faith means the belief in a Creator.

 

In theological terms, there are four theological positions. The first is "creation ex nihilo," meaning "creation out of nothing." It is the belief that matter is not eternal and was created by God. The contrasting view is "creation ex materia" or "ex nihilo nihil fit" ("nothing comes from nothing"), meaning that what we see came from preexisting things. One of the theological questions comes out of Genesis 1:2: "The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." Some people believe in a pre-existing earth that was destroyed. This is called the "gap theory" and has led to all sorts of erroneous and egregious teaching.

 

The third idea is “creation ex deo” meaning “creation out of the being of God.” This position understands that the universe we see somehow originates from God in the sense that the physical universe is part of God. The last position is “creation continua” meaning the process of creation is ongoing. The church’s (and Jewish) historic understanding of creation has always been “ex nihilo” in contrast to Greek metaphysical and philosophical models.

 

The creation formula we read in Genesis 1 is, "God said, "Let there be light." And so light appeared. God saw how good the light was. God separated the light from the darkness. God named the light Day and the darkness Night." [Genesis 1:3 – 5 CEB] In this formula we have, God spoke and it was. Verse 4 adds that God saw what was created was good and that God did the creation. Verse 5 adds that God named what was just created.

 

So there are five elements to the Creation formula: God spoke, what was spoken happened, God recognized it as good, God is credited for the event, and God named what He created. In God’s spoken word, there is power to create (and presumably power to uncreate). So we have this formula in John 1. Notably, it begins in parallel to Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." [John 1:1 CEB] Later, John reveals that Jesus is "the Word."

 

Paul picks up on this theme when he states, "Because all things were created by him: both in the heavens and on the earth, the things that are visible and the things that are invisible." [Colossians 1:16a CEB] Simply put, Jesus is the Word through which God the Father created the world. A worldview without a Creator is a worldview where it is not possible for Jesus to be the redeemer. Without Jesus, there is no saving faith.

Hebrews 11:1- 8 "The substance and evidence of the soul"

Hebrews 11:1- 8 "The substance and evidence of the soul"

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 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.

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. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

Just after saying "But my righteous one will live by faith.” Hebrews I0:38a, the Bible challenges us with historical examples.

The reason is: "Faith has always been the mark of God's servants." Matthew Henry

I. Faith is the EYES of the soul.

A. What is faith and how does it work?

"Faith is a firm persuasion and expectation that God will perform all He promised to us in Christ." [M.H.]

1. It is "being sure of what we hope for."

a. KJV: 'substance"

b. Forward-looking confidence. (Future)

c. This means we will "We live by faith, not by sight." [2 Corinthians 5:71

2. It is being "certain of what we do not see."

a. KJV: "evidence"

b. This is the demonstration or proof. (Past and present)

c. It is irrational to disregard faith or think it is opposed to reason.

B. Why is faith the foundation?

"Faith assumes the place of substance, faith holds the place of argument” (Dante)

1. Faith allows us to have God’s "seal of approval."

a. "This is what the ancients were commended for.” [v 2]

b. It stands to reason they are examples, if faith was honored then, it is honored now.

2. Faith understands the true place and nature of God.

a. The existence of a Creator is the foundation of faith.

b. A Creator means undisputed right of ownership.

c. A Creator means undisputed authority.

d. A Creator means undisputed power.

1.) "Formed at God's command" [v 3b]

2.) God did not have to use tools, process, etc... God spoke.

"Faith in the creation is the foundation and specimen of all faith." [John Wesley]

***** Another way to say this is if you do not believe in a Creator, you do not believe in God. *****

II. Faith is the HEART of the soul.

A.  Abel’s example (He humbled himself before God):

1. "By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did." [v 3a)

2. What was different/special about Abel's sacrifice?

a. It was the best of the best. ("But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock." [Genesis 4:4]) We can see, the difference is AT'TITUDE.

b. It was a blood sacrifice.

“ln fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. " [Hebrews 9:22]

1.) In other words the blood sacrifice reflected the penalty for sin and the need for mercy. It reflected (set the precedent) the atonement of future blood sacrifices.

2.) '"Able had faith in the blood substitute while Cain had faith in the work of his own hands." [Jack Waite]

B. The result of Abel’s faith:

1. Abel died...

a. Many people today are under the hatred and persecution unleashed by Cain.

b. It is said that more people have died for Jesus in the last 10 y-ears than in the history of the world.

2. Abel still speaks.

a. We see the early and extreme degradation what sin does to a person. (And are horrified by murder.)

b. We see a clear distinction between righteousness and sin.

III.           Faith is the FEET of the soul.

A. Enoch's example (He earnestly sought God):

1. Enoch had a special connection with God. He "pleased God." [v 5c]

a. "Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” [Genesis 5:24]

b. Enoch was also a prophet who saw the return of Jesus. [Jude 14]

2. Other than that, we know very little about Enoch.

B. The result of Enoch's faith:

1. Enoch did not die, (This only happened twice. Enoch and Elijah.)

2. Enoch's example is that of seeking God. [v 6]

a. Enoch sought God, and the result of that was a special walk (holiness) with God (at a level none of us will ever know).

b. The image is that of Adam and Eve walking with God in the Garden of Eden." Enoch did not have the Garden but he did walk with God.

IV.          Faith is the HANDS of the soul.

A. Noah's example (He obeyed God):

1. Noah, when warned built an ark.

a. Context: it had never rained. Never flooded.

b. Noah's confidence was that God would do what He said... The word of God was sufficient to move Noah to action.

2. What else do we know about Noah?

a. "This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.” [Genesis 6:9]

1.) Here was someone who also "walked with God."

2.) He was called "righteous" and "blameless" by God as a contrast to the people of his day.

b. "Noah did everything just as God commanded him.” [Genesis 6:22]

1.) Obedience and attention to the details are a mark of faith.

2.) God spoke, Noah acted on what God said.

c. 2 Peter 2:5 "a preacher of righteousness."

1.) Imagine preaching for 120 years and having nothing more than your family to show for it...

2.) Building and ark and preaching must have been humiliating.

B. The results of Noah's faith:

1. He saved his family and condemned the world (which is the real reason people fear the faithful).

2. Good examples either convert sinners or condemn them." [Matthew Henry]

"Your obedience makes their disobedience stand out." [Life Application Bible]

3. We love to talk about the mercy and kindness of God (which are true) but sometimes we God's intention is to bring severe justice.

a. Isaiah's call:

“He said. “Go and tell this people: 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding: be ever seeing, but never perceiving.' Make the heart of this people calloused: make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” [Isaiah 6:9 – 10]

 b. Jeremiah's call:

"Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land--against the kings Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land." [Jeremiah 1:18]

"When you tell them all this, they will not listen to you; when you call to them, they will not answer.” [Jeremiah 7:27]

c. Ezekiel's call

"But the house of Israel is not willing to listen to you because they are not willing to listen to me, for the whole house of Israel is hardened and obstinate." [Ezekiel 3:7]

d. Moses' call:

"The LORD said to Moses, "When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go." [Exodus 4:21]

V.            Faith is the BREATH of the soul.

A. Abraham's example (When called, he did not hesitate):

1. When called, he went. [v 8]

2. Abraham knew it was right to follow even if he did not know the direction, destination, or duration of what God was asking.

B. The result of Abraham's faith:

1. He gave up what was secure and familiar.

2. He gave up what was most precious (Isaac) see Genesis 221

3. His going became "the first link in the golden chain of his faith."

4. He was never hesitant to obey God.

Conclusion:

1. What has captured your eye and holds your attention?

2. What has captured your heart and directs where your energies are focused?

3. What has captured your feet and directs your habits and what/who you are seeking?

4. What has captured your hands and motivates your affections?

5. What has captured your breath and gives you the confidence to never hesitate to obey God"

Never forget. Able. Enoch. Noah. Abraham were ordinary people... just like vou.

"Many Christians become frustrated and defeated because their needs, wants, expectations, demands are not immediately met when they accept Christ as Savior. They become impatient and quit." [Life Application Bible]

***** Where do You Begin? *****

1. Recognize there is spiritual distance between you and God. This gap is created and maintained by sin. It separates us from God and spawns suspicion and distrust about God" the church. God's messengers.

2. The only solution for closing this spiritual distance is through faith in God's character (love and mercy) and desire (grace) to save you through the blood of Jesus.

3. You are at this point because God is waking you up from your sin. You now have a choice. Will you go back to the sleep of your sin or wake full to the new life God is offering you through Jesus?

It stinks to be you

Romans 8:18 – 30
It stinks to by you!

Some days are just like that... nothing goes according to plan, everything seems to take longer, something is just out of sync.

These are those days you think, “it stinks to be me.” As we groan and moan, I want to remind you that the Bible recognizes that all creation groans, we groan, and the Holy Spirit groans because we have a problem.

To deal with this problem God has instituted a three step program, found in verse 30. We are called, justified, and glorified. Literally, what Paul is explaining to us is not a fatalism. He insists that God invites us into relationship (called), God renders a judgment in our favor (justified), and the God makes us “excellent” (glorified).

This all is possible because of what is called “redemption.” In the ancient world “redemption” had a two-fold meaning. Redemption means ransom AND riddance. In other words, the possibility of ransom is release that comes from the payment made by Jesus on the cross. The possibility of riddance is current struggle and the future hope we have of dealing with the darkness sin has plunged the world into.

I. How does the Bible describe this world?

A. [v 18] “sufferings” means something that is undergone... such as a misfortune, hardship, or pain.

1. Face it, as long as were in this physical body we will have pain and other kinds of suffering.

2. Some is self-inflicted... some is imposed on us.

B. [v 19] “longing” means intense anticipation that is anxious and persistent.

1. If we are honest with ourselves, we know something is not right, unnatural, or simply wrong.

2. We know it but what do we do about it? (Face it, fight it, ignore it, attack those who talk about it.)

C. [v 20] “futility” means a lack of appropriateness. Or another way to say it “perverse” or “perverted.”

1. We tend to misuse those around us. People are turned to objects... used.

2. We tend to misuse the world around us.

“God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” [Genesis 1:28] (Have “dominion.” Wise management, not worship is required)

D. [v 21] “bondage” means slavery.

1. The fact that everything does not work out the way we want, show us that something else is happening.

2. “Law of sin and death” has the tendency to override the liberty to choose... when we choose to obey God.

Wesley – “ Adam made it liable to the sentence which God pronounced.”

II. Why is it this way?

A. We are caught between “already and the not yet.” [vv 18, 23]

1. [v 24] “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?”

a. KJV (“saved by hope”)... We are saved but are in a state of “hope.” That means we do not have it... except in confident expectation.

b. “We do not yet possess this full salvation.” (Wesley)

2. In other words, this is a promise. Similar to the Roman practice of adoption.

a. Adoption was done privately but was not legal until the public ceremony in the forum.

b. So this salvation we have is a two step thing: We have accepted it but we wait [v 23] (the creation waits.. [v 19])

B. We are caught between freedom and corruption. [v 21]

1. Paul has already framed the context:


“As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. [18] I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. [19] For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do this I keep on doing. [20] Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. [21] So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. [22] For in my inner being I delight in God's law; [23] but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. [24] What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? [25] Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.” [Romans 7:17 – 25]

2. Jesus put it this way:

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” [Matthew 26:41]

***** However, none of this excuses our failures or sin!*****

III. Are we left to ourselves? Absolutely NOT!

(We are justified by faith... God’s legal judgement is in our favor. While the judgement is in our favor, we have an entire life to live... and grow into that favorable judgement.)

A. [v 26] “The Spirit helps in our weaknesses..”

1. The “flesh” (sometimes translated as “body”) is a word Paul uses to mean something that appeals to this world, our flesh, and our desires.

For example: “lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.” [1 John 2:16 KJV]

2. “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” [Romans 8:1]

3. This happens as the Spirit intercedes for us!

B. [vv 28 – 30] God’s plan.

1. The idea is that we are called, rendered innocent, and made excellent. (Called, justified, glorified)

2. All this is to move us to become “conformed to the image of his Son.” [v 29]

IV. Since the world (including us) is subjected to corruption [v 21], what are we to do?

A. We are required to manage it as best we can.

B. “Wait eagerly” (“expect fully”) calls us to action. (Act faithfully... belief drives action.)

Misunderstood Eve

Genesis 1:27 – 28

Misunderstood women #1 Eve

 

It doesn’t take much to see the fabric of American society has been unraveling over the last 40 years.  One of the problems is that we are creating extremes, extremes that are loud and angry.

 

These extremes are moving our country away from a form of internal law to one that is imposed externally in such a way that it helps create the problems it seeks to solve.  For instance, zero tolerance policies got a bunch of young grade school boys suspended for pointing their fingers at one another in a game… the school considered it a violation of their gun policy.

 

The abuse of women has apparently skyrocketed as men become more and more angry at their new politically correct roll of being irrelevant.  Expected silence has become a festering wound in our society.  Men have become distant from their women and children and many of reverted back into childhood selfishness that cuts women and children out of their lives.

 

The militant “equal rights” movement has created a growing sense of separation between men and women.  It pushes for men and women to be on parallel tracks rather than experience biblical unity.

 

One result of social engineering has been the breakdown of marriage.  It is said the divorce rate is “50%.”  That is correct but misleading.  For instance, according to data from the CDC (now tracks divorce rates), in the 1990 – 2000 period only about 31% of marriages that failed were first time marriages.  A kick in the teeth to the new social order and radical agenda is the eye-opening reality that 94% of failed marriages in that time frame came from those who had had more than one partner or co-habited before marriage.

 

On the other side of the coin, a new study suggest when both the man and woman have a living faith in Jesus Christ… the divorce rate is less than 2%.

 

Another result is the breakdown of the concept of family.  Children are the victims when they lack healthy male and female roles.  Grandparents find themselves being the new parent.

 

We are seeing an astounding breakdown in gender identification and rolls.  The result is the aggressive recruiting of children into non-biblical life styles.  My assumption is that non-biblical lifestyles are also unhealthy ones.  One activist group claims the life expectancy of someone in their demographics is only 41 years old… which is at least 30 years short of the average American life expectancy.

 

Women are suffering as they are forces to aggressively prove their worth.  The bottom line is that women are being robbed of their God given status and rights.  To understand this, let’s look at one misunderstood woman from the Bible: Eve.

 

Fact #1: God created humans male and female by design, for a purpose, “in His own image.” [Genesis 1:27]

 

The unity of the two parts was designed to reflect God’s image.  In this case the sum is greater than the parts.  While both parts reflect God, unified, they fulfill the design of God’s image.

 

Another thing that we can see from Genesis 1:28 is there is no intended hierarchy or distinction of authority in the creation order between man and woman.  Dominion, the authority to rule over creation was given to both.

 

This tells us social limitations and hierarchies are artificial human constructs not designed or imposed by God.  The sad fact is that because of sin God’s intended design has been perverted to subject women various forms of abuse.

 

The image of God on the other hand means that humans (male and female) have the capacity to love unconditionally as God does.  The image of God reflected in Adam and Eve also means they had the ability to surrender everything for the sake of the other.

 

Fact #2:  God observed that one thing in all creation was not good… a lonely male. [Genesis 2:18 – 23]

 

Let’s put this in perspective.  Adam had a perfect unspoiled world.  Adam had work from as intellectual as naming the animals to as physical as tending the Garden.  Adam had a perfect relationship with God.  In all this goodness and perfection, something was “wrong.”

 

This is God’s design.  A man alone is not good.  Notice this need is not due to the result of “the Fall” it is built into humanity by God’s creation design.  Even God did not and could not fill that void by His own design!  Companionship that fills the void and completes Adam is found only in Eve.  It should be noted that this works for the woman as well.

 

A college girl was being interviewed one day.  She observed the “women’s lib” movement had given women everything they wanted but had deprived them of the one thing they needed.

 

Adam needed a “suitable helper.”  The word translated “suitable” means corresponding or reciprocal.  Notice that the Bible does not say that Adam needed a lover, a worker, a mother for children.  A helper is someone who is beside in all circumstances. 

 

Think about it this way.  If Adam needed to travel a long distance, he could jump on a horse, donkey, or elephant for transportation.  If Adam needed to pull something, he could find a big strong ox to do the work.  If Adam needed milk, there were goats and cows.  If Adam wanted to find something, a dog could track it down.

 

Eve’s “help” is not along those lines.  Instead, she is a “helper” spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and physically.

 

Fact #3: Eve was part of “the Fall.” [Genesis 3:6]

 

You many disagree with this but Eve was tempted, actually tricked, by Satan.  However, Adam was responsible.  Notice the text says “who was with her.”  Literally from Hebrew it means who was “physically present.”  In other words, while the devil was tempting Eve, Adam is a spectator.  He is being tempted too… Eve does not have to repeat the devil’s temptations or seduce Adam into eating the fruit because Satan had already done that in his conversation with Eve. 

 

Also, it is important to note that nothing happened until AFTER Adam ate.  Genesis 3:7 starts with, “Then…”  The first three chapters of Genesis are very time and order specific.  In other words, the responsibility for sin and death entering this world is on Adam.

 

“Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning.” [from 2 Corinthians 11:3]  “For as in Adam all die.” [1 Corinthians 15:22a]  “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned-- … [14] Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses…” [Romans 5:12, 14a]

 

Fact #3: The battle (and confusion) is part of “the Curse.” [Genesis 3:16]

 

God’s design was for man and woman to share intimacy through oneness; using similarities and differences in a complementary role. 

 

The struggle between male and female is a symptom and result of sin.  Another way to translate the effects of sin on the woman is, “you will desire to control your husband.” [NLT].  One paraphrase bluntly conveys the idea of how the man acts in sin, “but he’ll lord it over you.”  Anyone who thinks we can education or legislate our way out of this is missing the point: sin divides people.

 

This tension divides us, creates fear, and is the basis of anger.  It creates the possibilities of extremes that violate God’s design and rob men and woman of the necessary intimacy that prevents loneliness.

 

Once things get messed up how are we to restore balance?  Adam shows us an example.

 

Fact #4: Someone must speak a word of redemption. [Genesis 3:20]

 

Rather than continue the “blame” or vent anger Adam realizes something different must happen.  He begins by naming his wife “Eve.”  Eve means “living.”  Instead of pushing the result of what just happened, Adam blesses her.

 

We know how we got here, we have an idea how to not repeat our mistakes, but we must understand how redemption works the effect of sin backwards.  What do we need for this to happen?

 

Redemption can be found in only one place… through Jesus Christ.  Jesus established a blood covenant with us that can free us from living under the tyranny of sin.  This means we can reclaim the Biblical ideal of one man and one woman living in the intimacy of oneness. 

 

Reclaiming this Biblical ideal, we will set aside shame, separation, blame, violence, aggression, fear, and anger. 

 

This is what we are going to have to do:  First, we must take responsibility for sin.  That means we need to acknowledge we are products of our culture and our culture leads us the wrong direction.  We are going to have to acknowledge our own actions, attitudes, and contribution to sin.  Second, we must let God cover our sin… like He did in the Garden of Eden for Adam and Eve… like He does for us through the blood of Jesus.  We must believe that Jesus, and Jesus alone, has redeemed and reconciled us to God and to each other.  Then we must choose to deliberately live according to that redemption.  As redeemed creatures we stand restored to some extent in the image of God.  As restored men and women we are not animals and can chose to live according to God’s design.

 

 

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