The best earthly fathers are those who are sanctified. They know that they are with God, because they are walking in their anointing. Father disciplines his children when they are in the wrong. A man after God’s own heart is found on Facebook! No! He is extremely faithful and he put his faith In God first, because when we put God first; everything else falls in perfect order.
Turn with me to Hebrews chapter 11 and let’s do a little reading meditating there!
Hebrews 11:1-17
King James Version
11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
It’s through the Holy Spirit that we know that we are on the right track with God. We have that still small voice inside of us that tells us which way to go. Most of us can admit that we: “can’t even walk without God holding our hand.” Today’s scriptures is found in Hebrews chapter 11 versus four through 17
Maybe, you can recall Matthew chapter 18, because this is where God set up church discipline. He told us how important it is for us to confront each other when conflict is present. Often times, we want to withdraw from conflict and let things work out on its own, but more often than not, we must face it head on. Scripture also tells us not to sleep with anger and resentment in our hearts. Anger and resentment leads to other drastic concerns. It is not good for us to keep our emotions bottled up inside. We need to say what we mean and mean what we say. Words and actions do hurt others and have consequences. “Stix and stones may hurt me but words may never break me” – is just a simple silly little statement. If we are children of God love should rule in our hearts. If we are sanctified we should be harder on ourselves then we are on other people. Sanctified Christians do not walk around trying to hurt others. Sanctified Christians can put themselves in the other persons shoes. Sanctified Christians are fueled by the Holy Ghost. Finally, sanctified Christians obey the spirit that is inside of them.
Sometimes, we have to confront sin and evil head on. But, the scripture tells us the following: “where There are two or three gathered; I’m in the mist.” Thus, he is there when two or three witnesses are gathered together for the reason of discipling. As a Christian, this move should be very comforting, because before you confront any activity one should go to God in prayer.
So, God expects us to discipline within our church and within our homes. We discipline with the love of God working through us. Therefore, if we do not have sanctified Christians we cannot discipline appropriately. How we discipline in an open fashion before the church; should mimic how God disciplines within each person. So, fathers and mothers, when we discipline our children we should discipline in a fashion that is like Christ. Meaning we should consult to God in prayer before we administer punishment. We should not give a punishment in fits of rage or and fits of anger. Anger is an emotion granted by God, but it can be abused. Add Buse of punishment has disease that disastrous consequences within the family unit and The consequences also extend into the community.
This passage in Hebrews, is one of the most important passages for all Christians to understand. We should examine its meaning thoroughly! I have found, that if you can grasp the truths in this passage, you will view your role as mothers, as fathers, and as church members differently.
Just like in today’s society, we have Hebrews that are true Hebrews and then we have those that posed to be Hebrews. So, if you are a Christian, you have been persecuted and will be persecuted for disciplining your children according to what scripture says. In the American society, persecution is not near as severe as it was during the early church age. Many that came out of Judaism had to return to it, because their property was seized and their livelihood was taken away from them. Many new converts and Christians were persecuted and to death. They were stand, beheaded, put on fire, starved, and hung upside down crosses. There was a cost for serving Christ. Today there is more of a sacrifice of ourselves for Christ; then, a cost. I’m sure, what kept the Jews going is still what keeps us going. Scripture tells us in Acts chapter 10 verse 25 to hold onto our confidence, to hold onto our faith, because there is a great reward for those who endure until the end. This also takes us to backsliding. Yes Scripture proves that one came backsides, because it says for those who endure. This must have an implied meaning that Sam will not endure until then. Some seeds will be playing it in take route, but perhaps persecution caused them to be plucked. For this reason we are called to live holy lives; sanctified lives. We can live a sanctified life, because the Holy Ghost inside of us gives us the power to say no to; the lust of the flesh and to the pride of life. We resist the father of lies and his evilness.
Now , we come in to chapter 11 where we have all of these great people who have illustrated their faith. These great characters of faith lived out there faith without receiving their reward. Faith is having hope for something that we cannot see. Verse 10:39 tells us that all of the Saints died before the promises of scripture were fulfilled.
Let’s read the first three verses together! “[1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. [2] For by it the elders obtained a good report. [3] Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”
We live on the other side of the cross; which means, we live by faith, but we have these good biblical examples that guide us too. Most of these examples died with the hope of the Messiah, but we deal with the hope of the rapture.
Paul quoted verse one from Habakkuk 2:4. His statement is found in the following scripture: Galatians 3:11
(King James Version) “11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.”
The question that I sometimes get yes: what is faith and what is being sanctified? So I give them the scripture, bit today let’s look at the office: what faith is not…
1. What true biblical faith is not is a good feeling. Fact, faith is not a feeling at all.
2. What true biblical faith is not: optimism. Or some people who are always optimistic, but there are all so people that are pessimistic. Recognize an optimistic statement, because it sounds something like this: I hope it comes to pass or maybe it might happen?
3. So, it is not wishful thinking.
4. It is not an intellectual thought either. I found this to be the most common definition, because is a vague belief. For example, when I ask my children is your date a believer; they say: well he or she believes in God. And, I like to tell them that even the devil and his demons believe in God, but they don’t have a relationship with him. It is also true that they are young new converts that have not matured in their face. As a minister I want everyone in my congregation to be matured in Christ, because everything falls into place. The world is nearly shut out. This is just really a intellectual nod to the fact that there is a God, but perhaps they do not know or have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I have found a difference between sanctified and not sanctified this would be one of the differences.
The author, here in chapter 11, offers more of a description of faith; Instead, of a description of faith. For example, if I asked you: what is faith? How long will it take for you to give me a complete definition? Exactly: a definition of faith would be Lengthy! In Fact, that could take all day! Our faith as a Christian is not fleeting, but it’s substantial enough to generate confidence. This confidence leads us into all righteousness. In fact, confidence is what we need when we leave this world, because when we leave this world we enter into eternity. In eternity, we meet the Lord! Also, the evidence of faith is indicated by our inner conviction and is not based on things that we see. But the good news is, divine approval is a consequence of faith. With our conviction and confession of faith we can look forward to the heavenly city of God.
Let’s consider the word hope for a minute. We often use this word in our speech. For example, the unsaved might say something like the following: “I hope the weather will be good this weekend.” As Christians, we say that our hope is in Jesus Christ. We also say that we have a hope to make heaven our home. The difference between the expression of the sanctified and the saying of the unsaved is knowing the character of God. I was Christians, our hope yes found in God. Example I can tell you all day long that I own this piece of property and you can hope that is true that when I pull out the deed and show you; Diaz, becomes the evidence. So, God is the titleholder of our faith as Christians we can count on what the word of God promises us. We can count on the word of God. As a Christian we can count on the following:
1. Forgiveness is only found through Jesus Christ.
2. The Lord will never leave you or for sake you.
3. God is sovereignty over seeing the affairs of humanity.
4. God will lead us according to his will.
5. Jesus will return for his church.
6. physical death ushers us into his presence.
7. we will receive a new physical body. (One day, death will be defeated and we will have the victory.)
8. we will be transformed into his likeness.
- we will be reunited with those who have died in Christ.
Good fathers and sanctified Christians take every opportunity to teach these hopes their children and the lost.
Paul wrote about our hope in Titus 2:11 through 14. Let us read that now.
Titus 2:11-14
King James Version
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Paul put it beautifully here! Our hope is not like the hope of the world. Our hope is not perfect home. Call put it here: that we have a blessed hope that Lessons pope is in Jesus Christ whether we meet Jesus Christ; when our body dies, or we meet Jesus Christ in the air. Our hoop is secure, because God holds the deed. Scripture tells us that God cannot lie, because it is not part of his character. Titus 1:2 tells us that our hope is eternal. God promised things before the world was formed. Therefore all things are possible through him.
Who is very dynamic word. Have you ever had your hope dashed? Have you ever hoped for something and it didn’t come to pass? This happens all the time. I mean, even Christians, but there hope and things that God never promised. Well, then perhaps we need to put our hope into the things of God, because they are assured. Yes yes the prosperity causes problems. Prosperity movement promises to plant a seed and receive the reward. However, if the Holy Ghost didn’t tell you to plant the seed; then, why do we expect it to grow?
Scripture tells us to Focus on things that are eternal, but this movement concentrates on the here and now! Gods word tells us not to become attached to the things of this life, because when this jig is up; we are moving up. We can’t take anything with us! Everything we have will decay.
Peter calls us sojourners and exiles. Read with me, first Peter 2:11! “ beloved, I urge you sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which Wage War against your soul.” Notice, that Peter informs us that we are travelers. And what do travelers do? They blow through one area. Often, they are not there very long. This describes our life. Once here; gone tomorrow! Then we read the word exile. In exile is a person that is removed from their country. This is true for us, sanctified Christians, because this world is not our home. This world is not a residence. Heaven is our home our residents.
God cares about you. In fact, God loves you so much that he sent his only son; to die on a cross. God cares About our circumstances and he is in our circumstances. God wants to bless us. After all, everything in the world and under the world belongs to God. We never were intended to fix our hope on the things of this world.
And when we do put our hope into the world; instead of the things of God we become disappointed. Often times, we become angry at God. This creates an unhappy Christian; which then, distances themselves from. Faith into the things of the world causes to backside. Yes, even the sanctified!
I will finish with this: my husband, prayed with his mother, who had cancer. The cancer kept getting worse and worse. He counted on the scripture that said “with faith we can move mountains.” He felt, as if everyone wanted her to be healed. He stated that his mother said she wanted to be healed. However, God is not a vending machine we do not stick our quarters in and expect to get our soda pop. With God, it’s all about his will. His will for Linda, was to be healed with perfect healing. He allowed her body to die, but he took her soul to heaven. I’m sure, that after she went to heaven, she did not want to return.
So fathers, Sanctified Christians, be careful in where you place your hope. Be careful in who holds the deed to your faith.
