Preparing for the Lord's Day
Jesus is Better
This time of year, around Rivermont, we are conducting our annual reviews. This means that each of the pastors and staff members meet with their supervisor and evaluate their performance. We talk about achievements and disappointments. We discuss goals that were met and goals that failed. It is a time for both correction and celebration. It is a time of earthly commendation. Have you ever considered that we will all face a divine review? A time when not just one year will be evaluated but our whole life? And in this review, it is faith and faith alone that matters. Not our power to accomplish perfection but rather our trust in the accomplished and perfect work of Christ. Hebrews chapter 11 is often called the Hall of Faith because it highlights how the saints of old lived by faith. And it was through this faith that these Old Testament saints were commended (vv. 2, 39). Not because they were flawless but rather because they had faith in a mighty God.
As we come to our text for this Sunday what we will see is that we are not to pursue the commendation of man but rather of God. Our “performance” is not judged by our strength, but rather by our faith to trust in the strength of God. By our faith to pursue mighty deeds, to endure mighty trials, and to receive mighty rewards through Christ alone. And what we will see is that as we look to Christ, we too will receive the ultimate commendation, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and meditate upon Hebrews 11:30-40, Joshua 1:6-9, Matthew 17:20, Philippians 3:8-14, James 1:12, and this article on faith.
As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Our God, Our Help in Ages Past,” the Acclamation of Praise “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less,” and the Hymn of Response “By Faith.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives so that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: Hebrews 11:30-40
Title: A Commendable Faith
Outline:
- A Commendable Faith Pursues Mighty Deeds (vv. 30-35a)
- A Commendable Faith Endures Mighty Trials (vv. 35b-38)
- A Commendable Faith Receives Mighty Rewards (vv. 39-40)