SMC
October 18, 2026

      • Ephesians 2:1–10ESV

  • Battle Belongs
  • I Know A Name
  • Introduction
    The future could seem uncertain
    Constant battle with sin
    Hardships come our way
    God seems silent to our prayers for guidance
    Sickness overtakes our loved ones
    The grave is the last place we see them
    CONNECTION
    Hebrews 11:39–40 ESV
    And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
    TAKE HOME
    Our faith is the assurance we have in all that God has promised. So, we should keep our eyes on Jesus and put aside anything that keeps us from staying strong.
    Scripture Introduction
    Hebrews 10:39 ESV
    But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
    What about believers before Jesus?
    R. Albert Mohler Jr, “The author plainly answers that these men and women received their approval because they exercised faith.”

    A Description of Faith 11:1-2

    Title-Deed Rawson’s King Mill
    Hebrews 11:1 ESV
    Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
    What faith does.
    Hebrews 11:1 NKJV
    Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
    What faith is.
    Substance
    An accumulation of expectations based on the promises of God who cannot lie and does not change.
    Evidence
    Faith is not a feeling, optimism, or highest odds. It is a certainty not based on data but on the character of God.
    Since Yahweh promises Jesus intercedes for me, and I trust Yahweh, I have evidence Jesus intercedes for me.
    The fact you use your phone is the substance of your expectation that your words can be converted to electrical waves, to binary code, to radio wave and then back again. As you live this out, it is the evidence that this unseen process works.
    We have certainty, but not always comprehension.
    Hebrews 11:2 ESV
    For by it the people of old received their commendation.
    Received approval because they exercised faith.
    * Key Point
    Our faith can be understood as the assurance we have in all that God has promised.

    Faith in Action 11:3-40

    James 2:14–17 “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
    Us- creation
    Abel- Offering
    Enoch- pleased God
    Hebrews 11:6 ESV
    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.
    Noah- Warning of flood
    Abraham- left home
    Sarah- Child
    Hebrews 11:13 ESV
    These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
    He [God] has prepared for them a city v. 16
    Considered him faithful v. 6
    Looking to the reward v. 26
    Resurrection to a better life v. 35
    Abraham- Offer Isaac
    God was able even to raise him from the dead v.19
    Isaac- Blesses Jacob & Esau
    Jacob- Blesses Joseph's sons (younger will serve the older)
    Bowing in worship- buried in promise land
    Joseph- Exodus & bones
    Moses' parents- hid him
    Moses- Called a Hebrew
    mistreated rather than fleeting pleasures
    Moses- Left Egypt
    Seeing him who is invisible
    Moses- Passover
    Israel- Red Sea; Jericho
    Rahab- Became a believer
    Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, prophets
    Victories
    Suffering/Death
    All were victorious by faith the working of God in their lives in response to their faith in him
    * Key Point
    And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
    Hebrews 11:39-40
    *APPLICATION
    We don’t always experience the fullness of God's promises here on earth, because they are far greater than we can envision.
    *IMPLEMENTATION
    But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
    Matthew 6:33

    How to Walk in Faith 12:1-2

    *IMPLEMENTATION
    Lay Aside Every Weight. Run With Endurance. Focus on Jesus.
    Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
    Hebrews 12:1 ESV
    Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
    Imagine seeing a runner dressed in Carhart's with tools hanging from his belt.
    Weight- Not every hindrance is sin, in and of itself.
    When what you love gets between you and God.
    When your shortcomings get between you and God.
    When the good and acceptable come before the perfect will of God.
    It can be a relationship, habit, entertainment, activity, place, person, pleasure, honor, etc.
    Hebrews 12:1 ESV
    Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
    Endurance is not something gained during the race, but what has been trained for.
    Biblical health is in relationship with God not being cured.
    The better your endurance, the easier the race (better theology easier walk).
    Since you are prepared, keep running.
    You might have to walk, but don’t give up (hardships may become taxing).
    Hebrews 3:14 “For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.”
    Hebrews 12:2 ESV
    looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
    Jesus like the pace vehicle or the markings
    Focus on one thing, Jesus. Anything else will distract you.
    Circumstances
    Benefits
    Perceptions
    Summary
    Our faith can be understood as the assurance we have in all that God has promised.
    We don’t always experience the fullness of God's promises here on earth, because they are far greater than we can envision.
    Lay Aside Every Weight. Run With Endurance. Focus on Jesus.

      • Hebrews 11:1ESV

      • Hebrews 11:13ESV

      • Hebrews 10:39ESV

      • Hebrews 11:1–2ESV

      • Hebrews 11:1ESV

      • Hebrews 11:1ESV

      • Hebrews 11:1ESV

      • Hebrews 11:1ESV

      • Hebrews 11:2ESV

      • James 2:14-16ESV

      • James 2:17ESV

      • Hebrews 11:6ESV

      • Hebrews 11:13ESV

      • Hebrews 11:39–40ESV

      • Matthew 6:33ESV

      • Hebrews 12:1–2ESV

      • Hebrews 12:1–2ESV

      • Hebrews 12:1ESV

      • Hebrews 12:1ESV

      • Hebrews 12:1ESV

      • Hebrews 12:1ESV

      • Hebrews 12:1ESV

      • Hebrews 12:2ESV

  • Faithful Still
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