Hebrews 11:20-31

Today, many think of faith as a force that helps them get things now. But, in Scripture, much of faith is future based.

Acts 23:6, 24:15 Paul placed his 'hope' in the resurrection of the dead
1 Peter 1:3 But it is 'hope' based on 'substance' (solid evidence), a living hope

HOPE IN THE FUTURE

1. Isaac blessed Jacob & Esau (Genesis 27)
--On his own, he had very little to bless them with
--Based on God's promises, he had much to pass on

2. Jacob blessed Joseph's sons (Genesis 48)
--He was basically blind (48:10)
--He blessed them in God's order
--Still few visible blessings

3. Joseph spoke about the Exodus (Genesis 50)
--He realized HIS end was near, not THE end
--There was no earthly indication of an end

4. Moses' parents hid him (Exodus 1:22-2:8)
--Earthly evidence said he would be killed
--They took a huge risk b/c they sensed a great future

5. Moses refused to be known as son of Pharoah's daughter (Exodus 2:11)
--Chose persecution for short term over pleasure-from-sin for short term
--Held disgrace for the sake of Christ to be of greater value than earth's treasures
--He was looking ahead

GLIMPSES IN THE PRESENT (SUBSTANCE)

1. Moses left Egypt (Exodus 12:50-51)
--We get internal victory over sin even while it exists around us
--He saw the invisible

2. Moses kept the passover (Exodus 12:21-23)
--Didn't make much sense in the physical realm
--Foreshadowed Christ

3. People passed through the Red Sea (Exodus 14:23-28)
--Went directly against the senses

4. Walls of Jericho Fell
--Made absolutely no sense except that God said so

5. Rahab welcomed the spies (Joshua 6:22-25)

* God is able to do the impossible, to turn our feeble flesh into glorified bodies

In Moses' day, they passed through the Red Sea
In Jesus' day, they were able to pass from death to life (1 John 3:19)
In the future, we will pass from time to eternity

In the meantime, many will give up
1. 2 Peter 3
2. Luke 18:8

We must continue to be people of faith. Believing the glimpses and trusting in God's promises for the future.