Friday, March 9, 2007, Part 2

"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones" (Hebrews 11:20-22 ).

IDEA: We can have a sure faith in what God has promised to us because God won't lie to us.

PURPOSE: To help listeners understand the connection between living "by faith" and God's promises to keep His word.

I . One question that we should ask when we draw lessons or implications from the Bible is what level of certainty do we have.

• necessary
• probable
• possible
• improbable
• impossible

II.  The writer of the letter to the Hebrews draws two applications that come to us by implication, (11:20-22).

One implication he draws is that "these three men acted 'in faith.' " 

The text of Genesis doesn't say that. How do you think the author of the letter to the Hebrews came to that conclusion? Do you think it was a necessary conclusion?

These three men were able to look into the future because of their faith.

Why did these three men have such confidence in the future of their children and grandchildren?

Why did Joseph at the end of his life talk about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and give instruction about his bones?

How long was there between the time Joseph gave instruction about his bones and when the Israelites actually left Egypt? 

Given what they knew to be the promises of God to the people of Israel, these were necessary conclusions because they believed that God would keep His word.

III. We can have a sure faith in what God has promised to us because God won't lie to us.