Living Under the Smile of God

Hebrews 11.2
Living Under the Smile of God

      God made me fast…and when I run I feel His pleasure.

                1.  The ANCIENTS…        

                2.  THIS is what the ancients were commended for

                3.  This is what the ancients were COMMENDED for

                         11.4 [2x]
                         11.5
                         11.39

Occasions for God’s commendation, pleasure, smile…

1. PERSEVERANCE

     a.  Faced with challenges
   
     b.  Hebrews 10.38-39
   

2. TRUST

     a.  By faith…
   
     b.  Jesus initiates and perfects our faith  [12.2 NLT]
              Jesus leads us in our faith and brings it to perfection  [12.2 NJB]
   
     c.  WE live by faith
   

3. OBEDIENCE

     a.  God gives His instruction
   
     b.  Paul…Hebrews 11…James
   

4. WORD

     a.  God speaks
   
     b.  God speaks today  [1.1-2;  4.12;  12.25]
   

5. GRACE

     a.  What is NOT mentioned in Hebrews 11
   
     b.  An illustration of God’s promise of grace  [8.12;  10.17-18]
   
     c.  God’s promise of grace to us
   

John Olson