Basis For Faith Hebrews 11:1 I. Introduction. A. A definition of faith: Hebrews 11:1. 1. How simple; how profound. 2. "A well-grounded confidence." 3. It gives meaning to everything for which we hope. 4. It was faith that motivated the Patriarchs, the apostles, and all faithful servants of God. 5. It is a trust in "things not seen." 6. Convicted by the evidence to trust in God with all of one's heart. 7. Receiving the word of God in full trust and following the Lord's commands. 8. One can never go wrong in trusting the word of the Lord and following it; this is the basis for our faith! B. It is unfortunate that most of humanity place their trust, not in the Lord and His word, but in the ideas of men. 1. However sincere one may be; however trusting in one's belief; however dedicated to one's cause--and--however faithful to the teachings and tasks, if it is not the type of faith we read about in the New Testament--it is faulty and worthless! 2. Comment on James 2:19. C. Our faith must be built upon Christ and His word--or we live our lives in vain. II. Body. A. Men use many approaches as basis for faith. 1. Many of these are very appealing to humanity. 2. Great benefits to mankind often comes from their efforts(a love for man never replaces the love for Christ). 3. Some are so strong in their convictions to give their very lives for what they believe. 4. There will be those at judgment who say: Matthew 7:22-23. 5. What is the basis for acceptable faith in God's sight? B. The approaches of men are not satisfactory--but what many build faith upon. 1. Traditionalism. a. Paul did: Galatians 1:14. b. One feels comfortable with what one has been doing. c. Traditions often come from ancestors(had people tell me...but--better to deny parents than God). d. "We have always done it that way" works only if we are following the word of God. e. Proper traditions: II Thessalonians 2:15. 2. Emotionalism. a. Strong and powerful force: Do you not agree? b. Have you not been caught up in a situation where you were moved to do something--but on reflection-- realized the wrong. (1 Some never recover--but trust in their feelings for salvation(I call that touchy/feely religion- -be careful, it has invaded some churches of Christ). (2 Happened in NT times: Galatians 2:13(Lit: "be contented with") c. Perhaps as powerful a force as is used in denominational, sectarian and institutional churches. d. A Christian is to be emotional(love, trust, caring, forgiving, sympathetic, and so on). e. All emotions are to be controlled by the word of God: Acts 14:14-15. (1 Includes expressing feelings. (2 Even brethren can be captured by such. f. When the emotion wanes--those who built their faith on such will be lost and empty. g. Satisfaction of the senses does not mean one satisfies God. 3. Intellectualism. a. Found in the days of Paul: Acts 17:18a. (1 They worshipped stone and wood objects. (2 How intelligent can that be? b. Because one is knowledgeable in the world does not make one aware of God's law. c. Men tend to worship "scholars." (1 Proper place for scholarly(right) material. (2 Appreciate those who dig deep and share. (3 Read all works of men in the light of the scriptures. d. How much will earthly wisdom help when one stands before God?(Your book may be in every library-- but....) e. Note what Solomon says: Ecclesiastes 1:16-18-- hence--Ecclesiastes 12:13. f. All of the degrees you earn will not prepare you to go to heaven.(Your test in judgment...) 4. Humanitarianism. a. "One who practices philanthropy"(Webster). Or-- goodwill to fellow man. b. Christian practice this: Galatians 6:10. c. The world looks upon one who continually does "good deeds" as being faithful to the Lord(a Christian). d. But being a good, caring, and sympathetic person will not prepare one for heaven. e. The denominations are caught up in this trap. f. Institutional churches of Christ are victims: schools, orphanages, hospitals(foreign), etc. g. If one bases hope for heaven in this approach, such a one is not prepared for heaven. 5. Familiarism(friendship and association). a. No danger if friends and associates are Christians-- standing for the truth and continuing to so stand. b. Friends and associates are human and can err. (1 No matter how dedicated they appear. (2 No matter how much I like them. c. Take a lesson from experiences; put your trust in the Lord and His way. (1 Had many brethren stray from truth. (2 But--tried always to put more faith in the Lord than in the brethren. (3 Never let brethren be the basis for your faith-- let it be Jesus Christ: II Timothy 4:16. III. Conclusion. A. The basis for the faith of the Christian is the Christ who died for us. B. It is the confidence we place in the word of God: Romans 10:17. C. When your traditions fail, your emotions change, your intellect fades, your humanitarian acts are ignored, and you friends and relatives quit the Lord--keep your faith in Jesus Christ and His word--it will stand every test you face! And take you to heaven in the end!-jy