Something Better

SOMETHING BETTER

Text: Hebrews 11.39 12:2.

Introduction:

A. We often hear people talk about the "good old days."

What were the "good old days?" Were they the days

1. Before the flood?

2. The times of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?

3. The exciting times of Moses?

4. The heroic episodes of Samson during his lifetime?

5. The vietories of King David?

B. All those ere exciting times (good old days),

but the truth is that every generation has good times.

The "good old days" is relevant.

C. All those mentioned and alluded to in Hebrews 11

received a good report (a good grade--mark)

through faith, but they received not the promise, vs 39.

1. Abel understood the significance of his sacrifice,

but he did not live to see Him who was God's once-for-all sacrifice

2. Enoch enjoyed fellowship as he walked with God,

but his experience was far short of the visible presence of God in Christ.

3. Noah believed God concerning the flood

and was assured by the rainbow promise,

but he could not clearly see Calvary.

4. Abraham saw Jesus' day afar off, but not near.

5. Moses saw the passover in the lamb,

but died without seeing the Lamb in the passover.

D. These only saw the shadow (picture),

God having reserved for us the Substance that cast the shadow.

I. THE HEROES OF FAITH RECEIVED PROMISES.

A. Abraham and Sarah received a son, Isaac.

B. Jacob was blessed with the good things of the earth.

1. Divine protection

2. Immense wealth.

3. A large family,

C. Joseph was wonderfully protected, divinely guided and socially exalted.

II. BUT THESE DID NOT RECEIVE THE PROMISE.

A. A gift promised may be enjoyed only by faith

(anticipation) until it is received.

B. But when the gift is actually received, the joy is greatly multiplied.

C. The heroes of faith believed God would send the Redeemer

we have the greater joy in that He has sent the Redeemer.

Our's is a better position then theirs.

D. They were divinely commended.

1. The world was not worthy of them, vs 38.

2. By faith, they obtained a good report, vs 39.

E. Fulfillment of the promise (Christ, the Redeemer in person

was reserved for us.

On this basis our's are the "good old days."

III. SOME BETTER THINGS GOD HAS PROVIDED FOR US.

A. He has provided us with better evidence.

1. Old Testament believers enjoyed the promise of the virgin born Son;

we cherish the fact of it.

2. Old Testament believers had the miracles of God by Moses and the prophets;

we have the evidence of God incarnate in the Son.

3. Old Testament believers had the promise of a bodily resurrection;

we have the assurance of a bodily resurrection in the empty tomb of Jesus.

4. Old Testament believers claimed by faith the promise

of the coming Redeemer of Israel;

we claim by faith a "better" assurance of His coming again

to end sin and corruption and establish eternal justice.

B. We have a better religious system.

1. They were under the Law that brought them into bondage, Romans 7.23

a. If they violated any part of the Law, they were worthy of death.

b. They could not keep the Law, therefore they could not hope to live:

physically or spiritually.

c. They must acknowledge this with regular sacrifices of animals.

In the death of an innocent animal, they acknowledged their guilt

and worthliness to die,

and professed faith in the death of God's Sacrifice

to put away their sin forever.

2. We are free from the Law.

Paul speaks of the bondage of the law

and the freedom now enjoyed under grace in Romans 7.24; 8:1-4;

and Galatians 5.13.

C. We have a better rest.

1. Old Testament believers and unbelievers went to the same place at death.

a. Lazarus and the Rich Man both died and went to Hades.

b. But they were separated by an impassable gulf, Luke 16.26

c. Lazarus was comforted in the presence of Abraham;

the Rich Man was tormented in the midst of the flames, Luke 16.23-25

2. When Christ arose and ascended to the Father,

He moved old Testament believers out of Hades and into Paradise,

Ephesians 4.8-10

3. Thus Paul could say concerning those who die:

a. They are "with Christ," Philippians 1.23

b. They "sleep [rest] in Jesus," 1 Thessalonians 4.14

4. Thus the angelic announcement:

"Blessed are the dead which are in the Lord," Revelation 14.13

Conclusion:

A. Some may speak longingly of the "good old days,"

but we have better reasons to live for Christ than the Old Testament believers.

B. They form a great cloud of witnesses (spectators-- spiritually not literally)

to encourage us, Hebrews 12.1

C. Let us run the race (play the game) to the best of our ability

D. To do less than our best is to discredit our illustrious and faithful fans:

those who ran the race and blazed the way before us.

E. Those who exercise faith in Christ may be disappointed in many people and events,

but they are never disappointed in the rewards of faith.

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