WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.459 Please take out your copy of God's Word, which I hope you have with you this morning, and turn to Hebrews chapter 11. 00:00:07.240 --> 00:00:07.679 ! 00:00:07.679 --> 00:00:12.500 Our text today is Hebrews chapter 11, verses 5 and 6. 00:00:13.880 --> 00:00:27.800 As we continue our study of the book of Hebrews, be reminded that this is a letter written pastorally to a group of Christians who had suffered much for their faith and were feeling a tug to abandon that faith. 00:00:27.800 --> 00:00:38.000 Its author has been laboring to remind them of the excellencies of Jesus Christ and to encourage them to endure faithfully to the end. 00:00:38.719 --> 00:00:45.540 If you've been with us, I hope that you have been receiving the very same encouragement in our study. 00:00:46.640 --> 00:00:52.040 Recall that at the end of chapter 10, the author says, verse 39, 00:00:52.039 --> 00:01:02.519 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. 00:01:03.019 --> 00:01:10.319 And we have been talking at length about salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. 00:01:10.319 --> 00:01:16.319 And the way that having been saved by grace, we persevere faithfully. 00:01:16.459 --> 00:01:21.359 We show ourselves to be followers of Jesus Christ with the way we live. 00:01:21.439 --> 00:01:26.280 We show Him to be loved by us by the way we live. 00:01:26.879 --> 00:01:28.539 So do our works save us? 00:01:29.099 --> 00:01:29.500 No. 00:01:29.500 --> 00:01:40.379 But it is a faith in the person and work of Christ that saves us and produces us in us the desire and the ability to do good work. 00:01:41.099 --> 00:01:44.879 The author of Hebrews went on to describe this faith. 00:01:44.980 --> 00:01:51.799 And it's where we find ourselves in the text developing out this idea found in verse 1 and 2. 00:01:51.799 --> 00:01:53.159 He says, 00:01:53.159 --> 00:02:00.700 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 00:02:01.299 --> 00:02:08.460 For by it, the people of old received their commendation or their approval. 00:02:08.800 --> 00:02:14.000 God was pleased with them because of their faith. 00:02:14.000 --> 00:02:25.580 And he has begun to give a series of examples of these people of old who received their commendation by faith in God and in His promises. 00:02:26.500 --> 00:02:32.180 Last week we looked at Abel, the very first martyr. 00:02:32.979 --> 00:02:36.340 And this week we're going to look at Enoch. 00:02:36.340 --> 00:02:45.620 Now at the very outset of today's sermon, I want you to know that I intend to preach a very short sermon on verses 5 and 6. 00:02:45.759 --> 00:02:46.980 That's the plan anyway. 00:02:47.379 --> 00:02:50.000 It's what I'm purposing to do for two reasons. 00:02:50.080 --> 00:02:54.840 Number one, because the character whose faith we are going to consider is a bit of a mystery. 00:02:55.699 --> 00:03:00.319 Not a whole lot going on in the biblical narrative with Enoch. 00:03:00.319 --> 00:03:10.259 Secondly, and more importantly, because I want to allow some time to share with you some changes that we are going to make to our meeting times. 00:03:10.879 --> 00:03:15.319 And do not have many opportunities to speak to you all at the same time. 00:03:16.139 --> 00:03:17.379 You're here, you're seated. 00:03:17.819 --> 00:03:19.620 This is a good opportunity for this. 00:03:19.719 --> 00:03:25.240 We're going to try to make some space for that to give some explanation to that very end. 00:03:25.240 --> 00:03:30.820 Now, if you were a guest with us this morning, I just want you to know this is not normative. 00:03:32.360 --> 00:03:36.200 15 minute-ish sermon, 20 minutes maybe, we'll see how that goes. 00:03:36.659 --> 00:03:38.320 It's not normally what we do together. 00:03:38.500 --> 00:03:42.439 We really want to work out and develop out a passage very, very clearly. 00:03:42.680 --> 00:03:48.800 But it's going to be important for us, I think, this morning to spend some time considering some potential changes for us. 00:03:49.000 --> 00:03:50.860 And the way that we meet together. 00:03:51.320 --> 00:03:55.180 So that said, let me remind you, beloved, that this is God's word to us. 00:03:55.700 --> 00:03:57.860 That it was written for his glory and our good. 00:03:58.340 --> 00:04:03.300 And we would all do well to listen to it in order to believe its promises and obey its commands. 00:04:03.400 --> 00:04:05.879 Hebrews chapter 11, verse 5 and 6. 00:04:05.879 --> 00:04:11.200 By faith, Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death. 00:04:11.560 --> 00:04:14.420 And he was not found because God had taken him. 00:04:15.020 --> 00:04:18.819 Now, before he was taken, he was commended as having pleased God. 00:04:18.819 --> 00:04:22.060 And without faith, it is impossible to please him. 00:04:22.060 --> 00:04:30.240 For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 00:04:30.240 --> 00:04:41.600 Now, we can read the original account of Enoch's life of faithful endurance in Genesis chapter 5, verses 21 through 24. 00:04:41.819 --> 00:04:44.939 You don't have to turn there with me, but you can if you would like to. 00:04:45.060 --> 00:04:47.939 I'm going to read it for the sake of time now. 00:04:47.939 --> 00:04:49.000 It reads, 00:04:49.000 --> 00:04:55.199 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. 00:04:56.100 --> 00:05:02.519 Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 00:05:03.480 --> 00:05:07.500 Thus, all the days of Enoch were 365 years. 00:05:08.399 --> 00:05:13.800 Enoch walked with God and he was not, for God took him. 00:05:13.800 --> 00:05:21.120 So, Enoch is barely mentioned in the biblical narrative. 00:05:21.680 --> 00:05:34.240 We have very few facts about his life, but what we do have is significant and, if well considered, will serve our faithful pursuit of God. 00:05:35.060 --> 00:05:35.840 And so, we're going to look. 00:05:35.900 --> 00:05:37.639 This will be the outline for today's text. 00:05:37.759 --> 00:05:39.840 Number one, at Enoch's end. 00:05:40.740 --> 00:05:42.860 Number two, at Enoch's walk. 00:05:43.800 --> 00:05:47.000 And number three, at Enoch's faith. 00:05:47.800 --> 00:05:50.840 So, let's look for a moment at Enoch's end. 00:05:51.740 --> 00:05:53.980 You see this in the first part of verse 5. 00:05:54.379 --> 00:06:01.639 Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found because God had taken him. 00:06:01.740 --> 00:06:04.860 So, he went to go be with God. 00:06:04.860 --> 00:06:13.280 And in Genesis 5, verse 24, Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him. 00:06:14.520 --> 00:06:23.040 Enoch lived for 365 years, although comparatively a very short time. 00:06:23.040 --> 00:06:29.840 All the contemporaries of his day lived three times-ish longer than he lived. 00:06:30.240 --> 00:06:32.180 I learned a fun new word. 00:06:32.240 --> 00:06:34.379 I'm just going to share it for the joy of sharing it this morning. 00:06:34.879 --> 00:06:39.280 A great word for pre-flood time is antediluvian. 00:06:39.820 --> 00:06:41.080 I think that's really fantastic. 00:06:41.079 --> 00:06:49.159 So, his antediluvian life was a fairly short life in the scope of what was happening in that day. 00:06:49.560 --> 00:06:57.959 For further joy, I just want to point out how very long 365 years is. 00:06:58.199 --> 00:07:01.299 And Kent Hughes, in his commentary, does a neat job of this. 00:07:01.360 --> 00:07:03.439 I'm going to read this to you just in brief. 00:07:03.439 --> 00:07:33.420 He writes, 00:07:33.439 --> 00:07:47.459 When Enoch celebrated his second century in 1827, 00:07:48.000 --> 00:07:51.420 Jedediah Smith blazed the first trail from Southern California to Fort Vancouver, 00:07:51.800 --> 00:07:55.860 and at the other end of the country, New Orleans, would celebrate its first Mardi Gras 00:07:55.860 --> 00:07:59.500 when students from Paris introduced the Shrove Tuesday event. 00:07:59.500 --> 00:08:04.560 In 1927, on his 300th birthday, the cake would have melted from the heat of the candles. 00:08:05.199 --> 00:08:09.319 Charles Lindbergh would pilot the Spirit of St. Louis across the Atlantic to Paris. 00:08:09.860 --> 00:08:11.600 Babe Ruth would hit 60 home runs, 00:08:12.079 --> 00:08:15.220 and the first talkie, which would have been a movie with a soundtrack, 00:08:15.839 --> 00:08:19.480 called The Jazz Singer with Al Johnson, would be produced. 00:08:19.480 --> 00:08:27.939 And finally, in 1992, the whole world would know of his departure in one instant through satellite cable communication. 00:08:28.640 --> 00:08:35.560 It's a long, long time for Enoch to walk with God. 00:08:35.559 --> 00:08:42.539 And I don't know about you, but this life feels long on some days. 00:08:42.919 --> 00:08:46.619 It just seems like it's never going to end. 00:08:47.239 --> 00:08:50.459 I am now, for some of you in the room, I'll say only 39. 00:08:51.159 --> 00:08:52.939 For some of you, I'll go, I'm 39. 00:08:52.940 --> 00:09:00.560 I'll be 40 in just a few short months, and it just doesn't feel like I'm in the middle of this life. 00:09:00.860 --> 00:09:04.820 It seems to have gone on already for so long, and I cry out so many days, 00:09:04.940 --> 00:09:05.700 Come, Lord Jesus. 00:09:05.960 --> 00:09:10.080 Like, today would be a wonderful day for it all to end. 00:09:11.480 --> 00:09:16.440 I'm being asked, right, to faithfully persevere to the end. 00:09:16.440 --> 00:09:27.040 And we find in our text in Hebrews 11 an example of a man who faithfully persevered so much longer than any of us will have to do so. 00:09:27.740 --> 00:09:29.820 I think that's why it's wonderfully placed. 00:09:30.060 --> 00:09:38.080 I think that's why the author of Hebrews, as he's walking through the biblical narrative, uses this example of Enoch. 00:09:39.140 --> 00:09:43.960 We don't know why exactly God spared him from seeing death. 00:09:43.960 --> 00:09:46.560 Why is it that he was taken up early? 00:09:46.860 --> 00:09:49.820 The narrative does not tell us. 00:09:50.480 --> 00:09:52.980 But this is all we know concerning his end. 00:09:53.220 --> 00:09:57.519 He walked with God, and then God took him. 00:09:57.960 --> 00:09:59.200 So that was Enoch's end. 00:09:59.920 --> 00:10:02.820 Secondly, let's take a look at Enoch's walk. 00:10:05.180 --> 00:10:08.040 Hebrews 11, last part of verse 5 says, 00:10:08.039 --> 00:10:14.339 Now before he was taken, he was commended as having pleased God. 00:10:14.799 --> 00:10:21.299 And in Genesis chapter 5, verse 22, we're told that Enoch walked with God. 00:10:22.559 --> 00:10:26.360 Enoch pleased God because he walked with him. 00:10:27.120 --> 00:10:30.500 To walk with someone suggests a mutual agreement, 00:10:30.500 --> 00:10:35.840 and in the case of God, a mutual agreement of the soul. 00:10:36.600 --> 00:10:39.679 Amos chapter 3, in verse 3, we can read, 00:10:39.919 --> 00:10:43.779 Do two walk together unless they have agreed to meet? 00:10:45.240 --> 00:10:49.700 Enoch oriented his life in the way of his God. 00:10:50.399 --> 00:10:53.000 Enoch was heading in God's direction. 00:10:53.559 --> 00:10:57.159 And this was not always pleasant for Enoch. 00:10:57.159 --> 00:11:01.559 Interestingly, in the New Testament, if we read Jude's letter, 00:11:02.319 --> 00:11:04.740 we can read that Enoch was a prophet. 00:11:05.799 --> 00:11:11.799 And he was given words to speak to the people that God's judgment was coming. 00:11:12.519 --> 00:11:17.860 You can find yourself very unpopular very quickly for saying such things. 00:11:18.959 --> 00:11:21.220 Jude writes in verse 14 and 15, 00:11:21.879 --> 00:11:26.259 It was also about these, and he's referencing ungodly people, 00:11:26.259 --> 00:11:31.460 that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, 00:11:31.580 --> 00:11:33.700 and he here cites Enoch, 00:11:34.360 --> 00:11:38.559 Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones 00:11:38.559 --> 00:11:41.139 to execute judgment on all 00:11:41.139 --> 00:11:44.620 and to convict all the ungodly of their deeds of ungodliness 00:11:44.620 --> 00:11:48.019 that they have committed in such an ungodly way, 00:11:48.220 --> 00:11:53.939 and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him. 00:11:53.940 --> 00:11:59.460 He was given a message that in his walk with God, 00:11:59.560 --> 00:12:01.500 he was meant to deliver. 00:12:01.620 --> 00:12:05.900 So this was not always an easy task laid before him. 00:12:06.300 --> 00:12:11.980 So we need not think that Enoch, in his antediluvian world, 00:12:12.760 --> 00:12:17.720 lived in a day that wasn't also hostile toward God. 00:12:17.720 --> 00:12:22.820 We can find much relation to him in this time. 00:12:23.440 --> 00:12:25.759 Enoch was willing to prophesy for God 00:12:25.759 --> 00:12:29.660 because he had deep fellowship with God. 00:12:29.980 --> 00:12:32.100 He cared about God and his ways. 00:12:32.460 --> 00:12:36.019 He feared God and he did not fear man. 00:12:36.840 --> 00:12:39.180 So Enoch walked with God. 00:12:40.600 --> 00:12:42.480 And then third, and we'll spend a bit more time here, 00:12:42.480 --> 00:12:45.259 Enoch's faith. 00:12:46.259 --> 00:12:47.060 Enoch's faith. 00:12:48.159 --> 00:12:50.360 Verse 6 says, Hebrews chapter 11, 00:12:50.539 --> 00:12:53.860 And without faith it is impossible to please him, 00:12:54.300 --> 00:12:56.279 for whoever would draw near to God 00:12:56.279 --> 00:12:58.279 must believe that he exists 00:12:58.279 --> 00:13:02.019 and that he rewards those who seek him. 00:13:02.019 --> 00:13:09.960 We must have faith for God to be pleased with us. 00:13:10.299 --> 00:13:14.539 And the object of that faith matters greatly. 00:13:15.079 --> 00:13:16.899 Not willy-nilly faith. 00:13:17.059 --> 00:13:18.740 Not just belief in something, 00:13:19.639 --> 00:13:24.159 but faith in a specific set of things. 00:13:24.659 --> 00:13:26.220 And he gives us two of them 00:13:26.220 --> 00:13:28.279 that are a bit of umbrella statements, 00:13:28.639 --> 00:13:31.340 but faith first that he exists. 00:13:31.340 --> 00:13:36.879 God himself is the beginning point of our faith in him. 00:13:37.360 --> 00:13:39.040 Not a God of our making, 00:13:39.700 --> 00:13:42.639 but God as he is. 00:13:43.500 --> 00:13:45.340 In new measure in our day, 00:13:45.560 --> 00:13:47.440 there are many who do not believe 00:13:47.440 --> 00:13:49.879 that there is a God at all. 00:13:50.320 --> 00:13:52.580 This type of thinking and thought process 00:13:52.580 --> 00:13:55.060 just runs rampant in our day. 00:13:55.639 --> 00:13:58.139 Many ask that question on the college campus. 00:13:58.240 --> 00:14:00.280 Is there a God? 00:14:00.279 --> 00:14:02.659 We must start with that very foundation 00:14:02.659 --> 00:14:06.299 that yes, in fact, there is a God. 00:14:07.039 --> 00:14:10.379 The fact that our culture is rejecting reality 00:14:10.379 --> 00:14:13.360 that there is a God should not surprise us. 00:14:14.139 --> 00:14:17.019 Paul spoke of this very same phenomenon in his day. 00:14:17.139 --> 00:14:20.159 Romans chapter 1, verse 18 and following. 00:14:20.159 --> 00:14:21.500 He says, 00:14:21.500 --> 00:14:23.419 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven 00:14:23.419 --> 00:14:26.939 against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men 00:14:26.939 --> 00:14:31.539 who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 00:14:32.299 --> 00:14:35.019 For what can be known about God is plain to them 00:14:35.019 --> 00:14:37.179 because God has shown it to them. 00:14:37.839 --> 00:14:39.439 For his invisible attributes, 00:14:39.639 --> 00:14:43.259 namely his eternal power and divine nature, 00:14:43.259 --> 00:14:48.200 have been clearly perceived ever since the creation of the world 00:14:48.200 --> 00:14:51.200 in the things that have been made. 00:14:51.879 --> 00:14:54.080 So they are without excuse. 00:14:54.539 --> 00:14:59.759 The created world cries out that there is a God, 00:14:59.980 --> 00:15:03.019 a creator God who is internal in power 00:15:03.019 --> 00:15:06.319 and has a divine nature. 00:15:06.319 --> 00:15:09.620 This can be perceived clearly, 00:15:10.279 --> 00:15:12.399 but in unrighteousness, 00:15:12.919 --> 00:15:15.519 that truth is suppressed. 00:15:16.740 --> 00:15:21.000 Even the demons are outpacing much of our world. 00:15:21.659 --> 00:15:23.620 James 2.19 we read, 00:15:23.620 --> 00:15:25.860 You believe that God is one you do well. 00:15:26.440 --> 00:15:29.539 Even the demons believe and shudder. 00:15:31.060 --> 00:15:33.600 We must believe that God created the world, 00:15:33.919 --> 00:15:39.360 but further, we must see him as a personal creator God. 00:15:40.419 --> 00:15:42.560 This God made me, 00:15:43.340 --> 00:15:46.019 and this God made you. 00:15:47.019 --> 00:15:49.519 Psalm 139, verse 13. 00:15:50.360 --> 00:15:53.399 You formed my inward parts, 00:15:53.620 --> 00:15:57.080 You knitted me together in my mother's womb. 00:15:57.799 --> 00:16:00.940 God didn't merely spin the world into existence, 00:16:01.159 --> 00:16:02.480 set some things in motion, 00:16:02.639 --> 00:16:04.139 and step back from it, 00:16:04.440 --> 00:16:07.980 but he is a personal creator God. 00:16:08.679 --> 00:16:12.200 My number one go-to apologetic argument 00:16:12.200 --> 00:16:14.320 against the atheist is them. 00:16:15.060 --> 00:16:16.700 I say, you know what's most convincing to me 00:16:16.700 --> 00:16:17.600 that God exists? 00:16:17.820 --> 00:16:18.299 No, the what? 00:16:18.379 --> 00:16:19.080 I'll go, you. 00:16:19.700 --> 00:16:21.259 You are amazing. 00:16:21.259 --> 00:16:23.860 The fact that you have the mental faculty 00:16:23.860 --> 00:16:26.360 to even question the existence of God 00:16:26.360 --> 00:16:27.919 is rather astounding. 00:16:28.259 --> 00:16:31.379 All of those neurons firing off the way they do 00:16:31.379 --> 00:16:33.480 to make you say the things you say 00:16:33.480 --> 00:16:34.840 is pretty incredible. 00:16:35.600 --> 00:16:37.679 We have physical abilities 00:16:37.679 --> 00:16:40.360 that are just, just astounding. 00:16:40.580 --> 00:16:42.919 You're my evidence that a God exists, 00:16:43.000 --> 00:16:44.860 and it usually stops the conversation. 00:16:44.860 --> 00:16:48.139 People don't want to debate that they're amazing. 00:16:54.180 --> 00:16:59.000 You were fearfully and wonderfully made. 00:16:59.600 --> 00:17:01.860 You have a God that knit you together 00:17:01.860 --> 00:17:03.500 in your mother's womb, 00:17:03.580 --> 00:17:06.059 and he loves you immensely. 00:17:06.059 --> 00:17:09.879 Further, we must believe that God revealed himself 00:17:09.879 --> 00:17:13.700 in the person and the work of Jesus Christ. 00:17:14.179 --> 00:17:16.440 We want to know who this God is. 00:17:16.679 --> 00:17:19.940 We are to look at Christ. 00:17:20.519 --> 00:17:23.579 We can't pick one of the many gods of the world, 00:17:24.119 --> 00:17:26.139 pick our favorite adaptation, 00:17:26.480 --> 00:17:27.200 and go with that. 00:17:27.319 --> 00:17:31.639 We must worship God by worshiping Christ. 00:17:32.460 --> 00:17:35.099 Remember at the very beginning of our letter, 00:17:35.099 --> 00:17:38.679 the opening statement of Hebrews chapter 1, 00:17:38.919 --> 00:17:40.959 1 and 2, long ago, 00:17:41.579 --> 00:17:43.619 at many times and in many ways, 00:17:43.719 --> 00:17:46.679 God spoke to our fathers by the prophets. 00:17:47.219 --> 00:17:48.679 But in these last days, 00:17:49.379 --> 00:17:52.059 he has spoken to us by his Son. 00:17:52.959 --> 00:17:54.919 We must believe that God revealed himself. 00:17:55.079 --> 00:17:57.559 He exists and that he revealed himself 00:17:57.559 --> 00:18:01.079 in the person and in the work of Jesus Christ. 00:18:01.500 --> 00:18:03.139 If we are to behold God, 00:18:03.140 --> 00:18:05.900 we are to do so by beholding Jesus. 00:18:07.360 --> 00:18:08.720 In Colossians chapter 1, 00:18:08.860 --> 00:18:11.500 there's a wonderful church hymn. 00:18:11.620 --> 00:18:13.980 It's largely believed that this was a song 00:18:13.980 --> 00:18:17.000 that was being sung in the early church. 00:18:17.400 --> 00:18:19.800 And it makes it so clear that Jesus himself 00:18:19.800 --> 00:18:23.240 is God made flesh. 00:18:24.180 --> 00:18:25.440 That's the astounding thing 00:18:25.440 --> 00:18:28.100 that we're going to celebrate here in just a month. 00:18:28.099 --> 00:18:31.859 We begin thinking about God incarnate, 00:18:32.059 --> 00:18:32.939 coming to earth, 00:18:33.019 --> 00:18:35.539 humbling himself to become a man 00:18:35.539 --> 00:18:37.819 that we might know him. 00:18:38.379 --> 00:18:40.939 We might know that he exists 00:18:40.939 --> 00:18:43.019 and know him personally. 00:18:44.219 --> 00:18:45.399 So Colossians chapter 1, 00:18:45.579 --> 00:18:48.579 beginning in verse 15 and following reads, 00:18:48.579 --> 00:18:50.199 He, being Jesus, 00:18:50.359 --> 00:18:53.119 is the image of the invisible God, 00:18:53.119 --> 00:18:55.559 the firstborn of all creation. 00:18:56.199 --> 00:18:57.000 For by him, 00:18:57.179 --> 00:18:59.779 all things were created in heaven and on earth, 00:19:00.179 --> 00:19:01.399 visible and invisible, 00:19:01.559 --> 00:19:02.939 whether thrones or dominions 00:19:02.939 --> 00:19:04.419 or rulers or authorities. 00:19:04.659 --> 00:19:06.439 All things were created through him 00:19:06.439 --> 00:19:07.819 and for him. 00:19:08.539 --> 00:19:09.819 And he is before all things, 00:19:09.879 --> 00:19:10.519 and in him, 00:19:10.679 --> 00:19:12.519 all things hold together. 00:19:12.960 --> 00:19:14.279 And he is the head of the body, 00:19:14.799 --> 00:19:15.259 the church. 00:19:15.599 --> 00:19:16.359 He is the beginning, 00:19:16.359 --> 00:19:17.799 the firstborn from the dead, 00:19:17.879 --> 00:19:20.439 that in everything he might be preeminent. 00:19:21.240 --> 00:19:21.839 For in him, 00:19:21.879 --> 00:19:22.879 all the fullness of God 00:19:22.879 --> 00:19:23.899 was pleased to dwell, 00:19:24.179 --> 00:19:25.179 and through him, 00:19:25.319 --> 00:19:27.319 to reconcile to himself all things, 00:19:27.639 --> 00:19:29.459 whether on earth or in heaven, 00:19:29.919 --> 00:19:32.199 making peace by the blood of his cross. 00:19:32.740 --> 00:19:35.119 This is packed full of realities 00:19:35.119 --> 00:19:37.979 about who Jesus is. 00:19:38.199 --> 00:19:39.459 As we are a people 00:19:39.459 --> 00:19:41.099 meant to have a faith 00:19:41.099 --> 00:19:43.419 that God exists, right? 00:19:43.539 --> 00:19:44.899 We see in this text, 00:19:44.900 --> 00:19:46.040 Jesus Christ, 00:19:46.180 --> 00:19:46.860 our God, 00:19:46.940 --> 00:19:48.220 as the creator. 00:19:48.620 --> 00:19:50.620 He made all things. 00:19:50.920 --> 00:19:52.780 We see him as the sustainer. 00:19:52.900 --> 00:19:55.400 He holds all things together. 00:19:55.759 --> 00:19:58.240 He is the goal of all of that, right? 00:19:58.320 --> 00:20:00.740 That praise would be offered up to him. 00:20:00.940 --> 00:20:03.920 He is the king ruling over the world 00:20:03.920 --> 00:20:06.780 and specifically the church. 00:20:07.180 --> 00:20:09.720 And he is the reconciler, right? 00:20:09.800 --> 00:20:12.100 Bringing people who are enemies of God 00:20:12.099 --> 00:20:14.980 to a peaceful relationship with him. 00:20:16.139 --> 00:20:18.179 Astounding, astounding truths. 00:20:18.339 --> 00:20:21.179 We must believe that God exists, 00:20:21.319 --> 00:20:22.899 and we must have faith 00:20:22.899 --> 00:20:24.139 that he has revealed himself 00:20:24.139 --> 00:20:25.159 in the person and the work 00:20:25.159 --> 00:20:26.799 of Jesus Christ. 00:20:27.740 --> 00:20:29.359 We also must have faith, 00:20:29.419 --> 00:20:30.619 the author of Hebrew tells us, 00:20:30.619 --> 00:20:34.579 that he rewards those who seek him. 00:20:35.719 --> 00:20:35.879 Right? 00:20:35.880 --> 00:20:37.760 The world of Enoch's day 00:20:37.760 --> 00:20:39.800 was horribly wicked. 00:20:40.440 --> 00:20:43.040 Genesis chapter 6, 11 through 13 00:20:43.040 --> 00:20:43.500 says, 00:20:43.620 --> 00:20:45.700 Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight, 00:20:45.940 --> 00:20:48.520 and the earth was filled with violence. 00:20:49.000 --> 00:20:50.080 And God saw the earth, 00:20:50.140 --> 00:20:51.400 and behold, it was corrupt, 00:20:51.480 --> 00:20:53.560 for all flesh had corrupted their way 00:20:53.560 --> 00:20:54.760 on the earth. 00:20:55.220 --> 00:20:56.340 And God said to Noah, 00:20:56.600 --> 00:20:57.920 I have determined to make an end 00:20:57.920 --> 00:20:58.580 of all flesh, 00:20:58.640 --> 00:20:59.460 for the earth is filled 00:20:59.460 --> 00:21:00.940 with violence through them. 00:21:01.780 --> 00:21:03.300 Behold, I will destroy them 00:21:03.300 --> 00:21:04.640 with the earth. 00:21:04.640 --> 00:21:08.340 So now this was past Enoch's day. 00:21:08.500 --> 00:21:09.920 Enoch had already been taken 00:21:09.920 --> 00:21:12.240 when this event took place. 00:21:13.280 --> 00:21:15.400 But we saw in his prophecy 00:21:15.400 --> 00:21:16.960 found in Jude, right, 00:21:16.980 --> 00:21:19.680 that the world was already corrupted. 00:21:20.320 --> 00:21:22.340 He did not live in an easy day 00:21:22.340 --> 00:21:25.460 in which to be a faithful follower of God. 00:21:26.220 --> 00:21:27.860 But Enoch, by faith, 00:21:28.040 --> 00:21:30.740 resisted the corruption of his day 00:21:30.740 --> 00:21:33.300 and was rewarded for it. 00:21:33.299 --> 00:21:35.440 So what was his reward? 00:21:36.240 --> 00:21:37.460 If we're to have faith 00:21:37.460 --> 00:21:40.220 that God rewards those who seek him, 00:21:40.740 --> 00:21:43.200 what is that reward? 00:21:44.139 --> 00:21:45.859 I think it comes in many forms, 00:21:45.980 --> 00:21:48.680 with comfort and peace and joy. 00:21:49.339 --> 00:21:50.500 But ultimately and finally, 00:21:50.700 --> 00:21:53.259 the greatest and highest reward 00:21:53.259 --> 00:21:55.839 is God himself. 00:21:55.839 --> 00:21:59.339 Enoch walked with God 00:21:59.339 --> 00:22:02.819 and then was taken up. 00:22:04.000 --> 00:22:04.939 To where? 00:22:05.379 --> 00:22:07.839 To be with God. 00:22:08.500 --> 00:22:13.179 God was his reward forevermore. 00:22:14.759 --> 00:22:15.879 Christian people, 00:22:16.059 --> 00:22:19.019 we must have as our highest love 00:22:19.019 --> 00:22:20.559 our God. 00:22:20.559 --> 00:22:22.259 You can imagine 00:22:22.259 --> 00:22:23.659 heaven 00:22:23.659 --> 00:22:25.980 filled with all the pleasures 00:22:25.980 --> 00:22:27.279 that we imagine heaven has 00:22:27.279 --> 00:22:29.460 and God's not there 00:22:29.460 --> 00:22:30.539 and you would be content 00:22:30.539 --> 00:22:31.539 with such a place. 00:22:32.220 --> 00:22:32.980 You may not 00:22:32.980 --> 00:22:33.960 be a Christian. 00:22:34.720 --> 00:22:36.159 The worship of heaven, 00:22:36.759 --> 00:22:37.980 the joy of heaven 00:22:37.980 --> 00:22:39.019 is centered on 00:22:39.019 --> 00:22:40.039 the presence 00:22:40.039 --> 00:22:41.079 of God. 00:22:41.339 --> 00:22:42.299 That he is there, 00:22:42.399 --> 00:22:43.720 that he exists 00:22:43.720 --> 00:22:44.639 and that he 00:22:44.639 --> 00:22:45.859 is for us. 00:22:46.039 --> 00:22:46.119 Right? 00:22:46.179 --> 00:22:47.159 He is our God 00:22:47.160 --> 00:22:50.200 and we are his people. 00:22:51.640 --> 00:22:52.279 The bulletin 00:22:52.279 --> 00:22:53.460 has a quote on it 00:22:53.460 --> 00:22:54.180 as it does every week. 00:22:54.340 --> 00:22:56.160 This week's from Richard Sibbes, 00:22:56.759 --> 00:22:57.860 Puritan preacher who said, 00:22:58.220 --> 00:22:59.180 when we come to be religious, 00:22:59.420 --> 00:23:00.700 we lose not our pleasure, 00:23:01.140 --> 00:23:02.240 but translate it. 00:23:02.800 --> 00:23:04.000 Before we fed 00:23:04.000 --> 00:23:05.480 on common notions, 00:23:05.700 --> 00:23:07.000 but now we live 00:23:07.000 --> 00:23:08.980 on holy truths. 00:23:10.360 --> 00:23:11.600 So Enoch 00:23:11.600 --> 00:23:12.540 is another 00:23:12.540 --> 00:23:14.000 in a series 00:23:14.000 --> 00:23:15.100 of examples 00:23:15.100 --> 00:23:15.779 of people 00:23:15.779 --> 00:23:16.619 who endured 00:23:16.619 --> 00:23:17.500 faithfully 00:23:17.500 --> 00:23:18.720 to the end. 00:23:19.000 --> 00:23:19.079 Right? 00:23:19.420 --> 00:23:20.160 He endured 00:23:20.160 --> 00:23:21.299 much beyond 00:23:21.299 --> 00:23:22.399 what we are going 00:23:22.399 --> 00:23:23.399 to endure. 00:23:24.399 --> 00:23:26.059 365 years 00:23:26.059 --> 00:23:27.000 he walked 00:23:27.000 --> 00:23:28.180 with God. 00:23:29.240 --> 00:23:30.059 May we be 00:23:30.059 --> 00:23:31.639 a persevering people 00:23:31.639 --> 00:23:32.079 who, 00:23:32.720 --> 00:23:33.379 by our faith 00:23:33.379 --> 00:23:34.180 in the existence 00:23:34.180 --> 00:23:34.859 of God 00:23:34.859 --> 00:23:35.339 as revealed 00:23:35.339 --> 00:23:35.899 in the person 00:23:35.899 --> 00:23:36.259 and work 00:23:36.259 --> 00:23:37.059 of Jesus Christ 00:23:37.059 --> 00:23:38.879 and in the reward 00:23:38.879 --> 00:23:39.579 of God 00:23:39.579 --> 00:23:40.619 himself, 00:23:41.859 --> 00:23:42.660 preserve our souls. 00:23:43.279 --> 00:23:44.119 Let's pray together.