In verse 14, he says that those who speak this way, namely about being sojourners, are seeking another country. There's the word I said we were going to dwell on, seeking, seeking another country.

A sojourner walks by faith in the promises of God and seeks another country and greets it from afar.

So what does God promise to those who trust him?

In this episode of Light and Truth,

John Piper turns to Hebrew 11, 13 to 22

to examine the promise that frees us from a love affair with the here and now.

This sermon was originally preached at Bethlehem Baptist Church on June 29th, 1997.

Would you turn with me to Hebrew Chapter 11

verses 13 to 22. All these died in faith without receiving the promises, but having

seen them and having welcomed them from a distance and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed, if they had been

thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had an opportunity to return, but as it is, they desire a better

country that is a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them, the city.

By faith, Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only

begotten son. It was he to whom it was said in Isaac your descendants shall be called.

He considered that God is able to raise men even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type.

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau even regarding things to come. By faith Jacob as he was dying,

blessed each of the sons of Joseph and worshipped, leaning on the top of his staff.

By faith Joseph when he was dying

made mention of the exodus of the Sons of Israel and gave orders concerning his bones.

As I see this text, verses 13 to 16, deal with the inner life of faith before any behavior is performed. There's no big

feet of faith in verses 13 to 16. It's all about what's going on inside.

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