Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 13:23–27

Introduction

A. In recent months we have seen a lot of heroes fall.

B. If you can’t look up to actors or athletes or politicians or even fictional lawyers, whom can you admire?

Discussion

I. Even great men of faith will let us down.

A. The first hero to disappoint is Noah (Genesis 9:20–25).

B. Abraham lets us down too (Genesis 16:4).

C. David’s sins were a blight on an otherwise-extraordinary life (1 Kings 15:5).

D. Many of David’s descendants did the same, including Solomon (1 Kings 11:1), Asa (2 Chronicles 16:1–10), Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 19:1–3; 20:35–37), Amaziah (2 Chronicles 25:14–15), Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:16, and Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:25).

II. Fortunately there is one “hero” who will never let us down.

A. We serve a God who never fails to keep His word (Romans 4:20–21; Deuteronomy 7:9; 1 Kings 8:56; James 1:17).

B. We serve a God who never lies (Hebrews 6:18–19; Titus 1:1–2; Deuteronomy 32:4; Numbers 23:19–20).

C. We serve a God who will never forsake us (Genesis 28:15; Deuteronomy 31:7–8; Hebrews 13:5–6).

Conclusion

A. When your heroes let you down, just remember to “look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of the faith” (Hebrews 12:2).

B. If you have let the Lord down, He is faithful and just to forgive those who will repent and confess (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9).