Does it call you to trust God?

introduction

What does faith mean to you? For some, it means wishful thinking or something they hope is true. (I have faith that my package will arrive today) Others see it as a tenant as Christianity. Still others think faith is groundless or deceptive and has no basis in reality like blind-faith or leap of faith.

Because faith is such an important word, over 240 times in the New Testament, it’s crucial for us to know what it means and how it operates. The writer of Hebrews must have understood this word’s importance since he spent approximately 10% of this letter talking about what it is and how and why people in the Old Testament demonstrated it.

Say there is a fire in house and in the upstairs window there is a child. A crowd is gathering below. How will this kid escape? If he jumps, he risks dying. A strong man comes below the window and urges the child to jump into his arms. Now, it is a part of faith to know the man is there; it is another part to have faith that he is strong but, the essence of faith lies in the jumping into his arms. That is the proof of faith.

So, we know that Jesus died for our sin and we should know that he is able to save but you aren’t saved unless in addition to those things you put your trust in him to be your savior.

The writer emphasized true, biblical faith is supported by something substantial. It is a confidence grounded in the word of God. He is always true, consistent and trustworthy. We can have full confidence in anything He tells us. We can take him at his word.

While we go through these passages to a struggling group of believers, we can learn how faith is involved in discerning the voice of God. Then as we live by faith, we will one ay receive God’s reward.

There are a lot of unknowns about the book of Hebrews. It couldn’t have been written after 95 AD since it was quoted in 1 Clement (an apocryphal book). It also can’t be later than 70 AD since there is no mention of the destruction of the Jewish temple.

The author is unknown as well. It is traditionally believed to have been written by Paul. Some thought it was written by him in Hebrew and then translated by Luke into Greek. Still others thought it was written by Barnabas, Paul’s missionary partner. If it was written by him, it can still claim apostolic origin since Barnabas was one.

The recipients of this letter are also unknown. In all probability the readers were probably of Jewish background due to the large amount of Old Testament references. It is believed by some that this was written to an ancient Libyan city of Cyrene in North Africa.

Whoever the recipients were, who the author was or the location of the recipients, the writer clearly and carefully explained the work of Christ, warned believers about God’s judgment, reminded them of God’s faithfulness, and encouraged them to remain faithful to Christ so they would receive the inheritance God promised.

Faith leads us to believe and rely on God.

Hebrews 11:1–3 (CSB)

Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. For by this our ancestors were approved. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

Being that the recipients of this letter most likely had a Jewish background, they may have been considering returning to the sacrificial system, a works based faith. This system was flawed and was not capable of making people right with God. Salvation is not accomplished by human hands, but by faith.

The writer emphasized the superiority of Jesus’s perfect, once-for-all sacrifice as compared to the sacrificial system. Due to His sacrifice, it introduced a new covenant that offers forgiveness to everyone. And for those to receive the gift of salvation, we must live by faith.

Faith is elaborated on as the essential characteristic of God’s people. Instead of a strict definition, he painted a picture for people to understand it. The Greek word Pistis occurs 243 times in the NT and 32 times in chapter 11 of Hebrews alone.

word

Faith is not blind, and it’s more than wishful thinking. The writer describes it as a reality. The word reality in Greek means to undergird or to support. Scholars have noted that it can either be objective (fact) or subjective (opinion). Because of this, there are different translations. What do you guys have?

These promises are what God’s people have been hoping for. It is an ongoing hope. While we are already recipients of some of God’s promises, much that is related to our life with God is in the future. We expect these things will come but we must wait for them. Thus faith is the foundation on which we wait.

Before something is proven, it must be tested to determine its authenticity. This happens in a courtroom when evidence is presented. It creates an internal conviction in the judge and jury. Just as seeing something brings an internal conviction, so faith gives certainty about things that are beyond the senses. The future is unseen, but through the lens of faith, the believer sees it and lives as if they already possess what God promised.

This is the way many of the Old Testament saints lived. The ancestors exercised this kind of faith. They were believers even before they knew of Jesus. Because of their faith, they were approved. Through their faith they bore witness to God and as a result God bore witness to them. He, God, commended their faithfulness even though they weren’t alive to see the fulfillment of all His promises.

The writer and recipients of Hebrews exercised the same faith as the forefathers. This happened when they considered the origins of the universe. Their perception and discernment didn’t come from their own senses but through the word of God and faith in what He said about His role in creation.

What they knew was that everything was created by the word of God. God had a plan for the universe. God spoke everything, including what is seen, into existence through his powerful word. God’s word was invisible, so the building blocks of creation were not visible.

Faith is the substance as well as the confidence of knowing that God created everything according to His wisdom and plan.

Faith responds with obedience that pleases God.

Hebrews 11:4–6 (CSB)

By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts, and even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith. By faith Enoch was taken away, and so he did not experience death. He was not to be found because God took him away. For before he was taken away, he was approved as one who pleased God. Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

It’s one thing to say you believe in something and it’s another to act on that belief. The writer looks at the ancestors to show the example of those who lived by faith.

Abel and Cain, the sons of Adam and Eve. There have been some who have differing opinions as to why rejected Cain’s offering compared to Abel’s. What do you all think?

Cain presented an offering from the earth, while Abel presented a blood sacrifice from the firstborn of his flock. The writer of Hebrews previously affirmed that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. (Heb. 9:2), there is no suggestion that this was a sacrifice for sin.

Others think that God accepted Abel’s sacrifice because he had the right attitude. However, there is nothing in Genesis that God was considering their hearts.

Because the story doesn’t clearly answer this question, we have to look to other scripture to paint the picture of why God responded differently to them. Although God had no regard for Cain’s offering, in Genesis 4:7, God tells Cain something.

Genesis 4:7 (CSB)

If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”

Later Jesus spoke about righteous Abel.

Matthew 23:35 (CSB)

So all the righteous blood shed on the earth will be charged to you, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar.

John also noted Abel’s deeds were righteous.

1 John 3:12 (CSB)

unlike Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous.

The writer also said Abel was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts. We see the same word applied to Abel. What is it?

Righteous-dikaios means just, correct, innocent, which are based on God’s standard.

Since Abel had a right relationship with God, he did what was right. As a result, he was approved by God. Doing what is right-living by God’s standards-involves living by faith.

Even though Abel lived in ancient times and is now dead, he still speaks through his faith. It still stands as a testimony through God’s word.

Then he speaks of Enoch. Who knows the story of Enoch?

His life is briefly mentioned in chapter 5 of Genesis. His ancestors were dated to be over 900 years old, Enoch only lived to 365 years. However, he was taken away and so he did not experience death. One moment he was on earth and the next he was not to be found because God took him away. He was instantly and supernaturally transferred from Earth, apparently to Heaven.

If a son or daughter and their father are walking along, the child doesn’t have to worry about danger. The father will screen them from it. That’s his job. If there is a difficult place to pass, the father will have to lift the child or help him through it. If the believer walks with God, resting on eternal tenderness and rejoicing in undoubted love, then He should be trusted and we should have faith in him.

Like Abel, Enoch was approved. God continued to make a good report on Enoch through his word. When I think of Enoch walking with God in Genesis 5:24, I think of Micah 6:8.

Micah 6:8 (CSB)

Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.

Because Enoch walked with God, he pleased God. Walking with God is a sign of fellowship, devotion, and trust, which may have been unusual in Enoch’s time. See Jude 1:14-15.

Without faith it is impossible to please God. This faith is based on 2 things: First the person must believe that God exists. The only people who can or will draw near to God are those who trust that he is. This is trusting that God is real, even though he is unseen. This also includes believing that he is the only God.

Second, is trusting in the Lord’s faithfulness. God rewards those who seek him. God made a promise in Jeremiah 29:13.

Jeremiah 29:13 (CSB)

You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.

This is someone who habitually and wholeheartedly seeks God. This persistence is what Jesus approved in Luke 18:1-8.

Luke 18:1–8 (CSB)

Now he told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not give up. “There was a judge in a certain town who didn’t fear God or respect people. And a widow in that town kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’

“For a while he was unwilling, but later he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or respect people, yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice, so that she doesn’t wear me out by her persistent coming.’ ”

Then the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. Will not God grant justice to his elect who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay helping them? I tell you that he will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Jesus spoke several times about the rewards that would be given to those who trust and obey God. The reward is that God will deliver on His promises and there will be rewards for those who seek him.

Faith stays focused on God’s Word and promises.

Hebrews 11:13–16 (CSB)

These all died in faith, although they had not received the things that were promised. But they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth. Now those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they were thinking about where they came from, they would have had an opportunity to return. But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

After mentioning more Old Testament heroes, the writer notes something his readers may not have realized. Everyone listed, with the exception of Enoch, died in faith. Died in faith is the same as according to faith. It is different than by faith. This means it is an enduring quality-not just something exercised on occasion. It is a characteristic aspect of someone’s life.

We need to remember that they did die. Faith wasn’t given to us so that we would escape death, but that we die in faith. Saints die as well as sinners. David died as well as Saul. Those who rely on Christ may live long, but will die. It is destined for people to die once. There have only been two that have entered glory by another way, but only two. There shall come a day when we who are alive and remain shall not see death, but that day is not yet.

God made promises to these individuals, but during their lifetimes they never received the things that were promised. They did receive a great deal just not the fullness of the promises. Abraham did not see his seed as the sands upon the seashore but he did have Isaac, whom he knew would continue the lineage. He had faith that God would follow through with that promise.

You and I haven’t received all the promises either. We haven’t had Jesus return yet, we haven’t heard the trumpet sound. We haven’t seen heaven either with all that comes with it. We are looking forward to these promises but we wait in faith and patience. When we die in faith, we shall be expecting the fulfillment of these promises.

Even though they did not experience the fullness of God’s promises, they saw them from a distance. Again, Abraham could see his people in Egypt, then coming out of Egypt. He could see them traveling through the wilderness and entering into Canaan and taking possession of the land. He also saw the baby in Bethlehem. He saw the Son of God, who was the Son of Man, who was also the son of Abraham too.

John 8:56 (CSB)

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.”

They saw these promises from a distance and since faith has such long arms, it embraced them and they embraced these promises. Like loved ones hug each other.

Have you ever been far from someone, seen them and called out to them? Maybe called them on the phone or Facetime? You aren’t near them and may not see them for some time but you have the relational conversations with them so that you are still close to them.

The same goes for God’s promises. We go to his word and speak to him and he tells us what he will do. We have this relationship and are close to him.

These faithful people confessed they were foreigners and temporary residents on the Earth. Some owned property, planted seeds and built houses but still considered themselves pilgrims. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob lived in tents. This was to show that they did not belong in that country. They were commanded to live alone and to not be numbered among the nations.

Even David knew he was a foreigner (Psalm 39:12).

Psalm 39:12 (CSB)

“Hear my prayer, Lord, and listen to my cry for help; do not be silent at my tears. For I am here with you as an alien, a temporary resident like all my ancestors.

Aren’t you glad that God is an alien with you and not to you?? This also means that God is a stranger here too! Yes, it is his world, he made it, but when Christ, who is the Son of God, and the Creator of the world, came into it, “He came to his own, and his own did not receive him”.

There was no man who ever lived who was a truer man than Christ, but there never was a man who was more unlike the rest of men. He was a homely man, a home-loving man to the last degree, yet He was never at home. This world was not His rest; He had nowhere even to lay His head, and what was true naturally was also true spiritually. This world offered Christ no rest whatsoever.

And with this confession, they were seeking a homeland. True believers know nothing about going back. We are bound to go forward to the better land that is before us. Almighty grace will not permit the people of God to turn aside and find their rest anywhere else. We are bound for the kingdom and, by the grace of God, we shall not rest until we enter it, to go out no more forever.

These ancestors had ample opportunities to return from where they came from. I think it would be naive to believe that there wasn’t any communication that cam to them from their earthly homeland. I’m sure there were conversations between themselves about the remember whens.

They had opportunities to go back and live their lives and settle down in comfort, but they continued to follow the uncomfortable life. They were aliens in the country that God had given them by promise.

So the question is, how do you know if you are following Christ in the way he would have you go?

There is a story about two men walking together and a dog is following them. Who does the dog belong to?

As they approach a crossroad one man goes right and the other goes left, the dog follows his master. Likewise, when Christ and your interest and pleasure seems to go the other way, if you can part with the world and keep with Christ, then you know you are one of his.

But now they desire a better place...they desire something better. And since we desire a better thing, we cannot go back and be content with things that once gratified us.

Because of their faith, God is not ashamed to be called their God. This is a present tense statement. Not he will not be ashamed, he is not ashamed. He is not the God of unbelievers because they act in opposition to his will. Many doubt his existence, deny his power and distrust his love; therefore he is not their God. But when a man comes to trust God, and to accept His Word, from that moment God sees in that man the work of His grace, which is very precious in His eyes, and He is not ashamed to be called that man’s God.

God is not ashamed to be called their God because they are content to live without having received the promises, but to keep on patiently waiting, with a holy, joyful confidence, until the hour of God’s gracious purpose shall arrive, and the promise shall be fulfilled.

He might be ashamed to be called their God if He had unsettled them and made them long for another city, and then never prepared one for them. That which He makes us hunger for is prepared. The bread of life shall be given to us, and the country that He makes us seek exists and will be found by us.

We aren’t waiting for it to be built because God has it ready right now.

Hebrews 11:10

Hebrews 12:22

1 Thess. 4:17

Hebrews 11:10 CSB

For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

Hebrews 12:22 CSB

Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God (the heavenly Jerusalem), to myriads of angels, a festive gathering,

1 Thessalonians 4:17 CSB

Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.