By Faith - Hebrews 11:1
By Faith
Hebrews 11:1
1. Faith = what can be believed, a state of certainty with regard to belief
2. Substance = confidence, being sure (It carries a sense of reality or assurance)
· This is the same word used in 11:3 to explain that Jesus took on human “substance,” “the express image of His person [substance].”
· 5 occurrences: 3-confidence, 1-substance, 1-person
3. hope = a trusting, confident hope, an expectation (denotes a certainty).
4. Evidence = proof
This verse then, teaches us that faith provides the reality and proof of things which we can’t see directly.
Faith is being sure and certain about unseen hopes and realities.
The validity of Christian faith does not rest on either our sincerity or our fervency. Christian faith stands or falls on the truth that the Word of God reveals.
True Bible faith is not blind optimism or a manufactured “hope-so” feeling. Neither is it an intellectual assent to a doctrine. It is certainly not believing in spite of evidence! That would be superstition.
Faith is more than conviction of the reality of the facts that God has unveiled. Faith also exists as response to those facts. The Scripture makes it clear: “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (v. 6).
True Bible faith is confident obedience to God’s Word in spite of circumstances and consequences.
This faith operates quite simply. God speaks and we hear His Word. We trust His Word and act on it no matter what the circumstances are or what the consequences may be. The circumstances may be impossible, and the consequences frightening and unknown; but we obey God’s Word just the same and believe Him to do what is right and what is best.
When we are willing to accept as fact what God’s Word says, and in response reach out to seek and to experience relationship with Him, then we have begun to live by faith. And then we will be rewarded.
Faith is extremely important:
· Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6)
NKJ Habakkuk 2:4 " Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.
· “His faith” = the reality of God
Faith brings salvation:
Acts 11:24 24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. (Barnabus)
· Barnabus’ faith helped others to come to Christ.
Ephesians 2:8 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Faith is essential for protection:
Ephesians 6:16 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
2 Corinthians 1:24 . . .by faith you stand. (steadfast as a Christian)
2 Corinthians 5:7 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
1 Timothy 6:11-12 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Faith is the victory that overcomes the world!
1 John 5:4 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith.