COMMENDED THROUGH FAITH

Hebrews 11:39–40 (ESV) — 39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Hebrews 11:39–40 ESV

39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

I. FAITH BROUGHT AFFIRMATION

Hebrews 11:2 (ESV) — 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.

Hebrews 11:2 ESV

2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.

to be approvingly testified of v. — to be or become affirmed favorably by firsthand authentication.

II. FAITH ENDURES BY SEEING

Hebrews 11:39 (ESV) — 39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised…

Hebrews 11:39 ESV

39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,

All the faithful (the known and unknown, the famously triumphant and those who anonymously persevered in suffering) were “commended for their faith.” God forgets no one who loves and serves him! It is his great pleasure to commend faith![1]

III. FAITH UNITES

Hebrews 11:40 (ESV) — 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Hebrews 11:40 ESV

40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Romans 1:16 (ESV) — 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Romans 1:16 ESV

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

John 8:56–58 (ESV) — 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.

John 8:56–58 ESV

56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

True faith is never found alone; it is always accompanied by expectation. The man who believes the promises of God expects to see them fulfilled. Where there is no expectation, there is no faith.

Psalm 27:13; Romans 8:22–25; Hebrews 11:1–2

God Tells the Man Who Cares, 150.

A. W. Tozer

[1] Hughes, R. K. (1993). Hebrews: an anchor for the soul (Vol. 2, p. 153). Crossway Books.