Jesus - Object of Faith

Faith Unseen: Trusting Jesus, Our True Hope

Bible Passage: Hebrews 11:1–6

Summary: Hebrews 11:1–6 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen, emphasizing that our ultimate faith should be placed in Jesus Christ, the source of all hope and assurance.

Application: This passage helps Christians understand that although they may face uncertainties, their faith in Jesus anchors their hope. It encourages believers to trust in Jesus, especially when circumstances seem bleak or unclear.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that true faith goes beyond mere belief; it involves a relational trust in Jesus, who fulfills all promises and grants us assurance in what we cannot see.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the Bible, Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of faith as He embodies the hope of salvation and eternal life, making Him the reason for our faith and conviction in God's promises.

Big Idea: Faith in Jesus provides a firm foundation for hope in life's uncertainties and strengthens our conviction in God's promises, guiding us through the unseen.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon, consider delving into the nuances of faith in the ancient context, looking at how 'faith' is defined and exemplified throughout Scripture. Utilizing Logos, you could explore biblical dictionaries on the terms used in Hebrews 11 and consult commentaries for insights into the historical context of the audience. Investigating related texts, such as Romans 4 and 2 Corinthians 5, can enrich the understanding of faith's application.

Introduction

Let me ask you something personal this morning: What are you hoping in right now? Really—what gets you out of bed, what keeps you moving forward when life gets heavy, and what do you quietly believe will "make it all okay"? For some, it’s a better job. For others, it’s a clean bill of health. For many, it's the dream that someday life will finally slow down and everything will “make sense.”

But I want to suggest something that may sound a bit jarring: If your hope is placed in anything this world can touch, steal, break, or bury—your hope is too small. Because real hope—the kind that sustains you through pain, loss, confusion, delay, and even death—is only found in trusting Jesus Christ. He is not just a source of hope. He is our true hope.

And that brings us to Hebrews 11:1–6 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” —one of the most theologically rich and pastorally encouraging sections in the New Testament. It’s the beginning of what many have called the “Hall of Faith.” Not the Hall of Fame, though the names here deserve recognition. This chapter doesn’t celebrate achievement, but faith—that deep, God-rooted trust in things not yet seen.

But don’t misunderstand: Hebrews 11 isn’t just a list of inspirational Bible characters. It’s not a museum of ancient relics. It’s a living testimony to the kind of faith that pleases God—faith that’s not theoretical but practical, not just internal but lived out. And verses 1–6 set the foundation for the whole chapter by telling us what faith is, how it works, and what kind of life flows from it.

We’re All People of Faith—The Question Is, Faith in What?

Now, you might be thinking, “Well, this message is about faith—I already have faith. That’s why I’m at church!” But I want you to understand something: Everyone has faith. The question is not if you have faith, but where you place it.

People exercise faith every day. You trust your brakes when you drive. You trust your doctor to prescribe the right medicine. You trust that your refrigerator light will come on when you open the door (unless you have teenagers—then you trust there’s no food left inside).

But spiritual, biblical faith is something altogether different. It's not faith in a system, a schedule, or a salary. It's not faith in yourself (despite what every motivational poster says). It's faith that is anchored in God—in His character, His Word, and His promises.

Hebrews 11:1 gives us the clearest definition in all of Scripture:

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (NASB 1995)

Faith is assurance—a firm confidence that what God has promised, He will do. It’s conviction—a settled belief in realities we cannot yet see with physical eyes, but that we know are true because God has revealed them.

It’s not wishful thinking. It’s not naïve optimism. It’s not, “Well, I sure hope it all works out.” No—biblical faith says, “God, I may not see it yet, but if You said it, I believe it—and I’ll live like it’s true.”

Now, I hold no man’s faith to be sure faith unless he knows what he believes. Faith, Volume 3, Sermon #107 - Hebrews 11:6

Charles Spurgeon

Faith Doesn’t Ignore Reality—It Anchors in a Greater Reality

Some people think faith means checking your brain at the door. “You Christians,” they say, “you just believe in myths and fairy tales.” But let me challenge that. It takes far more faith to believe that the universe created itself out of nothing, that life spontaneously appeared and developed purpose, design, and intelligence through accidental mutations, than it does to believe in a Creator who designed us for Himself.

Faith doesn’t ignore reality—it sees beyond it. Faith sees what’s not visible to the natural eye: a God who is present when life is falling apart, a Savior who intercedes when we’re too weak to pray, a heaven that awaits when this world passes away.

Hebrews 11:3 reminds us:

“By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.”

That’s a faith that anchors us in something eternal. The kind of faith that says, “This world is not all there is.” That’s the faith we need when the doctor calls with a diagnosis, when the job ends, when the prodigal still hasn’t come home.

You see, faith doesn’t deny the difficulty—it just refuses to let it have the final word.

Faith Is Not Passive—It’s Obedient

Faith isn’t just belief—it’s movement. It’s not just agreement with God—it’s alignment with God. That’s why in Hebrews 11, you won’t see people sitting around talking about how spiritual they are. You’ll see them walking, building, giving, blessing, suffering, and dying—all in faith.

Verse 4 tells us Abel offered a better sacrifice. Verse 5 tells us Enoch walked with God. And verse 6 tells us plainly:

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him…”

That’s not a suggestion. It’s not, “God is slightly disappointed when you don’t have faith.” It says it's impossible to please Him apart from it.

In other words, you can be the nicest person in town, the most generous, the most moral, the most religious—but if your life is not rooted in trusting Jesus Christ, it is not pleasing to God.

Let me put it another way: Faith is the currency of the kingdom. You can’t buy your way into heaven with your works. You don’t get there by effort, background, or reputation. You get there by placing your full, soul-deep trust in the finished work of Christ.

That’s what pleases God—not perfection, but dependence.

A Quick Story for You

There was once a missionary overseas who was trying to translate the Bible into the local language. He struggled with how to convey the word “faith.” One day, a native who had been out hunting came in, dropped into a chair, and said, “Ahh… it feels so good to lean my whole weight on this.” The missionary jumped up and said, “That’s it! That’s what faith is—leaning your whole weight on God.”

Friend, are you leaning your whole weight on Jesus—or just giving Him a Sunday nod while trusting yourself the rest of the week?

Faith doesn’t mean you won’t wrestle. It means when the wrestling ends, you fall into God’s arms, not away from them.

Why This Sermon Matters Right Now

Let’s be real: The world is aching for hope. People are exhausted. Anxious. Distracted. Doubtful. And sometimes, even those of us who know Jesus can start drifting into survival mode. That’s why this message is not just about what faith is—it’s about where our faith must be anchored.

It must be in Jesus, our true and living hope. Not in church attendance. Not in conservative values. Not even in our knowledge of the Bible—unless that knowledge leads us to trust and treasure Jesus Christ above all.

Faith is what begins our relationship with God—but it’s also what sustains it. That’s why Hebrews 11 doesn’t give us a single example of someone who walked by sight. It celebrates people who walked by faith—some in triumph, others in trial—but all clinging to the promises of a faithful God.

So Here’s Where We’re Going:

In the moments ahead, we’re going to unpack four key truths from Hebrews 11:1–6:

Faith Defined and Directed – What is faith, and where is it aimed? (vv. 1–2)

Foundational Faith in Creation – How does believing in God as Creator shape everything? (v. 3)

Faithfulness in Giving Pleases God – What does faithful obedience in worship look like? (v. 4)

Faithful Living Delights God – What kind of life pleases Him most? (vv. 5–6)

And in every point, we will see this truth rise to the top:

Jesus is our true hope. And trusting Him is what pleases the Father.

Let’s open our hearts, our Bibles, and our lives to be challenged, comforted, and changed by this powerful Word from the Lord.

1. Faith Defined and Directed

Hebrews 11:1–2 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval.”

Faith. It’s a word we toss around like a football in the church parking lot—sometimes spiraling beautifully, other times just flopping awkwardly. But Hebrews 11:1 doesn’t let us get away with vague or fluffy definitions. It gives us a rock-solid, Spirit-inspired explanation: Faith is both assurance and conviction. One is confidence in future promises, the other is a certainty about unseen realities.

Let’s make it practical. Faith isn’t like trusting your GPS when you already know the way—it’s more like following your GPS down a dirt road in the middle of nowhere, with no cell signal, and it’s telling you to “turn left” into what looks like someone’s cow pasture. You either trust the voice—or you don’t. Biblical faith says, “Lord, I can’t see what You see, but I believe You’re good, and I’m following You.”

Notice that the writer says, “For by it the men of old gained approval.” That’s huge. In the hall of fame of faith, what made the difference wasn’t perfection, charisma, or even strategy—it was faith. It was trusting God enough to take Him at His Word. Abraham, Noah, Moses, Sarah—they weren’t perfect. In fact, some of their resumes look more like a blooper reel than a highlight reel. But God approved of them because they trusted Him.

We live in a world that demands visible results and instant gratification. We’re a microwave society serving a slow-cooker God. But faith presses forward even when nothing makes sense. It holds tight to hope when the world shouts, “You’re crazy!”

Let’s define faith how the Bible defines it—not wishful thinking, not optimism, not “hoping for the best.” It’s rooted confidence in God’s promises and rock-solid belief in realities we cannot yet see.

Imagine planting a seed in the ground. You water it, nurture it, and even talk to it, but it takes time. You don’t just wish for a tree to magically appear; you trust the process rooted in the promise of that seed’s growth. In our faith journey, we sometimes feel like that seed, but when we remember that God’s promises are true, we continue to nurture our faith, knowing that it will blossom in His perfect timing.

Here’s the question: Is your faith defined by God’s Word or by your feelings? Is it directed toward His promises or anchored in your own understanding?

Faith defined rightly leads to life directed rightly. Trusting Jesus as our true hope means we stop demanding control and start walking in dependence.

2. Foundational Faith in Creation

Hebrews 11:3 “By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.”

Hebrews 11:3 brings us back to the very beginning—Genesis 1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day. Then God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” God made the expanse, and separated the waters which were below the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse; and it was so. God called the expanse heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day. Then God said, “Let the waters below the heavens be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. God called the dry land earth, and the gathering of the waters He called seas;…” . The author reminds us that understanding creation is an act of faith. “By faith we understand…”—not by telescope, microscope, or high-powered lab equipment, though those have their place. The foundation of our worldview is not science explaining God but God explaining the world.

Let me put it this way: If you walked into a room and saw a fully cooked Thanksgiving dinner on the table—turkey, dressing, pies, the whole deal—you wouldn’t assume it exploded out of the refrigerator, would you? No, you’d say, “Someone prepared this.” Yet when we look at the finely tuned laws of nature, the complexities of DNA, and the order of the cosmos, the secular world says, “Well, it just happened.” That takes more faith than I’ve got!

But notice what the text says: “...so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.” That’s not only a statement about the origin of matter—it’s a statement about the God behind the matter. God speaks, and matter obeys. That’s not just creation—that’s authority.

Here’s the big idea: What you believe about creation affects how you live in God’s creation. If you believe you’re an accident, you’ll live like one. But if you believe you were created by God for a purpose, it changes everything.

You might feel overwhelmed by the pressures of life and a sense of directionlessness. To combat this, begin each morning with prayer, asking God to reveal His purpose for you. Journal about your day and include instances where you felt fulfilled or guided. This practice will help you to recognize and reflect on the moments that resonate with your created purpose and keep you grounded in the understanding that you are part of His divine plan.

At work, you may struggle with feeling insignificant or burned out amidst daily tasks. Take ten minutes each day to meet with a colleague and openly discuss how you believe your roles serve a greater purpose. Share how your skills and efforts contribute to the company's mission, which can not only encourage others but also uplift your own sense of calling. Through this mutual support and acknowledgment, you'll feel more empowered and connected to your work.

As a student, navigating social pressures and expectations can feel daunting and isolating. When you find a peer or classmate struggling with identity or direction, take a moment to share that you believe everyone has a unique purpose designed by God. Introduce them to a supportive group or church event where they can discover their own strengths and passions in a loving environment. This act could ignite hope within them and foster a community of purposeful individuals.

As a parent, you may struggle with feelings of inadequacy in raising your children or doubts about your impact. Institute a family 'purpose night' each week, where all members can share their dreams and aspirations. Encourage your children to express how they see their roles in the family and beyond, while you share your unique purpose in their lives. By creating an atmosphere of support and encouragement, you reinforce the idea that everyone has significant contributions to make.

If you are a community leader, you may feel the weight of responsibility and uncertainty about what impact you’re truly making. Organize local workshops where members of the community can come together to discuss their unique purposes and how they can align their actions with those purposes for the greater good. Highlight stories of individuals who made significant changes by applying their God-given talents. This can revitalize leadership efforts and inspire others to find and live out their special purpose.

And don’t miss this: The author is not debating evolution here—he’s exalting faith. He’s saying that even our understanding of the physical universe must start with trusting what God says about it. It’s not anti-intellectual; it’s biblically foundational.

So when you look at the stars, when you see a newborn baby, when you stand in awe at the ocean—remember, it’s not random. It’s the fingerprint of a faithful Creator. And He didn’t just make the world—He’s sustaining it. The same God who spoke galaxies into being knows your name.

Faith in creation is more than just an apologetics argument—it’s a trust issue. And trusting Jesus as our true hope begins with believing that He created us, sustains us, and has a plan for us.

3. Faithful Giving Pleases God

Hebrews 11:4 “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.”

Giving is one of those spiritual practices that reveals what’s happening deep in the heart. And in Hebrews 11:4, we’re taken all the way back to Cain and Abel. You know the story—two brothers, two offerings, one accepted, one rejected. Abel brought the best of his flock; Cain brought “some” of his produce (Genesis 4:3–5). And God made a distinction—not based on the offering’s contents, but the heart behind it.

Here’s the kicker: Abel’s offering pleased God because it was given in faith. It wasn’t just about the lamb; it was about the love and trust behind the lamb. Faith is the difference between a ritual and a relationship.

Let’s put this in modern terms: Two guys walk into church on Sunday. Both put a check in the offering plate. One does it because he’s afraid God’s going to flatten his tires if he doesn’t tithe. The other gives joyfully, out of trust in God’s provision. Both checks clear—but only one pleases the Lord.

You see, God doesn’t need your money. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills—and the Chick-fil-A franchises on all of them. What He wants is your heart. And faithful giving reveals a heart that says, “God, I trust You more than I trust my bank account.”

Let’s take a humorous angle. A man once said, “Lord, I’ll start tithing once I get my raise.” And the Lord responded, “Well, I’ve been waiting for you to tithe before I give the raise.” That man’s logic is like saying, “I’ll start brushing my teeth after all the cavities are gone.”

The point is, faith precedes the blessing. Abel wasn’t rewarded for being wealthy; he was commended for being willing. The text says, “through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous.” God saw his gift, but more than that, God saw his heart. And the testimony remains: Faithful giving is still speaking to us today.

Every time you give—your time, your finances, your resources—you’re proclaiming something: “God is trustworthy. I don’t give out of guilt—I give out of faith.”

In the early 19th century, a little girl named Mary in a small village decided to give her only coin to the church's fund for the poor. She hardly had enough for herself, but she believed God would provide. The preacher saw her sacrifice and was so moved that he used her story as a rallying point for the congregation, leading to an incredible increase in donations that helped many families. Mary's faith in her small act inspired a community—and serves as a reminder that even the tiniest gifts can have monumental impacts.

Let’s not miss the application here. Faithfulness in giving isn’t just about Sunday morning offerings. It’s about a lifestyle of generosity that says, “God, You’ve given everything to me, and I trust You to provide as I give back.”

Faith doesn’t calculate every penny out of fear—it gives with open hands because it believes God’s hands are bigger.

So let me ask you: Does your giving reflect faith? Are you offering God your first and best—or your leftovers and regrets?

Abel may be long gone, but his story still speaks. And it speaks loudest when we hold our checkbooks loosely and our Savior tightly.

4. Faithful Living Delights God

Hebrews 11:5–6 “By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”

Enoch is one of the most intriguing people in Scripture. He doesn’t get a big biography, but what we do know is powerful: He walked with God—and one day, God just took him. No death, no funeral, no grave. Enoch just... vanished into glory. Now that’s an exit plan!

But why did God take Enoch? Verse 5 tells us: He “was pleasing to God.” And how did he please God? Through faithful living.

Let’s stop here for a second. In a world obsessed with productivity, God is pleased with faithfulness. Not results, not fame, not platform size—just walking with Him every day. That’s what Enoch did. He didn’t get a book deal or plant 37 churches—he walked with God.

That may sound too simple, but don’t underestimate it. Consistency in faithfulness is like a spiritual superpower in today’s flaky culture. Faithfulness isn’t flashy—but it delights the heart of God.

Imagine a tightrope walker balancing high above the ground. Each step he takes is filled with concentration, determination, and faith in his own abilities. Like him, our Christian walk requires us to take one step at a time, even when the way seems uncertain. Just as the walker trusts the rope beneath him, we must trust in God’s promises, consistently moving forward in faith despite the challenges below. With each step of faith, we become stronger, more confident, and closer to the divine balance of our Creator.

And then verse 6 hammers the point home: “Without faith it is impossible to please Him…” That word impossible isn’t suggesting difficulty—it means what it says. It’s not just hard to please God without faith—it’s impossible.

Let’s be real—some of us live like God is most pleased when we’re busy, loud, and tired. But God says, “What pleases Me most is when you trust Me.”

Faith means believing God exists, yes, but also that He’s good—a “rewarder of those who seek Him.” You don’t follow God for what you can get—but don’t miss this: God delights in blessing those who delight in Him.

Here’s a humorous illustration: A little boy was told that if he did all his chores without complaining, he’d get a reward. So he mowed the yard, vacuumed the living room, and even fed the cat. But he did it all while groaning like a martyr. At the end, he asked, “Where’s my reward?” His mom said, “Your reward is you’re still alive.”

That’s not how God treats us. He’s not a reluctant giver. When we walk by faith, He doesn’t say, “Do better!”—He says, “Well done.”

Let’s wrap this up with a question: Is your life marked by daily faithfulness or frantic performance?

Faithful living says, “God, I trust You when I wake up, when I go to work, when I deal with difficult people, and when I don’t understand what You’re doing.” That’s the kind of faith that delights the Father.

Conclusion

Faith is not a one-time decision; it’s a lifestyle. It defines how we view the world (v.1–2), how we see our origin (v.3), how we give (v.4), and how we live (v.5–6). And all of it—every bit of it—is directed toward trusting Jesus as our true hope.

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him...” (Heb. 11:6a)

So church, don’t just talk about faith—live it. Trust Jesus in the unseen, the uncertain, the unexplainable. He is your true hope, and He is always faithful.