Faith

“FAITH”

Hebrews 11

Introduction: Some of the great words of the Bible: Salvation, grace, reconciliation, forgiveness, redemption. Perhaps none is more important than faith. This chapter is the great chapter of faith. (1 Cor. 15 - resurrection; 1 Cor.13 - love, etc.)

This lesson will notice faith in three ways:

1. Faith Defined (v.1)

2. Faith Emphasized (v.6)

3. Faith Illustrated (rest of chapter).

I. Faith Defined

A. Not an exhaustive definition.

B. Notice some unusual words connected with faith.

1. Substance - hupostasis - see 1:3 person; foundation; etc.

2. Evidence — not blind, not subjective. Not better felt than told.

a. Rom 10:17

b. No evidence, no faith! (See also 1 Pet. 3:15)

3. Understand - (v.3). Cf. Ps. 119:130.

II. Faith Emphasized (v. 6)

A. “Must” — not a favorite word with many people.

B. Notice these musts:

1. Must believe that God is: that he exists! Plenty of evidence:

                                 a.       His power is seen at the creation (Rom. 1:20).
                                 b.       His love is seen at the cross (John 3:16).
                                 c.       His wisdom is seen in the church (Eph. 3:10).
                                 d.       His grace is revealed in the gospel (Titus 3:11, 12).

2. Must believe that God will reward the diligent seeker!

a. Acts 17:24-27.
b. Mt. 7:7-8; 6:33.

III. Faith Illustrated

A. We are saved by grace, and we are saved by faith.

1. Grace includes everything God has done to provide for our salvation.

2. Faith includes everything man does in response to God’s grace.

B. Notice: God has always required faith! (v.2).

1. Heb. 10:39, Hab. 2:4 - “The just shall live by faith.”

2. Even in the Old Testament, God placed a great premium on faith!

Conclusion: James 2:24, 26. Hebrews 11 is an inspired commentary on this passage!