Heb. 11:1-6 No Way, No How

Hebrews 11:1-6

ALL OR NOTHING

Introduction

This first week of our Lenten Fast we have been praying for deeper intimacy with Christ and God’s word. This has led to the experiencing of a stronger faith in God.

From this time I have learned that without FAITH, we cannot please our God, or satisfy our God!

My hope is that we can leave to today with the understanding of the necessity of faith to please our God!

#1 The Nature of Faith (1-3)

(1) Faith is not just some abstract concept, but a concrete reality… (1)

Faith is BEING CERTAIN of what we DON’T SEE…to live by FAITH is to LIVE OUT OF THE UNSEEN. (Joel Gregory)

(1) Faith guarantees what believers hope for

(2) Because of their faith, people of old won God’s approval

(3) The visible world was created by the word of God

“Eyesight produces a conviction about objects in the physical world. Faith produces the same convictions for the invisible order. Faith shows itself by producing assurance that what we hope for will happen. Faith also provides an insight into realities which otherwise remain unseen. A person with faith lets these unseen realities from God provide a living, effective power for daily life.”

In other words, faith is spiritual!

Lea, Thomas D. Hebrews, James. Vol. 10. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999. Print. Holman New Testament Commentary.

Ellingworth, Paul. The Epistle to the Hebrews: A Commentary on the Greek Text. Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 1993. Print. New International Greek Testament Commentary.

#2 The Examples of Faith (4-5)

Abel’s sacrifice shows [an example of] the results of faith (4) - faith in his GIVING...

Enoch’s “translation” [is an example that] shows more of what faith is (5) - faith in his LIVING...

Ellingworth, Paul. The Epistle to the Hebrews: A Commentary on the Greek Text. Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 1993. Print. New International Greek Testament Commentary.

# 3 The Importance of Faith (6)

FAITH and Pleasing GOD are Inseparable

No Way, No How!!

No Faith, No God — Know Faith, Know God

Conclusion

- “Faith is acting like it is so even when it is not so in order that it might be so simply because God said so.” (Dr. Tony Evans)

- “Keep moving forward, no matter what comes your way!” (Dr. Tony Evans)