The fact that Christ is a superior Person (Heb. 1–6) and that He exercises a superior Priesthood (Heb. 7–10) ought to encourage us to put our trust in Him. The readers of Hebrews were being tempted to go back into Judaism and put their faith in Moses. Their confidence was in the visible things of this world, not the invisible realities of God. Instead of going on to maturity, they were going “back to destruction.”
In Hebrews 11 all Christians are called to live by faith. In it, the writer describes faith and provides relevant demonstrations of faith.
Faith is to a Christian what a foundation is to a house: it gives confidence and assurance that the believer will stand. When a believer has faith, it is God’s way of giving them confidence and assurance that what is promised will be experienced.
Faith includes a conviction and this is the inward conviction from God that what He has promised, He will perform. The presence of God-given faith in one’s heart is conviction enough that He will keep His Word.
Biblical 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.
The unsaved world does not understand true biblical faith, and that may be because it sees so little faith in action in the church today. The world fails to realize that faith is only as good as its object, and the object of our faith is God. Faith is not some “feeling” that we manufacture. It is our total response to what God has revealed in His Word.[1]
The writer of Hebrews makes it clear that faith is a very practical thing (Heb. 11:3), in spite of what unbelievers say. Faith enables us to understand what God does. Faith enables us to see what others cannot see (note Heb. 11:7, 13, 27). As a result, faith enables us to do what others cannot do! People laughed at these great men and women when they stepped out by faith, but God was with them and enabled them to succeed to His glory.
The best way to grow in faith is to walk with the faithful. Hebrews 11:4-40 is devoted to a summary of the lives and labors of great men and women of faith found in the Old Testament. In each instance, you will find the same elements of faith: (1) God spoke to them; (2) they were stirred in different ways; (3) they obeyed God; (4) they gained God’s approval.
I know that God can heal. But I also know that God does not have to heal in order to prove that I have faith. The writer of Hebrews (11:36–38) records the fact that many unknown men and women of faith were not delivered from difficult circumstances; yet God honored their faith. It takes more faith to endure than it does to escape. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we should trust God and obey Him even if He does not deliver us (Dan. 3:16–18, while God delivered them, we are not guaranteed that we will be delivered from the fire, but we are guaranteed God has a masterful plan that is beyond our comprehension).
Faith enables us to turn from the approval of the world and seek only the approval of God. If God is glorified by delivering His people, He will do it. If He sees fit to be glorified by not delivering His people, then He will do that. But we must never conclude that the absence of deliverance means a lack of faith on the part of God’s children.
Faith looks to the future, for that is where the greatest rewards are found. The people named in this chapter (and those unnamed) did not receive “the promises” (what was promised, Heb. 11:13) but they had God’s witness to their faith that one day they would be rewarded. God’s purpose involves Old Testament saints as well as New Testament saints! One day all of us shall share that heavenly city that true saints look for by faith.
“Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb. 11:6). But this kind of faith grows as we listen to His Word (Rom. 10:17) and fellowship in worship and prayer. Faith is possible to all kinds of believers in all kinds of situations. It is not a luxury for a few “elite saints.” It is a necessity for all of God’s people.
PRINCIPLES
- Faith is a confidence in the reality of what we cannot see.
- Faith begins with a confidence in the existence of God.
- Faith provides a confidence that God rewards those who seek Him with the whole heart.
- Faith enabled Abraham, the patriarchs, Gideon, David, Samuel, and a host of other followers of the Lord to honor Him in daily life.
- Through Christ believers receive the rewards of their faith.
APPLICATIONS
- Trust God because of His faithfulness and reliability.
- Believe in God’s promises, and trust in His character.
- The Old Testament saints were not perfect and neither are we, but they lived by faith to glorify and honor God
- Do not enjoy life on earth so much that you lose sight of your heavenly destination.
- Be willing to face threats, persecutions, and even death as you believe God’s promises.
- Do not focus on the problems and issues before you. Turn your eyes to God
- Trust God for the victory. Know that the victory or the promises may not occur in your lifetime
Final Thoughts:
Faith consists of being sure of what we hope for. It carries the conviction of the reality of what we do not see. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and a host of other faithful followers showed their faith.
By faith they gained divine promises and conquered injustice. Through belief they faced torture and muzzled the mouths of lions. They endured insults, threats, imprisonment, and death. They received God’s approval. They live as shining examples for us to follow. They challenge us when we waver. They call us to climb the mountains of difficulty which surround us.
When we believe God, we take Him at His word and walk with Him through whatever He places before us. With faith in God we can face sickness, loss of job, family difficulties, and uncertain futures. With faith in God we can glorify our Father in daily living, find and follow His will for our lives, and receive His commendation of “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21).
[1] Warren Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol 2 (Colorado Springs: Victor Books, 1989), 938.