August 8, 2021
Hebrews 11:1-8, 13-16
Introduction:
To encourage those of the faith, the writer of Hebrews in this chapter, explains by examples those who demonstrated faith. Through these examples in biblical history, faith is revealed through assurance in God’s future promises that inspire believers to persevere. It is the Jewish history, heroes of faith, that challenges believers to grow in faith. Hebrews 11 is a literary masterpiece of historical retrospective.
1 FAITH IS CONFIDENCE AND CERTAINTY (Hebrews 11:1-3)
It is here that faith and confidence are one in the same. If one has faith, they have confidence, if there is confidence in the believer, there we find faith, faith that is in Jesus Christ and His saving grace. We find words of encouragement in the promises for those of us who encounter struggles and persecution. In the time of this text, the believers were struggling with their faith, the writer encourages them to hold strong to the true reality that faith in Christ is superiority to that of Judaism and religious leaders. He begins with the words, “by faith”.
By faith in God, we can be certain in a world of uncertainties.
2 FAITH REWARDED (vv. 4-5, 7-8)
The writer list those of historical significance regarding historical faith. Enoch walked with God, he was pleasing to God and God took him. Abel’s sacrifice, Noah took God at his word of things not yet seen, building an ark in a wicked generation. Abraham , father of faith, leaving his homeland, leaving his relatives. He obeyed God, left all his kin, these, all because of their faith, were rewarded.
3 FAITH IS NECESSARY (vv. 6)
We find here that works without faith is dead. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Faith is necessary to walk with God.
4 UNFULLFILLED HOPES IN THINGS UNSEEN (vs. 13-16)
The heroes of faith never lost hope. They looked not for earthly promises but looked forward to becoming heirs of righteousness.
CONCLUSION:
We live in uncertain times. The writer in this chapter of Hebrew, gives encouragement to those who were struggling with their faith. He gives a history lesson of heroes of faith. They all had these in common, trust and obey that equals faith. To trust and obey is to have confidence for the unknown, that gives hope.
I truly believe if God says it’s so, then so it is.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”
Rev. Johnny H. Eskridge