We have come this far by FAITH.
Hebrews 11:1
Exercise: WRITE DOWN ONE of YOUR FEARS, YOUR ADDICTIONS, YOUR HABITS, YOUR ISSUES, ANYTHING THAT YOU NEED THE LORD TO MOVE ON. NO NAMES PLEASE. PASS THEM UP to ME.
Our scripture text is found in Hebrews 11:1-6
1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
4By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Let’s take a look at each one of these verses in detail, so we can better understand what God is saying to us.
Verse 1: Now Faith, the word NOW is a measure of TIME, and TIME is Tiny Increments Measuring Eternity. Remember God breathe into Adam the breath of Life, and man became a living Soul. (GENESIS 2:7) That same breath was in EVE, and their children and in you, and me and man is the only creation of God to have a living soul, that’s for eternity.
Now FAITH: we all know what the definition of faith is, but practically what does it mean? Well faith is Facing Adversity Instead of Turning and Hiding. That’s what FAITH really is. It’s knowing that God is going to fight and win your battle before it arrives to you.
(GIVE EXAMPLE)
Sunday You leave church, excite and ready to serve
Monday You realize you only have enough gas in your car for one day
Tuesday A friend who owned you money, decides to pay you
Wednesday You are low on food
Thursday Call from a friend who went fishing and wants to bring you some
Friday It’s payday!
Notice how every time a situation arises, God already has an answer waiting for you. That’s FAITH. Knowing that God is going to make a way even before it happens. That’s Facing Adversity Instead of Turning and Hiding.
Let’s further break down some of these words:
Substance of things hoped for: Substance means support, essence, assurance, confidence.
Things mean deeds, affairs, matters, work
Hoped means expect
Evidence: means proof, conviction
Seen: perceived, or sight
Putting it all together, it is the support and assurance that in our affairs and matters that we can expect God to prove Himself even though we can’t see how He’s going to do it!
Verse 2: For by it the elders obtained a GOOD report
Elders: means older, the clergy, experienced
Obtained: means to be a witness.
Until you can have FAITH or better Face adversity instead of turning and hiding, you cannot obtain a GOOD report. Why? Because you show a lack of trust in God. Why? Because when we go through adverse situations, it is not you fighting it anyway, it is God’s battle. The battle is not yours; it’s the Lord’s. You are saying to the world, I believe in God, but I don’t believe He can solve this problem for me.
TRUST in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not to thy own understanding. PROVERBS 3:1-6.
Verse 3 - 5 Halls of FAITH
Verse 6: But without FAITH it is impossible to please HIM. Until you can face your giants, your fears, your addictions, your habits, your enemies, your issues you cannot please him. God desires us to TRUST Him completely.
As we further examine the Halls of Faith
If Abraham could face adversity instead of turning and hiding, and offer up Isaac
If Noah could face adversity instead of turning and hiding, and build an ark
If Lot could face adversity instead of turning and hiding, and leave the city
Surely we can face adversity instead of turning and hiding, and deal with our depression, our loneliness, our addictions, etc. (Read the cards that were passed forward.)
