Explore the nature, source, and power of faith, emphasizing that faith is not just belief, but a confident expectation and profound assurance in things unseen.
Good morning, Church family! Today, we find ourselves in the heart of Hebrews 11:1-13, a passage that has been described as the "Hall of Faith". And why not? It's here that we are given a clear and compelling description of faith, its source, and its power.
As a reminder of the text we're exploring, let me share it with you:
[Read passage]
Faith, as we see, is not just belief, but it's a confident expectation and a profound assurance about things we cannot see. It's a trust in something beyond our understanding.
As A.W. Tozer once said, "Faith is the gaze of a soul upon a saving God."
Let's begin with a prayer:
Father, as we delve into Your Word today, we ask for Your guidance and wisdom. Open our hearts and minds to a deeper understanding of faith, its nature, its source, and its power. Strengthen our faith, Lord, that we may trust in You more fully and serve You more faithfully. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
The nature of faith is a concept that is both simple and complex. It is simple in the sense that it is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God, yet complex because it encompasses so many dimensions of our spiritual journey.
Faith, as defined in Hebrews 11:1, is: "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." This definition suggests that faith is not merely a passive belief but an active trust in God and His promises.
It’s confidence: It is the deep-seated conviction that what we hope for, what we believe in, is true and real, even when we cannot see it. This is not a blind confidence, but one rooted in the character and promises of God. It is a confidence that is not shaken by circumstances or swayed by doubts. It is a steadfast trust that stands firm even in the face of trials and tribulations.
The story of Abraham: He "did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised" (Romans 4:20-21).
It's an assurance: It is the certainty that what we do not see is nonetheless real and true. This assurance is not based on physical evidence or empirical proof, but on the word and promises of God. It is an assurance that transcends human understanding and defies logical explanation.
The story of Moses: He "persevered because he saw him who is invisible" (Hebrews 11:27). Moses had never seen God with his physical eyes, yet he had an unshakeable assurance of God's presence and power.
It’s a journey: It is not a one-time event or a static state, but a dynamic process of growing and maturing in our relationship with God. It is a journey marked by trials and triumphs, doubts and discoveries, setbacks and breakthroughs. It is a journey that requires perseverance, courage, and humility.
The story of the Israelites: They who "by faith passed through the Red Sea as on dry land" (Hebrews 11:29). They had to step out in faith, not knowing what lay ahead, but trusting in the God who had promised to deliver them.
It’s a relationship: It is not a mere intellectual assent to a set of doctrines or a blind adherence to a set of rituals, but a personal and intimate relationship with God. It is a relationship that is rooted in love, nurtured by prayer, and sustained by the word of God.
The story of Enoch: He "was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: 'He could not be found, because God had taken him away.' For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God" (Hebrews 11:5). Enoch's faith was not a mere belief in God, but a deep and abiding love for God that pleased Him.
The source of faith is the wellspring from which our belief and trust in God emanates ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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