Scripture printed text: Hebrews 11:1-16
The author of Hebrews is unknown, but the writer in the eleventh chapter encourages his audience in the faith. He explains the superiority of faith by examples of people who demonstrated greater faith. Through examples in biblical history, faith is revealed through assurance in God’s future promises with the implications that inspire believers to persevere.
Hebrews chapter eleven is known as the heroes of faith. A hero is a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievement or noble qualities. God has raised up many heroes who trusted Him by faith, despite their difficulties and challenges. These men and women serves as our example on how to trust God completely. Because of God’s faithfulness, He can be fully trusted.
Lesson outline:
- Faith is Confidence and Certainty (Hebrews 11:1-3)
- Faith Rewarded (Hebrews 11:4-5, 7-8)
- Faith is Necessary (Hebrews 11:6)
- Unfulfilled Hopes in Things Unseen (Hebrews 11:13-16)
Faith is vital for God’s people. Because having faith means taking God at His word and accepting what He says as true. Hebrews 11:1 says now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. What is faith? Faith is that which is completely believable, and the substance means that which provides the basis for trust and reliance. And hope means to look forward with confidence to that which is good and beneficial. So faith in God’s word, provides confidence and assurance on the basis of complete trust, hoping for those things not seen. The elders of the Old Testament, the patriarchs and heroes of Israel, received a good report. Because they endured oppositions and persecutions for trusting in God. They believed that one day they would participate in God’s kingdom. Their confidence is our example to have confidence and certainty in trusting God’s word.
As a result of these heroes of faith, their faith was rewarded. Able’s faith demonstrated with his sacrifice, Enoch’s faith pleased God, Noah’s faith taking God at His word concerning things not yet seen, with no sign of a flood approaching, Abraham’s faith, at God’s command, he left his homeland and all his relatives to journey to a new home. These men displayed great faith in God, and without wavering they followed confidently.
The bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God. Many people attempt to please God by their works and deeds. God rejects them; faith makes it possible to be accepted by God. Faith is necessary to have an active relationship with God, and without it, becomes impossible to take place. God accepts our faith in Him. Come to God in faith, and He will receive you.
Without faith, it is impossible to pleased God. Because a lack of faith hinders our walk with God. The stories of these individuals should encourage us to persevere in faith, regardless of the obstacles. They did not receive all that God had promised them, but they never lost hope. The focus of the heroes was never the realization of earthly promises. Instead, they looked forward to becoming heirs of righteousness. This should serve as our example not to focus on earthly rewards, but on our eternal inheritance from God.
The meaning of faith is believing and completely trusting in what God says and what He says He will do. Do you believe?