What does it mean to live by faith in the promises of God?
Hebrews 11 is often called the “Hall of Faith,” highlighting the stories of individuals who trusted in God’s promises, even when they could not see their fulfillment. It reminds us that faith is the foundation of a life pleasing to God.
Key Verse:
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
Background Context:
The letter to the Hebrews was written to encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith despite persecution and trials. Hebrews 11 uses examples from the history of God’s people to demonstrate the power and significance of faith. These individuals trusted in God’s promises, living in obedience even when they did not receive the full realization of those promises during their lifetime. This chapter reminds us to live by faith, trusting in God’s plan and His eternal promises.
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
The Triumphs of Faith
1Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2For by it the men of old gained approval.
3By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. 4By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. 5By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God. 6And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. 7By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
8By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; 10for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. 12Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE.
13All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. 15And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.
17By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; 18it was he to whom it was said, “IN ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE CALLED.” 19He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type. 20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come. 21By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. 22By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.
23By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. 24By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. 27By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen. 28By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them. 29By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.
30By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.
32And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, 33who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; 36and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. 37They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated 38(men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.
39And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.
Reflection on Hebrews 11:
- Faith Defines Our Relationship with God:
Faith is described as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). It is through faith that we please God (Hebrews 11:6). Are you living with the confident trust that God will fulfill His promises, even when the outcome is unclear? - Faith Leads to Obedience:
The examples in Hebrews 11 show how faith motivates action. By faith, Noah built the ark, Abraham obeyed God’s call, and Moses led Israel out of Egypt. Faith is not passive but actively lived out. Are you allowing your faith to shape your actions and decisions? - Faith Looks Beyond the Present:
Many of the heroes of faith died without seeing the fulfillment of God’s promises (Hebrews 11:13). They looked forward to a better country, a heavenly one. Are you setting your sights on eternal promises rather than earthly rewards? - Faith Overcomes Challenges:
Faith empowered individuals to face trials, persecution, and even death with courage and hope (Hebrews 11:32-38). Their stories inspire us to persevere in our faith journey. Are you trusting God to sustain you through challenges? - God Rewards Faith:
Though these individuals faced hardships, God commended their faith and prepared something better for them (Hebrews 11:39-40). Are you trusting in God’s eternal reward and His faithfulness to fulfill His promises?
Summary Key Points:
- Faith Is Confidence in God’s Promises: Trust in Him even when you can’t see the outcome.
- Faith Produces Obedience: Let your faith inspire action aligned with God’s will.
- Faith Fixes Our Eyes on Eternity: Live with a focus on eternal rewards, not temporary gain.
- Faith Sustains Through Trials: Trust in God’s power to strengthen you in hardship.
- God Honors Faith: He is faithful to reward those who live by faith.
Application:
Examine your faith. Are you confidently trusting in God’s promises, even when they seem distant or unclear? Surrender areas where doubt or fear may be hindering your obedience. Let the examples in Hebrews 11 inspire you to live with boldness and perseverance, keeping your eyes on the eternal reward.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of faith and the examples of those who lived faithfully before us. Strengthen our trust in You, even when circumstances are difficult or unclear. Teach us to live with obedience and perseverance, fixing our eyes on Your eternal promises. May our lives reflect unwavering faith in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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