Word for Today: Sunday, January 20, 2013

Hebrews 11:1-7 Faith and Heroes of faith Part 1

Memory Verse Hebrews 11:6(KJV)

"But 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".

This passage gives us the importance of faith and also provides us with a lot of biblical examples who lived their lives by faith.  These were ordinary men like us and if they could do it then we can do it. Faith is the very foundation of our Christianity, it is the guiding principle of our Christian life, the foundation and object of our faith is God.

We can grow our faith by studying the word of God. (Romans 10:17) and by fixing our thoughts on Jesus the source of our faith (Hebrews 3:1, 12:2).

Now Let us look at verse 1, it gives us a biblical definition of faith. Faith does not live by what is seen. Faith sees what others cannot see. Faith is not a feeling we manufacture, it is our total response to what God has revealed. Faith is obedience to God's word inspite of circumstances and consequences.

Faith has a backward look; it declares that God has done mighty acts in time past. It has a present look, it declares that God is doing mighty acts right now and it has a forward look, it declares that God can be trusted in the future.

It is very easy to give up especially during extremely difficult times. Faith is really applicable in situations that seem impossible. We will face persecutions for the word of God but it is faith that will keep us going. 

Verse 3 tells us about the creation story. None of us were present but we understand that the earth was formed by faith. I know a lot of us were taught about the evolution theory, but I know by faith that I was created in the image and likeness of God and not from animals. Genesis 1&2 gives us a full account of the creation and from John 1; we know that God spoke the world into existence.

Verse 4 begins with our biblical heroes of faith. Genesis 4 gives us the story of Cain and Abel. We were told in Gen 4 that Abel offered a better sacrifice to God, but here we are made to know that he offered that sacrifice by faith. God accepted the sacrifice not only because he gave his best but also because he gave by faith.

V5 tells us about Enoch, not much is said about him in Genesis, but we know from Genesis 5:21-24 that he walked with God and God rewarded him by not allowing him to experience death. Before Enoch there was Adam, Eve, Seth and they all died but Enoch was the first person not to experience death. His testimony was that he pleased God by faith.

From Verse 6, we understand that it is only through faith that we can please God. We can come to God by faith and through our works, but it is impossible for anyone to come to God by works because no one has a perfect work, so the only option is by faith.

We cannot seek God with our work, therefore let us approach God in faith and seek him earnestly. He still rewards those who diligently seek him.

It takes faith to obey God especially if what he demands seems impossible to the human eyes. Noah began the construction of the ark by faith, even though there was no sign of rain, he never gave up. And each day he warned the people about God’s judgement.  Noah represents those who are in the world and are going to be saved during the great tribulation.

It is apparent that faith plays a very big role in our Christianity. When we are at our comfort zone, we do not value the importance of faith. Hebrews 11:6 tells that it is only by our faith that we can please God. And who is our source of faith? Jesus is our source of faith; we should fix our thoughts continually to him by studying his word. God bless.

Check out this video, I know it is titled woman of my dream but it is about faith. It describes faith like you have never heard of it. Enjoy and God bless.