Hebrews 11
Daily Bread
Hebrews 11
By Faith
1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2This is what the ancients were commended for.
3By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. 4By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.
5By faith Enoch 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. 6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Observation:
This is as fine of an explanation of the word “faith” as you will find in the bible. V.1 is a great summary of what faith is all about, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Importantly, faith is not just an intellectual matter, but involves us stepping out to follow where we feel God has called us to go or do. All of the examples given from the Old Testament, call God’s people to trust and act on God’s promises in order to realize them. There was just no way around it. It is only by stepping out in faith did they see God’s promises true.
And toward the end of the passage, we even see those who were persecuted for their faith and endured torture because of their belief in the “life after” and the power of the resurrection (ie. presumably some of the New Testament martyrs!)
Application:
Although stepping out in faith is never comfortable, as it causes us to leave our comfortable security and take a risk. When we do, we see God’s promises and provision renewed each time we do it. And verse 6 makes a bold statement, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”
Meaning, it is only when we are acting in faith and completely trusting him, that we gain His pleasure. Why is that? Because when we act in faith, we show that we trust God even when we can’t see the outcome.
Where is God calling you to step out in faith like our ancestors Abraham, Noah and Moses did? As you pray about that, remember that the life of faith is an exciting adventure. You will not only grow closer to God as you step out in faith, but you will also become more confident of that all His promises are “Yes” in Jesus Christ.
This is also why it is so important to be in a small group, where you can discuss what you think God is asking you to do. Then, others can pray and help you discern what God is up to and also provide encouragement and support to follow through.
Prayer: God help us to step out in faith in new ways in 2010! We know that as we do, you will reward us with new ways of seeing your hand at work in our lives. Give us boldness to trust in your never failing promises.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Hebrews 11
By Faith
1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2This is what the ancients were commended for.
3By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. 4By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.
5By faith Enoch 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. 6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Observation:
This is as fine of an explanation of the word “faith” as you will find in the bible. V.1 is a great summary of what faith is all about, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Importantly, faith is not just an intellectual matter, but involves us stepping out to follow where we feel God has called us to go or do. All of the examples given from the Old Testament, call God’s people to trust and act on God’s promises in order to realize them. There was just no way around it. It is only by stepping out in faith did they see God’s promises true.
And toward the end of the passage, we even see those who were persecuted for their faith and endured torture because of their belief in the “life after” and the power of the resurrection (ie. presumably some of the New Testament martyrs!)
Application:
Although stepping out in faith is never comfortable, as it causes us to leave our comfortable security and take a risk. When we do, we see God’s promises and provision renewed each time we do it. And verse 6 makes a bold statement, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”
Meaning, it is only when we are acting in faith and completely trusting him, that we gain His pleasure. Why is that? Because when we act in faith, we show that we trust God even when we can’t see the outcome.
Where is God calling you to step out in faith like our ancestors Abraham, Noah and Moses did? As you pray about that, remember that the life of faith is an exciting adventure. You will not only grow closer to God as you step out in faith, but you will also become more confident of that all His promises are “Yes” in Jesus Christ.
This is also why it is so important to be in a small group, where you can discuss what you think God is asking you to do. Then, others can pray and help you discern what God is up to and also provide encouragement and support to follow through.
Prayer: God help us to step out in faith in new ways in 2010! We know that as we do, you will reward us with new ways of seeing your hand at work in our lives. Give us boldness to trust in your never failing promises.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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