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Presented, August 21, 2005

FAITH – THE SUBSTANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR (1)

HEBREWS 11

                Hebrews 11 is sometimes referred to as the great chapter of faith, or “the hall of fame of faith”.  These and other descriptions of this chapter are accurate.  Faith is an important part of the Christian’s life – you cannot become a Christian without it, you cannot please God without it and you will not make it to heaven without it.  One of the concerns the Hebrew writer had was the weak faith of those to whom he was writing and thus he gave it considerable attention.  This morning I want to begin a series of lessons dealing with the faith of those we read about in this chapter.  It is my hope that as we study these things we will gain a better understanding of what faith involves as we notice the various examples the author refers to and that our faith will be increased.

I.                     What is Faith?

a.        The Greek word is based on a term that means “to win over, persuade”   The WS Dictionary says of this word, “Subjectively, meaning firm persuasion, conviction, belief in any truth, veracity…Objectively meaning that which is believed, doctrine, the received articles of faith.”
W. E. Vines says it means, “primarily firm persuasion, a conviction based upon hearing.”
We need to understand that it is more than simply believing something – it is a belief that prompts TRUST. 
A little child once defined the word faith as – “Forsaking All I Trust Him”
Faith in God means that you TRUST Him.  When you have faith in your brethren it means that you can TRUST them to be there for you, to do what is best for you and to do what they say.
As we study the examples of Hebrews 11 we will see this TRUST in their faith.

b.       Another thought to consider is the objective use of this word.  By objective we mean that which is believed.  To understand the importance of faith, consider that at times our entire system of belief is referred to as “the faith” (Jude 3, Romans 1:5, 16: 26, etc.).  What that means is that we TRUST God’s word to be true and our guide in life.
When Romans 1:17 says of the Gospel, “for in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith”, it speaks of this objective faith leading to our subjective faith or
TRUSTING God’s word prompts us to TRUST God.

c.        Hebrews 11:1 in our text describes this faith.

                                                   i.      Some say this verse defines what faith is. As I was preparing this lesson, I struggled with how this verse is a definition of faith.  My conclusion is that it is not.  Rather it is a DESCRIPTION of faith.  Even more than that it describes what faith DOES.

                                                  ii.      The substance of things hoped for.

1.        The word substance means, “to place or set under.  In general, that which underlies the apparent, hence reality, essence, substance”  (WS Dictionary)  Thayer calls it a “substructure, foundation”.  Thus faith is the substance of our hope.

2.        What is hope?  The word means “to expect with desire” (WS Dictionary) You desire something that you expect to receive.
Everything we do as Christians is based upon our hope – of eternal life(Titus 1:2, 3:7) , being in God’s presence, that God is pleased with our conduct, the faithfulness of God to keep His promises, the word of God itself (Romans 10:17 – faith come by hearing), etc.
These are all things that we cannot see with the human eye, but we KNOW and TRUST they are there and we anticipate them.  How?  By our faith. 
2 Corinthians 5:7, “for we walk by faith, not by sight”

3.        What was it that prompted Abraham to leave his homeland and follow God?  It was his faith.  He left anticipating that he would receive that which Jehovah God promised him.  As we examine the examples of Hebrews 11 we will see that each example demonstrates these descriptions.

4.        Hebrews 6:19 says, speaking of the promises of God, “this hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil.”  Our FAITH is the anchor.

                                                iii.      The evidence of things not seen. 

1.        The word evidence means, “conviction…certain persuasion” (WS Dictionary).  Thayer says of the word, “a proof, that by which a thing is proved or tested” 
The word is found 3 times in the New Testament –  Here and in -

a.        Matthew 18:15 where it speaks going to your brother and telling him is fault (present your proof)

b.       2 Timothy 3:16 – all scripture is profitable “for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,…”

2.        When I see the word evidence, I think of a trial where proof is presented to prove one’s guilt or innocence.  Sometimes evidence is not direct but circumstantial – meaning even though there was no witness, there is enough evidence to prove beyond a doubt that one was involved (e.g. timelines, motives, even physical evidence such as DNA – which can PROVE someone was at the crime scene)

3.        Understand that our religion is NOT a blind faith.  There is proof or evidence behind what we believe:

a.        While we have not seen God, we have evidence that He exists. Romans 1:20 – His invisible attributes are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made

b.       We have not seen Jesus, but we believe in Him.  1 Peter 1:6-9, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen  you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls.”

c.        The word of God itself is a document of faith.  WE believe it to be the word of God (inspired) and therefore profitable (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  Proofs include prophecies, background of writing, relevancy, etc.

4.        But here, our faith itself is described as proof of what we have not physically seen.  Why do we have faith?  Because God made us that way.  It is another element that sets us apart from the rest of living creation.  The fact that we have the ability to believe in what we cannot see is evidence within itself. 
We have the ability to look at creation and see God, study the Bible and see its relevance and origin. Believe in Jesus, etc.
We anticipate heaven when this life is over because of our convicted faith.

5.        Again as you examine examples from Hebrews 11 you see this “evidence” producing faith in their lives.  By faith, Joseph made mention concerning his bones, Moses left the riches of Egypt, etc.

Thus we can see what faith is and we have a pretty good idea of what it involves.  But let us now consider…

II.                   The Importance of Our Faith

a.        Hebrews 11:6 – without it we cannot please God. 
James 1:6 warns that when we pray to God, it must be in faith or else it is vain, even an insult to God.

b.       Romans 14:23 – “whatever is not from faith is sin”.  In all that we do in this life, it has to be based upon our faith, without doubting.

c.        2 Peter 1:5 – the foundation of our religion.  A fruitful life in Christ Jesus is built upon our faith.  All of the “Christian graces” depend upon a proper faith being in place.

d.       1 Peter 1:9 – receiving the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls

Understanding the importance of faith, let us conclude by noticing some more things that we are told about our faith.

III.                 Facts About Faith

a.        Ephesians 4:5 – there is only “one faith, not many.  Understand brethren what we believe IS important.  Not everyone that says he believes will be saved.

b.       We have to live by faith – Galatians 2:20 – Paul lived “by faith in the Son of God…”
Habakkuk 2:4 said, “The just shall live by faith.”   This verse is quoted at least 3 times in the New Testament  - Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38.  Interestingly, one author noted that in these three passages, emphasis is made on different aspects of that Old Testament quote.
Romans 1:17 – the just shall LIVE by faith
Galatians 3:11 – the JUST shall live by faith
Hebrews 10:38 – the just shall live by FAITH (they needed endurance)

c.        Ephesians 2:8 notes that faith plays a part in our salvation – “by grace you have been saved through faith…”

d.       Yet, we are justified NOT by Faith only – James 2:24

e.         We demonstrate our faith by our actions (works) – James 2:18

f.          “According to your faith” – Matthew 9:29

g.       Matthew 23:23 – Faith is described as a “weightier matter of the law” – a foundation upon which you comply to God’s will

h.       In 1 Thessalonians 1:3 is described as a work, i.e. “your work of faith”

i.         Jude 3 – we need to contend earnestly for the faith

There are many other passages that deal with faith in our lives.  In the coming weeks it is my hope that we will reach a better understanding of the depth of faith we need to endure whatever comes our way in this life, as we examine the context as well as the various examples of faith mentioned in this chapter.  IS YOUR FAITH WHAT IT OUGHT TO BE?