Definition of Faith
Hebrews 11: 1 – 19
King James Version (KJV)
Faith’s Confession is Steadfast
This chapter records glorious victories of
faith’s champions, yet vv. 13-16 speak of those who died, "not having
received the promises." Even then, the Bible says these all died in faith
"being content to confess that they were only strangers and pilgrims
traveling, as it were through the land." For true, to live by faith is to
die by faith.
The key to the 'confession' (v.13) of this
admirable group in Heb. 11 is that when a promise by God, as were Abraham and
his descendants, they be that came "fully persuaded" that embraced
the promise was true. Thus they (literally "greeted”) that promise in their hearts.
The word "confess" helps us to understand how easily these of the
gallery of faith established their ways before God and left the testimony which
is His Word records with tribute. While each of these persons did receive many
victories through faith, the text says that none of them received everything
that was promised. Whether or not we receive what we "confess" (ask,
pray, or hope for) does not change the behavior or the attitude of the
steadfast believer. Faith’s worship and walk do not depend on answered or
unanswered prayers. Our confession of His lordship in our lives is to be
consistent – a daily celebration with deep gratitude.
11
Now faith Is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not
seen.
2
For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so
that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Abel
4
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which
he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by
it he being dead yet speaketh.
Enoch
5
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found,
because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this
testimony, that he pleased God.
6
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.
Noah
7
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear,
prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the
world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
Abraham
and Sarah
8 By
faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after
receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he
went.
9
By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling
in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
10
For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is
God.
11
Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was
delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who
had promised.
12
Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the
stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore
innumerable.
13
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them
afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that
they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
14
For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
15
And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out,
they might have had opportunity to have returned.
16
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is
not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
17
By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received
the promises offered up his only begotten son,
18
Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
19
Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence
also he received him in a figure.
KINGDOM DYNAMICS
"The Risk of Obedience, BIBLICAL MANHOOD. Obedience stands out as one of the premier
qualities of biblical manhood. It requires faith to obey God when all the facts
regarding a matter may be unknown (Gen.
12:1-4; Heb. 11:8). Carrying out this dayto-day trust, this matter-of-fact
belief, this down-to- earth reliance, is probably the most difficult to achieve
of all the models of biblical manhood (Matt.
26:39, 42, 44).
The frightening aspect of obedience
is very real because it carries with it uncertainties, which, if realized, will
result in agonizing consequences. It also carries with it real pain that is
generated through conflict-whether human or circumstantial. However, God has
called man to obedience. If he does not shrink from this call, he will
experience miraculous and glorious results and enjoy the evidence of true
manhood (Romans 4:13-25)
11:1 The author supports his
encouragement to steadfast faith by reviewing the triumphant experiences of
Hebrew heroes. First he provides a description of how faith works. Faith is
established conviction concerning things unseen and settled expectation of
future reward. The Greek word translated substance
literally means "a standing under,"
and was used in the technical sense of "title deed." The root
idea is that of standing under the claim to the property to support its
validity. Thus, faith is the title deed of things
hoped for. Throughout, the chapter the writer emphasizes that assurance
rests on God’s promises.
11:2 The elders were the OT
saints, many of whom are mentioned in this chapter. They obtained a good report, not because of
achievements, personal holiness, or passive acceptance of divine promises, but
by an active certitude expressed in obedience persistence, and sacrifice.
11:3 Our belief concerning God’s
creative act exemplifies the "evidence
of things not seen (v.1)."
11:4 Abel’s act of worship still
testifies to the fact that a true worshiper must come in faith presenting the
sacrifice required by God.
11:5 Enoch’s translation to heaven,
without physical death, took place
because he pleased God by taking Him at His word and living his life
accordingly.
WORD WEALTH
11:3 framed: To arranged, set in order equip, adjust, complete what is lacking, make fully ready, repair, prepare. The word is a combination of kata, "down" and artios "complete." "fitted." It is used for the disciples mending their nets (Matt. 4:21) and for restoring a fallen brother (Heb. 13:21)
11:9 heirs: The word denotes a joint participants, coheir, fellow heir, one who receives a lot with another.
11:9-10 Abraham demonstrated
his faith by obedience in leaving
his home in Ur and journeying to unknown lands, in living long years in the Promised
Land as a foreigner in temporary quarters (Acts
7:5), and by patiently awaiting his permanent abode.
11:11 Sara gave birth to Isaac when
she was 90 years of age because she looked away from her physical inability and
judged God faithful to keep His word.
11:12 Abraham was 100 years old when
Isaac was born.
11:13-16 Although they received
only a partial fulfillment of what
God had promised, these elders maintained their faith that God would do what He
said. Because of their close relationship with God, they could not feel at home
in earthly surroundings. They looked for something better; and because of their
longings, God gladly acknowledged
them as His own people.
Janet Irene Thomas
Director, Playwright, Gospel Lyricist, Screenwriter
Founder/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of Fine & Performing Arts
