"Hebrews 11 Series - By Faith"

 

Hebrews 11:1-3, 32-40 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. 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. . .And what shall I more say ? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Women received their dead raised to life again: and other were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonments: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: GOD having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect."

     How do we know that living life "by faith" is possible ? How can we be sure it is not just possible but completely necessary if we are to ascertain and accomplish GOD's will as revealed in HIS WORD ? The eleventh chapter of Hebrews gives us remarkable examples of men and women who were faithful servants of the living GOD. Each one -- from Abel (v.4) to Samuel (v.32), as individuals or as part of a great company ("the prophets," v.32) -- reveals that serving the LORD "by faith" is not only possible but is the only way GOD can rightly be honored in our life each day.

     To live "by faith" means to serve and honor the LORD in an outward, tangible way, proving that we trust HIM to keep HIS WORD to us. Notice that in Hebrews 10:35-39, pictured above, the AUTHOR encourages the exercise of "patient endurance" on the part of HIS readers, in chapter eleven, HE then cites numerous examples from the Old Testament and shows how they exercised this fortitude throughout their lives. We can have this same victory in our own experience today. Several chapters earlier (Hebrews 6:12 pictured below), the AUTHOR commanded the readers to be "followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises"; the "Faith chapter" (Chapter 11) then gives examples of those who inherited GOD's promises.

     Finally, we note that the key word in this chapter is faith. It is found twenty-four times, translated once as "faithful" (v.11) and also "believe" (v.6). Having faith in GOD means we trust HIM absolutely and depend upon HIM for everything in life. These examples from the Old Testament ought to encourage our belief that GOD is wholly trustworthy and steadfast and will meet our needs according to HIS perfect plan. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation