LEARNING DAILY

 

Hebrews 11:1, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

 

Faith, faith in action, is needed today.  I’m sure I have written on this verse before; it just seems to be a necessary reminder for us.  I want to look at the individuals mentioned in Hebrews 11 to see why they were included in this “Hall of Fame” chapter of faith.  Here is the definition of faith from the LSSB: “Faith is trust in God in all circumstances, which enables the believer to persevere and remain steadfastly loyal to God and His word at all times.”  The DJSB states, “Faith treats the things hoped for as a fact and places confidence today in what has been promised for the future.”  These statements are based on the God’s unchangeable and perfect character.  You need to catch this – faith is based around God’s promises and His character, not you or me or anyone else.  To put your hope or trust or belief in anyone or anything else is to fail.

 

Do we fully understand?  The Taliban is not going door to door looking for Christians in this country; they are reportedly doing so in Afghanistan.  What do you suppose is happening when they find a Christian?  That takes on a whole new meaning to what faith is!  God help us if we are ever faced with this.  It is so easy being a Christian in this country.  It is so easy to write about what faith is and what faith produces.  But, faith also helps me believe that all who have believed in Jesus as their Savior and Lord, will be strengthened by Him during these moments of great trial and temptation.  On our own we are weak; but, with Christ, He becomes our strength and He gives us the words to speak when we need them.

 

The faith that Hebrews 11:1 speaks of is a faith that believes in spiritual realities.  It helps us to seek God (v. 6) and leads to His righteousness (v. 4).  This faith gives us confidence in His Word (v. 7, 11) , helps us obey His commandments (v. 8) and helps us to regulate our life based on His promises (v. 13).  Faith rejects the spirit of this present age (v. 13) seeks a heavenly home (v. 14-16) and perseveres in times of testing (v. 17-19). 

 

Faith and obedience cannot be separated.  Obedience will become a way of life as faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ grows in our hearts.  Obedience comes from our gratitude to God and the regenerating (renewing) work of the Holy Spirit.  Saving faith without a commitment to sanctification (the process of being set free from sin and being purified) is impossible.  As we grow in Christ, the process develops into loyalty and devotion which leads into an intense love for the Lord Jesus Christ.  I believe with all my heart that this is the relationship we all need to have with Him as we continue to move toward the days ahead.  We need to stand strong in our relationship with Jesus Christ, always pressing toward the mark of eternity with Him in His kingdom. 

 

May our faith grow stronger each day!  May our desire to walk on the narrow way grow stronger each day as we hunger and thirst for His righteousness.

From now on DJSB will be used to note information or quotes from the David Jeremiah Study Bible and LSSB will refer to information and quotes from the Life in the Spirit Study Bible.