Verse of the Day 11-28-22

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. Hebrews 11:1

Faith

Faith is an integral part of who you are as a Christian. Paul in his letter to the Ephesian church tells us the importance of faith when he wrote these words, words that sparked one the greatest changes in church history when they were read by a German monk by the name of Martin Luther, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB). For you see salvation comes from God’s grace, his unmerited favor and/or love, but that grace is only given to us when we put our faith in God. And Hebrews 11 gives us examples of how we can live our lives in faith.

Hebrews 11 gives us evidence that true, enduring faith involves trusting God in all circumstances. This trust enables us as believers to remain loyal to God and his Word at all times. Faith takes God at his Word and relies completely on his promises. It does not base its hope on visible circumstances, but on confidence in spiritual realities (v. 1).

It is just such a faith that enables us to have a right relationship with God (v. 4). It causes us to pursue a deeper relationship with God (v. 6), trust God’s goodness (v. 6) and have full confidence in his Word (vv. 7 and 11). Faith obeys God’s commands (v. 8) and guides us so that we come to base our lives on his promises (vv. 13 and 39), reject the evil ways of this present world (v. 13) and pursue a heavenly home (vv. 14-16).

Such a faith teaches us to endure great challenges and difficulties (vv. 17-19), inspire faith in future generations (v. 21), refuse to indulge in sin’s pleasures (v. 25), endure persecution (v. 27), perform mighty works and miracles in God’s power and for his honor (vv. 33-35) and also suffer for God (vv. 25 and 35-38). Faith says we will return to the useless and ungodly ways of the world (vv. 15-16).

However, the writer of Hebrews ends his great section on faith by giving us the true way to build a faith like the faith heroes find in Hebrews 11.

Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NASB)

Today’s Bible Readings:

Daniel 5, 2 Peter 2, Psalm 119:113-128 and Proverbs 28:19-20