In this episode titled “Hebrews 11:1” from October 22, 23, Pastor Mike Bonomo delivers an inspiring sermon at Refuge Calvary Chapel. The sermon focuses on the topic of faith, specifically delving into the meaning and importance of Hebrews 11:1. Pastor Bonomo emphasizes the role of faith as the foundation of our hope and encourages listeners to trust in God’s promises, even when they cannot see them. Throughout the sermon, he relates biblical teachings to real-life experiences and highlights the significance of living a life anchored in hope and belief in Jesus.
Introduction
Welcome to this comprehensive article on the topic of faith, specifically focusing on Hebrews 11:1. In this article, we will explore the definition, context, and significance of Hebrews 11:1. We will also discuss the importance of faith, how to live by faith, examples of faith in Hebrews 11, the rewards of faith, applying faith to daily life, and living a life anchored in hope. So grab your Bible, open up to Hebrews chapter 11, and let’s dive in!
Overview of Hebrews 11:1
Definition of faith
Hebrews 11:1 starts with a concise definition of faith: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith is not just wishful thinking or blind belief, but rather it is the confident assurance of things we hope for and the conviction of things we cannot yet see. It is a firm trust and reliance on God and His promises.
Context of Hebrews 11:1
Hebrews chapter 11 is often referred to as “The Hall of Faith” because it contains a comprehensive list of individuals who demonstrated great faith throughout history. This chapter follows a discussion on the superiority of Jesus Christ and the importance of holding fast to our faith in Him. Hebrews 11:1 serves as an introduction to this chapter, setting the stage for examining the lives of these faithful individuals.
Significance of Hebrews 11:1
Hebrews 11:1 is significant because it highlights the foundational role of faith in the life of a believer. It emphasizes that faith is not just a nice addition to our Christian walk, but rather it is essential for us to live a life pleasing to God. Faith acts as the lens through which we view the world and our circumstances, enabling us to trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness, even when things may not make sense.
The Importance of Faith
Faith as the foundation for hope
Faith serves as the foundation for our hope. It is through faith that we have confidence in God’s promises and trust that He will fulfill them in His perfect timing. Our hope is not based on wishful thinking or temporary circumstances, but rather on the unchanging character of God and His faithfulness to His word. Faith allows us to hold on to hope even in the midst of trials and uncertainties.
Believing in God and His promises
Faith involves believing in God and His promises, even when we cannot see the fulfillment of those promises in our present circumstances. It requires us to trust in God’s goodness, wisdom, and sovereignty, knowing that He is faithful to His word. Through faith, we can experience the peace and assurance that comes from surrendering control to God and trusting Him with every aspect of our lives.
Faith as a catalyst for action
True faith is not merely intellectual assent or passive belief, but it is a catalyst for action. It motivates us to obey God, step out of our comfort zones, and take risks for His sake. Faith without works is dead, as James 2:17 tells us, so our faith should be accompanied by actions that demonstrate our trust in God. Living by faith requires us to walk boldly in obedience to God’s commandments and seek His guidance in every decision we make.
Living by Faith
Trusting in Jesus
The foundation of our faith is trusting in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Jesus, through His death and resurrection, has provided us with the opportunity to be reconciled to God and enter into a personal relationship with Him. Living by faith means believing in Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins and relying on Him for salvation and eternal life. It involves surrendering our lives to Him and allowing Him to guide and transform us.
Seeking God’s guidance
Living by faith requires a constant reliance on God and His guidance. It means humbly seeking His will in every aspect of our lives and being open to His leading. This may involve spending time in prayer, studying God’s word, and seeking wise counsel from fellow believers. When we trust in God’s guidance, He will direct our paths and enable us to make decisions that align with His purposes and bring Him glory.
Overcoming doubt and fear
Living by faith means actively overcoming doubt and fear. It is natural for doubts and fears to arise, especially in the face of challenges or uncertainties. However, faith enables us to confront these doubts and fears by reminding ourselves of God’s promises, His faithfulness in the past, and His unfailing love for us. We can find strength in knowing that nothing is too difficult for God, and He is always with us, no matter what we may face.
Examples of Faith in Hebrews 11
Abel’s faith and offering
One example of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11 is Abel. Despite not having the same clarity of revelation as we do today, Abel offered a pleasing sacrifice to God by faith. His faith was grounded in a sincere desire to please God and give Him his best. Abel’s example teaches us that faith involves trusting in God’s ways and aligning our lives with His purposes.
Noah’s faith and obedience
Noah’s faith is another powerful example presented in Hebrews 11. God instructed Noah to build an ark in preparation for a worldwide flood, and Noah faithfully obeyed. Despite the lack of rain and widespread mockery from others, Noah demonstrated great faith by following God’s instructions. His faith saved not only himself but also his family and all the animals that entered the ark with him.
Abraham’s faith and willingness to sacrifice
Abraham’s faith is highlighted in Hebrews 11 through his willingness to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. God tested Abraham’s faith by asking him to give up the very thing he held most dear, and Abraham’s response was one of unwavering trust. He believed in God’s promises and knew that even if Isaac were to die, God would still fulfill His covenant through him. Abraham’s faith teaches us the importance of complete surrender and trust in God’s plan, even when it seems counterintuitive.
The Rewards of Faith
God’s faithfulness to those who have faith
God is faithful to those who have faith in Him. Throughout the Bible, we see countless examples of God’s faithfulness to His people when they put their trust in Him. When we live by faith, we can expect God to fulfill His promises and provide for our needs. He is a good Father who delights in rewarding those who seek Him and trust in His faithfulness.
Eternal rewards
Living by faith also entails the promise of eternal rewards. While faith itself is a reward, God has prepared heavenly treasures for those who demonstrate unwavering faith in Him. The Bible assures us that in Heaven, there will be no more tears, suffering, or pain for those who have followed Jesus faithfully. Our present struggles and sacrifices will pale in comparison to the eternal glory that awaits us.
Experiencing God’s goodness in the present
Living by faith allows us to experience God’s goodness in the present. As we trust in Him and align our lives with His purposes, we can witness His faithfulness and provision firsthand. Faith enables us to see God’s hand at work in our lives and recognize His blessings, even in the midst of challenges. When we live by faith, we invite God to work miracles and transform our circumstances according to His perfect plan.
Applying Faith to Daily Life
Taking risks for God
Living by faith often involves taking risks for God’s kingdom. It requires us to step out of our comfort zones, overcome fears, and trust God’s leading. Whether it’s sharing the Gospel, serving others, or pursuing a God-given dream, faith demands that we trust in God’s provision and guidance. When we are willing to take risks for God, we demonstrate our belief in His power and faithfulness.
Strengthening our faith through prayer and study
To live by faith, we must continuously strengthen and deepen our faith. This can be accomplished through prayer and study of God’s word. Prayer allows us to communicate with God, pour out our hearts, and seek His guidance and strength. Regular study of the Bible enables us to understand God’s character, His promises, and His will for our lives. As we invest time in prayer and study, our faith will grow stronger, allowing us to face life’s challenges with confidence.
Persevering in difficult times
Living by faith requires perseverance, especially in difficult times. We may face trials, setbacks, and disappointments that can shake our faith. However, faith encourages us to persevere and trust that God is working all things together for our good. By leaning on God’s strength and relying on His grace, we can press on even when the road ahead seems tough. Our faith sustains us and gives us the hope we need to endure and overcome.
Living a Life Anchored in Hope
The transforming power of hope
Living a life anchored in hope has the power to transform us from the inside out. Hope gives us a reason to keep going, even when circumstances are challenging. It infuses our lives with joy, peace, and purpose. The hope we have in Christ is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation that God is faithful and will fulfill His promises. This hope enables us to rise above our circumstances and live with an eternal perspective.
Finding hope in God’s promises
The promises of God provide a solid foundation for our hope. Throughout the Bible, God assures us of His love, presence, provision, and eternal life. These promises give us hope in times of uncertainty and enable us to trust that God is in control. As we meditate on and believe in God’s promises, our hope is strengthened, and we can face any situation with confidence.
Encouraging others in their faith
Living a life anchored in hope also includes encouraging others in their faith journey. When we share our own experiences of God’s faithfulness and demonstrate our unwavering trust in Him, we inspire and uplift others. Encouragement can take the form of speaking words of truth and life, offering a listening ear, or praying for one another. By building each other up in faith, we contribute to a community that is grounded in hope and ready to impact the world for Christ.
Conclusion
In conclusion, faith is a vital aspect of our Christian walk. Hebrews 11:1 serves as a foundation for understanding the importance of faith, its role in our daily lives, and the rewards it brings. By living by faith, trusting in Jesus, seeking God’s guidance, and overcoming doubt and fear, we can experience the transformative power of faith and live a life anchored in hope. Let us embrace the call to live by faith, holding fast to God’s promises, and encouraging others in their faith journey. May our lives be a testimony to the faithfulness and goodness of our Heavenly Father.