It is faith that pleases God, not works. It is “good” works that should flow from faith.

1 – The real power of faith

It depends on four things:-

• Total dependence upon God. It is a 100%.
• Totally disregards the circumstances.
• Totally disregards the consequences. It may cost popularity.
• Totally disrupts Satan’s plans.

You can go back to being a baby in the Christian life. Mature Christians can go back to being baby Christians. Some had become people who need milk. Mature Christians can eat the meat. They use the Bible in their practical lives. They can discern good from evil. They can deal with difficult issues and discern what God’s will is. Not all things are black and white in the Bible. You need to grow up!

2 – Faith gives us confidence (vs. 1)

Faith is what “stands under us”. It is the ground on which we place our hope. Faith is to a Christian what a foundation is to a building. Faith is the substance of things hoped for. This same word was used for something that was sealed. Faith is the title deed for things hoped for. Faith is where we get our confidence from. It is not hard to put your faith in a God who cannot lie. See Titus 1:2. God keeps his promises.

3 – Faith gives us conviction (vs. 1)

Faith is the proof of things not seen. It when you get proof that you get conviction. We see things with eyes of faith. How do we know we are saved or justified? It is by faith. It was faith that told Noah that there was going to be a flood. Even though it had never rained before! See Romans 8:24. You hope for what you cannot see.

4 – Faith gives us confidence (vs. 2)

The “elders” are the Old Testament saints in the context of this passage. Throughout the rest of the passage God gives some examples. God keeps a report card of faith. They received an “A” on their report card because of their faith. They had a good report. Without faith it is impossible to please God. This means you can please God with faith! We need a faith revival!

5 – Faith gives us comprehension (vs. 3)

He is talking about the origin of the universe. It is through faith that we understand that God created the heavens and the earth. Science has theories. There is no direct scientific evidence of the creation of the universe. It is not something that can be recreated. It was by the Word of God that creation came into being. There was no other witness to creation other than the one witness who was there! You cannot comprehend unless you have faith in the one true God. You need the eyes of faith so that you can see.

Categories: Hebrews