The Faith of The Believer - Hebrews 11:1

THE PERFORMANCE OF FAITH

Propitiation: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.  Rom. 3:25-26

Justification: Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Gal. 2:16

But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. Gal. 3:11

Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Rom. 3:30

Promise of The Spirit: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Gal. 3:14

But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.  Gal. 3:22  Cf. Rom. 14:13-25

Salvation: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Eph. 2:8-9

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Tim. 3:15

Understanding: 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. Heb. 11:3

A Good Report: Heb. 11:32-39

Eternity Kept (Security in our faith): I Peter 1:3-9

INTRO: Read Hebrews 12:1-2 Jesus is the Author and Finisher of faith. And it is by this faith that the church will grow and make itself known. Acts 16:5

Why is this So important? Why is faith such an integral part of the church and of the life of the believer? Jesus asked the question in Luke 18:8 "Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" This question typifies the importance of faith.

Although the word faith is only used 2X in the O.T., it is found in nearly every book of the N.T. The concept of faith, or believing, is found nearly 500X in the New Testament.

Faith is an all encompassing subject reflecting every area of life involving the Christian. The Apostle Paul encouraged Christians to continue in faith, as Luke wrote:

Acts 14:22 "Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."

It is impossible to please God without faith (11:6). Therefore it should challenge us to search the Scriptures for truth regarding faith: its definition, character, concepts, truths, applications, and the principles of faith which embody the lives of Bible characters.

Hebrews 11:1 is a good definition of faith, and defines faith as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

"Faith is the "substance" (upostasiV) It is literally the title Deed of things hoped for! Faith is the ground and reality of our confidence in the things hoped for. WE CAN BELIEVE GOD!! Unseen realities are as much substance, and more, than anything that we can physically see on this earth. Faith is the foundation upon which hope is built.

"Of things hoped for" - epizomenwn - Pres Pass Ptc -

"the evidence of things not seen" - pragmatwn - faith is the conviction and understanding of things not seen. Faith is the means by which we grasp the invisible realm of the Spirit of God and lay hold on the future fulfillment of those promises of the Lord. Heb. 11:3

2 Cor. 5:6-7 "Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)"

Using Hebrews 11:1 as a basic definition of faith, let’s examine some important truths regarding faith.

Door of Faith: Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: Col. 4:3

God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. I Cor. 16:9

"Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord," 2 Cor. 2:12

Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. John 10:7-9

"What ye have done to one of the least of these, ye have done to me," Matthew 15:40

Access by Faith: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2

"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;" Heb 10:19-20

"For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father." Eph 2:18

"In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him." Eph. 3:12

Word of Faith: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. I Pet. 1:23

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach...So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom. 10:8,17

Household of Faith: As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Gal. 6:10

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; Eph 2:19

Unity of the Faith: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:  Eph. 4:13

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. I Cor. 1:10

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Eph 4:1-3

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. John 17:21

Shield of Faith: Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Eph. 6:16

But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. Psalms 3:3

Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.   Psalm 18:35

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth... Psalms 28:7

Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:20

The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour... 2 Sam 22:3

Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great. 2 Sam 22:36

After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. Gen 15:1

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4

Fight of Faith: Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I Tim 6:12

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 2 Cor 10:3-6

Profession of Faith: Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) Heb 10:23

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. Heb. 4:14

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. James 1:6

Finisher of Our Faith: Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross... Heb 12:2

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Heb 10:14

The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever... Psalms 138:8

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:40

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Phil 1:6