Summation of CH. 11 “Faith in God works”
In vv.1-3 we find a description of Faith. Faith is not a blind optimism that says “I hope so” Nor is it based on pure intelligence but it is a confident obedience to God’s word no matter how things may seem. The Hebrews writer uses a few words to help us understand; the first is “Sure” “Assurance” or “Substance” depending on translation. The word here in it’s original form simple means “To stand under; to support”. So faith is to a Christian what a foundation is to a house. It is the main support system. You can not have a house without a foundation and you can not have Christianity without faith (Eph. 2:8-9). Faith gives us the confidence to stand and assurance for support.
The second word is “Certain”, “Confidence”, “Conviction”, or “Evidence” depending on translation. This is simply and inward conviction that what God has said, He will do. So faith is knowing what God has said and believing that no matter what is or might be, God’s word is true and nothing can stop it. This faith produces something; a witness.
The third word or concept in verse 2 and in CH. 12:1 is “Witness”. True faith lived out in one persons life provides a witness to the fact that faith in God works. Not that God needs the witness but it is an encouragement to us now as we read the pages of Scripture to trust Him and His word.
Since faith is not built on “I hope so” but on God Himself, We need to understand a few of the Principle that work within faith as we experience it and are challenge by it. I’m sure this is not all the principles however, I am also sure that there are no less then these.
Principle 1: Faith Reasons: Count the cost. vv.3, 6, 17-19
• When we hear God’s voice we must determine if we are willing to pay the price to follow.
Principle 2: Faith Finds Security: Let God have control. v.23
• Once we reason out that we have heard God and we are willing to follow, then we must let God have control of the journey.
Principle 3: Faith Risks: We must obey. v.8
• This is where most of us have the most trouble. We must obey and get out of the boat of control and comfort and step into God's will.
Principle 4: Faith Experiences Trouble: world, flesh, and the devil. vv. 24-26
• Faith is not easy; there are three enemies we must deal with in order to press through to what God has called us to. We must fight the good fight of faith.
Principle 5: Faith can see the Prize: Peace that comes from following God vv.9-10
• Faith not only can see the prize of what God has asked us to do but it also sees the prize in the journey as well. The peace of knowing that God is in the journey of faith may be the most rewarding prize of all.
