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Hebrews 11: Monument of Faith (part 1)

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This has been adapted from the commentaries of F.E. Marsh, coming soon to the Blue Letter Bible.

The eleventh chapter of Hebrews might be called the Westminster Abbey of the Bible, for it is a series of memorials to the trials and triumphs of faith.

There is no mention of the failures of the Old Testament saints in Hebrews 11, for the simple reason that God had said, “Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” (Hebrews 10:17).

Seven Statements Concerning Faith from Hebrews 11

Wisdom of faith (Hebrews 11:1, 2). Faith makes unseen things real, and future things present. Faith rests on facts, hence its wisdom. Presumption acts on its own authority, hence its folly. Newberry renders the words, “Evidence of things not seen,” as follows: “conviction of facts not seen.”

Warrant of faith (Hebrews 11:3). The ground of faith’s attitude and action is, “Thus saith the Lord.” “Where the word of a king is, there is power” (authority).

Worship of faith (Hebrews 11:4). The ground of worship is sacrifice (Heb. x. 19-22); the object of worship is God (Revelation 12:9); and the power of worship is the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:18).

Walk of faith (Hebrews 11:5, 6). The walk of faith is illustrated by the three men who are said to have walked with God.

  • Fellowship with God-Enoch (Genesis 5:24).
  • Fidelity to God-Phinehas (Malachi 2:6; Numbers 25:12,13).
  • Faith in God-Noah (Genesis 6:9).

Witness of faith (Hebrews 11:7). As unbelief and disobedience are synonymous terms, so are faith and obedience. It was because Noah was a man of faith that he obeyed God’s direction, hence his witness.

Wandering of faith (Hebrews 11:8-10). As a stranger and pilgrim, Abraham went forth at God’s bidding. It was because he looked for a city that he dwelt in a tent.

Waiting of faith (Hebrews 11:11, 12). Those who have the promise of God can afford to be patient before God. Waiting time is not wasted time. We must learn to “tarry” (Luke 24:49; Acts 1: 4), if we would triumph.

Comments

  1. Sometimes when I look at the hall of faith I am intimidated by what I see, men of God who, though they struggled, stood firmly in obedience. I am reminded of John 3:36 (ESV) which juxtaposes belief in the Son of God with disobeying him. I like what we hear of Enoch, who by faith walked with God and pleased him.

    • Don’t be intimidated by what you see, but instead let the qualities of the records build, re-enforce your believing. Focus on how they walked with God and you do the same, read how they had managed to get through what was so hard for them. Ya we have different things we go through but these records are here to help and build us up. Teach us how we can believe, remember Romans teaches us the old testament is for our learning. Record after record we see and understand how God came through for us, We have the same God they did.

      Believing that helps

  2. Hebrews 11:6
    And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

    We prayed for the faith of Abraham and Father has taken us to our breaking point on many an occassions on this walk. I assure you !

    However painful it might have been, or scary it might have seemed at times this faith I have gained has changed me and my family in ways we still don’t all understand.

    I do know this, our relationship with our Father, Our Christ, and Our Holy Spirit is a wonderful daily walk and because of our faith and obidience our rewards of His Love and promises have blown our minds.

    He continues to suprise us and Love us in ways we couldn’t even begin to comprehend before our walk.

    We can say we do walk with him like Enoch did because daily we walk, talk, cry, listen, change, relent, grow, laugh, get corrected, and let Him lead us in all our ways everyday and in everything we do.

    To be in his obidience and Love is the most rewarding thing I have ever done and I do believe why we were created. The relationship we have is wonderful. To be in the presence of the Father as much as possible is the most peaceful and secure place I have ever been. We are fullfilled and complete for the first time in our lives.

    At first, it wasn’t easy, we had to fight, still do often, we live in a dark fallen world. He changed me from the inside out when I chose to let him and I chose to listen. Then layer after layer like an onion he purified me and taught me to be who He has created me to be.

    I am still but dust but His love and mercy and justice outways my faults, as He is our creator and He loves us the same as we love our children no matter what.

    He wishes to lavish all of us with His love if we just ask and listen, believe, and let Him. I can say I sought His Face and I have seen it.

    He is Everything Good and All the Love we can imagine.

    Seek Him with all your heart and you will find Him.
    I promise. Don’t let go !!! No matter what happens!!!

    He has given us that Faith and it is Not Moveable, and it does move mountains !!! Not by my power or might but by His Spirit.

    I want to thank you God my Father, Christ my Savior, and Holy Spirit my comforter for never letting go of my hand even when I wanted you to, and couldn’t hold yours any more. You are my Rock and my Redeemer. I love you Amen. Your child Donna 🙂

    • Oh Donna, that was so beautiful. I am deeply moved by all your responses, they are so spirit filled and sweeter than honey. My soul and spirit are moved with such love towards God the father Son and Holy Spirit. He has spoken through all of you. Amen.

      I have been deeply blessed by all your comments and it is an honour to be in such company.My faith is increasing day by day because of this website and Gods precious children who encourage others with scripture and testimony and comments.

  4. O LORD HAVE YOU INSTRUCTED US ANYWHERE TO ENCOURAGE DISOBEDIENCE

    1 Corinthians 14:2 NIV
    But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strenghtening
    and encouragement and comfort

    Jude 1:5
    I will therefore put you in remembrance though you once knew this
    How that the LORD having saved the people out of the land of Egypt
    afterward destroyed them that believed not

    John 7:38
    He that believeth on ME as the scripture hath said
    Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water

    LOVING THE LORD

    • thank you steve. ive been reading the other blogs and your scripture responses have been so encouraging.

      Again i thank God for everyone who have left such spirit filled and encouraging responses.

      loving the Lord