The Foundations of Faith
By Faith- 1
TITLE: The Foundations of Faith
TEXT: Hebrews 11:1-3
THESIS: The central thesis of Hebrews 11:1-3 is that genuine faith, rooted in assurance and conviction, empowers believers to withstand trials, trust in God's promises, and recognize His sovereign power in creation.
TRUTH: The epistle in question exhibits both a parenthetical structure and a hortatory style, meaning it interjects explanations while primarily aiming to encourage and instruct its readers. Its central exhortation emphasizes steadfastness and perseverance in faith, particularly in believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and in committing to proclaim the Gospel.
The context for this urging comes from the external pressures faced by the recipients, notably temptations to retreat from their beliefs due to the persecution they encountered, especially from the Jewish religious establishment. This environment of hostility created a significant challenge for believers, leading to doubts about their commitment and prompting them to consider abandoning their faith in favor of safety or acceptance within the prevailing religious framework.
The author seeks to reassure and motivate these believers, reminding them of the importance of holding firm in their convictions and staying true to Christ's teachings despite the adversity they face. This call to constancy not only emphasizes the strength required to withstand trials but also highlights the communal aspect of faith, calling followers to support one another in their shared belief during difficult times.
The particular character of the section begins in 10:19 and is not difficult to ascertain; it is addressed to our responsibility. This is evidenced in the “Let us” of 10:22-24. In 10:32-36, there is a call to the patient waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promises. Nothing but real faith can sustain the heart and prompt us to steady endurance during seasons of trial and suffering. Hence, in 10:38, the apostle quotes the striking word from Habakkuk: “The just shall live by faith.” The central design of the chapter is to evidence the patience of those who, in former ages, endured by faith before they received the fulfillment of God’s promises.
I. Faith Anticipates the Future by Believing the Word of God (v.1)
Explanation: In this context, "Assurance" (hypostasis) refers to a solid foundation, grounded in evidence. The term "Conviction" (elengchos) denotes a profound belief or proof regarding something that is not visible or tangible. The concept of "things hoped for" connects to the Jewish expectation of future restoration and the fulfillment of God's promises. Simply stated, “faith is believing God's testimony.”[1] The statement ‘conviction of things not seen’ implies a response, an outward manifestation of the inward assurance. The person of faith lives their belief. John Philips has stated, “Faith is a kind of spiritual ‘sixth-sense’ that enables believers to take a firm hold upon the unseen world and bring it into the realm of experience.”
The contents of v. 1 do not furnish so much a formal definition of faith as they supply a terse description of how it operates and what it produces. Faith, whether natural or spiritual, is the belief of a testimony. Here, faith is believing God's testimony. [2] It is a firm persuasion of that which is hoped for, because it assures its possessor not only that there are such things, but that through the power and faithfulness of God, he shall yet possess them. Thus, it becomes the ground of expectation. The Word of God is the objective foundation on which my hopes rest, but faith provides a subjective foundation, for it convinces me of the certainty of them.
From what has just been said, the reader will perhaps perceive better the force of the rather peculiar word “substance” in the text of the A.V. It comes from two Latin words, sub stans, meaning “standing under.” Faith provides a firm standing-ground while I await the fulfillment of God’s promises.[3]
Historically, the author of Hebrews was addressing early Christians who were experiencing persecution and doubt. This definition of faith was meant to encourage them to remain steadfast in their beliefs despite external challenges.
Again, faith is being certain of what we do not see. It is the means of ‘proving’ or ‘testing’ invisible realities such as the existence of God, his faithfulness to his word, and his control over our world and its affairs. If this definition seems abstract, its meaning becomes more concrete in the illustrations that follow.[4]
In OT times, men and women had to rest on God's promises. God had told them of a coming Messiah, A Deliverer who would take away sin. He told them that one day, all Israel would be made clean and ruled by this righteous Messiah. God’s faithful believed God’s promises, as incomplete and vague as many of those promises were. They did not have a great deal of specific light, by NT standards, but they knew it was God’s light and put their full trust and hope in it.
Here is a list of God’s future hopes and promises for the believer.
1. Eternal Life (John 3:16; Rom. 6:23)
2. Restored Creation (Rev. 21:1-4)
3. Presence of God (Ps. 23:6)
4. Resurrection of the Dead (1Thess.4:16-17)
5. Reward for Faithfulness (2Cor. 5:10)
6. Peace Beyond Understanding (Phil. 4:6-7)
7. Victory Over Sin and Death (1Cor. 15:57)
Application: Endurance comes when we look to God for strength and put our trust in his promises.
II. Faith Evaluates the Present and Receives God’s Approval (v.2)
Explanation: For by it the men of old gained approval from God. From a literal perspective, this verse indicates that faith is what earns God's commendation or approval. It emphasizes that it's not solely our actions or achievements that matter, but rather our trust and belief in God. The phrase "by faith" suggests that faith is the foundational element of our relationship with Him. Faith is not simply one way to please God; instead, it is the only way.
The heroes of the faith outlined in this chapter all put their faith to the test, reached out, grasped the unseen world, and found it real. Philips wrote, “Many people believe faith is vague and unreal -a kind of make-believe -trying to convince themselves that fairy stories are true. Nothing could be further from the truth. Faith is reality, and it reaches out to facts that are more solid, more real, more substantial, and more eternal than anything registered by physical senses.”
We see that faith is not just a passive belief; it is an active trust that leads to actions aligned with God's will. The verb tense used implies that this approval is ongoing. It indicates a continuous state of being validated by faith, suggesting that God continuously recognizes and affirms those who trust in Him.
Theologically, faith is understood as a response to God's revelation. It goes beyond mere intellectual agreement; faith encompasses a deep trust in God's goodness and His promises. Since faith is a gift from God, so is His validation.
Polycarp, an early Christian bishop, martyr, and disciple of the Apostle John, is best known for his steadfast faith and his dramatic martyrdom in AD 155. At the age of 86, he was arrested during a time of persecution against Christians in Smyrna. When brought before the Roman proconsul, he was urged to renounce his faith in Christ and swear allegiance to the emperor. Polycarp famously responded, “Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?”
Despite the threat of being burned alive, Polycarp remained resolute, stating, ‘You threaten me with a fire that burns for a season and after a little while is quenched; but you are ignorant of the fire of the future judgement and of eternal punishment reserved for the ungodly.” Ultimately, he refused to recant his faith, leading to his execution by burning at the stake. In the face of such execution, he is reputed to have said, “I bless you, Father, for judging me worthy of this hour.” Polycarp faithfully evaluated his present in light of the future.
Application: Faith means we put our trust in what God has promised, even if those promises seem impossible to us.
III. Faith Possesses Promises in the Present by Recognizing the Power of God (vv. 3-4).
Explanation: The creation of the universe is a profound example of how faith can lead to a deeper understanding of God’s sovereignty and power. In Hebrews 11:3, it states, “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made of what was visible.” This verse highlights the core belief that the world was created not solely through physical processes but through the authoritative word of God.
Faith gives the object hoped for at a future period, a present reality and power in the soul, as if already possessed; for the believer is satisfied with the security afforded, and acts under the full persuasion that God will not fail of His engagement. Faith gives the soul an appropriating hold of itself. “Faith is a firm persuasion and expectation that God will perform all that He has promised to us in Christ; and this persuasion is so strong that it gives the soul a kind of possession and present fruition of those things, gives them a subsistence in the soul by the firstfruits and foretastes of them; so that believers in the exercise of faith are filled with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (Matthew Henry).
The writer begins where Genesis begins, because faith in God as the Creator of everything that exists is fundamental to the Bible’s view of reality. By faith we understand that the universe [Gk. aiōnas, as in 1:2] was formed at God’s command. If God is in control of nature and history, past and present, every generation of believers can trust his promises about the future, no matter what it may cost them.[5]
Faith allows individuals to accept and believe in the complexities of creation that may not be immediately apparent through scientific observation alone. It’s about trusting in God’s existence and His power to bring the universe into being. This trust forms a foundational perspective that shapes how one views the world and one's place in it.
Understanding creation through faith emphasizes God’s ultimate authority. It suggests that He is not merely a part of the universe but its source. By recognizing God’s command in creation, believers acknowledge His active role in sustaining and governing the cosmos. Faith enhances spiritual insight and encourages a deeper exploration of reality. It invites believers to look beyond the physical world and to consider spiritual truths that underpin existence.
The story of the three Hebrew slaves—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—can be found in the Book of Daniel, specifically in Daniel 3. This account showcases their unyielding faith in God amid intense pressure and persecution.
King Nebuchadnezzar had constructed a massive golden statue and commanded everyone in his kingdom to bow down and worship it. However, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were devout followers of God, refused to comply, knowing that worshiping the idol would betray their faith.
When brought before the king, they boldly declared that they would not worship the statue, stating, "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the golden image which you have set up" (Daniel 3:17-18). This response exemplifies their deep faith and trust in God's deliverance, regardless of the outcome.
In anger, Nebuchadnezzar ordered them to be thrown into a furnace heated seven times hotter than usual. Yet, when the king looked into the furnace, he saw not three, but four figures walking unharmed in the flames, with the fourth appearing like "a son of the gods." This miraculous intervention revealed God's presence and protection over the faithful trio.
Ultimately, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were unscathed by the fire, and their faith not only saved them but also led to a powerful testimony of God's sovereignty and power. Following their deliverance, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged their God and promoted them within his kingdom.
This story illustrates that true faith involves trusting in God's goodness and power, even in the face of dire circumstances, and standing firm in one's beliefs despite societal pressures.
Application: Chapter 11 reminds us that we are not the first to take this journey; many have walked this path ahead of us, and thus we are not alone in our journey of faith.
[1] Arthur Walkington Pink, An Exposition of Hebrews (Swengel, PA: Bible Truth Depot, 1954), 636.
[2] Ibid., 636.
[3] Ibid., 637.
[4] David G. Peterson, “Hebrews,” in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 1345.
[5] David G. Peterson, “Hebrews,” in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 1347.
© 2012 - 2025 Blake Gideon. All rights Reserved
Comments
Post a Comment