Faith

Unveiling the Power of Biblical Faith: More Than Just Belief

Have you ever wondered what true faith really looks like? Is it just a feeling, a hope that things will get better, or something more? Today, we’re diving deep into the wonderful word “faith” as found in Hebrews chapter 11, often called the “hall of faith.” Let’s explore how faith in 2021, while our culture has changed, remains just as essential as it was for the heroes of the Bible.

What is Biblical Faith?

Biblical faith is multi-faceted, not one-dimensional like the “good vibes” or hopefulness we often hear about in our world. As I explain in the sermon:

“Biblical faith is two-dimensional or multi-faceted. The first dimension that faith takes is that faith must believe in God… Biblical faith is looking at the will of God in the word of God and saying there are real promises and real commands and real truths that I can anchor myself to.”

But it doesn’t stop there. The second facet is equally important:

“Faith is not only believes God but faith is committed to God. So we can say that faith has creed what we believe but faith also has commitment.”

I love the acronym shared by J.I. Packer: “Forsaking All I Take Him.” This captures the essence of Biblical faith beautifully.

The Imperative Nature of Faith

Hebrews 11:2 tells us, “For by it the people of old received their commendation.” This means that faith is not just important – it’s imperative. It’s essential for our salvation and our ongoing relationship with God.

“Every single one of them… did they do it by following the law? No. They could never please God by being good enough.”

Instead, we please God through faith. As I mentioned in the sermon:

“Simply by putting our faith in Him, believing on who He is and what He has promised in the gospel, and then latching on to it with all that we are.”

Faith in Action: Examples from Hebrews 11

The rest of Hebrews 11 provides us with incredible examples of faith in action. Let’s look at a few:

• 1. Abel (v. 4): “By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain.”
• 2. Enoch (v. 5-6): “By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death.”
• 3. Noah (v. 7): “By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark.”
• 4. Abraham and Sarah (v. 8-12): “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance.”

These examples show us that faith is not just about believing, but about acting on that belief, even when we can’t see the outcome.

Faith for Today

So how does this apply to us in 2021? I challenge you with these words:

“This morning it was good for them, I would say it was even essential for them, and it’s essential for us today that we live by faith.”

Putting It Into Practice

1. Examine your faith: Ask yourself, “What is my faith in this morning? Who is my faith in?”
2. Center your faith on God: If your faith is in anything or anyone other than God, take steps to refocus.
3. Strengthen your faith: “We do that by reading His word and by praying and talking to Him.”
4. Live out your faith: Let your actions reflect your belief, just like the heroes of faith we read about.

Remember, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). Let’s strive to have a faith that not only believes in God but also commits to Him fully, transforming our lives and pleasing Him in all we do.