Hebrews 11 — Righteousness Before God Is By Faith
Introduction: Hebrews 11 defines faith and demonstrates through Old Testament examples that righteousness comes by faith, not works. From Abel through the prophets, all were commended for their faith in God.
Note: Bible passages are from the American King James Version.
A — Faith Defined and Required for Pleasing God
“Hebrews 11:1-6 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
B — Abel, Abraham, and Others Commended for Faith
“Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”
Comments: Abraham's faith caused him to obey God's call without knowing his destination. He lived in faith, looking toward a heavenly city not made by human hands. His faith demonstrated trust in God's promises.
C — A Cloud of Witnesses and the Example of Faith
“Hebrews 11:39-40 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”
Comments: All the faithful in Scripture were commended for their faith. Though they did not receive the complete fulfillment of the promises, God provided something better through Christ for the final perfection of all believers together.
Reflections in Prayer
Lord, help me to understand that faith is the substance and evidence of things unseen. Grant me the faith of the elders, especially Abraham, who obeyed without knowing the destination. I too am looking for that city whose builder and maker is God. Give me faith to trust you diligently and to believe that you reward those who seek you. Let me join that great cloud of witnesses who lived by faith. Amen.
Published 3 February 2020
Comments: Faith is defined as substance and evidence of unseen things. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Belief requires trust that God exists and rewards those who seek him diligently.