Faith Continued:
WHAT IS FAITH
Hebrews 11:1-19
“Now…………..” this from the passage, means that FAITH is a SUBJECT of the PRESENT.
The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
The Living Bible has it as – “the confident assurance that something that we want is going to happen….”
Faith is being confidently sure, without any iota of doubt that God is able to do as he promised. (Romans 4:21)
Let’s examine some of the personalities among the Roll-call of the men of Faith.
1. Abel (Genesis 4:3)
For Abel, faith is:
ð Giving the very best of God.
ð He knew he must give cheerfully, wholeheartedly, without any eye-service, rancour etc.
ð Faith is giving the BEST to God.
Dignity, respect, our attitude, all these must be considered if we want to give the best to God.
2. NOAH (Hebrews 11:7) He pleased God – Genesis 6:8-22
For Noah, faith is:
ð Living a righteous life.
ð For about 120 years, Noah waited patiently and built the ark, not minding what was happening around him. By then, it has NEVER been recorded in the Bible that there has been RAIN, only a mist that comes and wets the Earth.
ð Noah had a total commitment of obedience to God.
The Question is:
(a.) Can God boast of you today, as He boasted of Job?
(b.) Can God score you and find U?
3. ENOCH (Hebrews 11:5) He pleased God – Genesis 6:8-22
For Enoch, Faith is:
ð Walking with God. For the first (1st) 65 years of Enoch, he wasted his ways but came back to God, and allowed himself to WALK with God.
ð He made God his Friend and confidant.
ð He allowed God to order his steps.
ð He asks for consent from God before doing anything.
The Question is:
(a.) Is God your best friend?
(b.) How consistent is your WALK with God?
(c.) How much of the WORD of God is in you?
4. ABRAHAM (Hebrew 11:8, Romans 4, Genesis 12)
For Abraham, faith is:
ð Having total submission to the WILL of God.
ð Doing away with a life of SIN, wickedness, all forms of traditions, etc, and turning to God.
ð Totally separating yourself from everything that will make you SIN against God.
ð Giving what is most valuable, precious to you.
ð Not giving up on a promise, even when no solution is near.
ð Not giving up on yourself, even when everyone has given up on you.
ð Saying it is well, when actually it is NOT WELL!.
The Question is:
(a.) Can you give your best to God?
(b.) Are you truly separated from the World?
(c.) Do you believe that God can make a way out of your present situation?
5. MOSES (Hebrews 11:23)
For Moses, faith is:
ð Leaving slavery to Freedom.
ð Leaving the comfort zone to a place of discomfort.
ð Confronting the powers of evil, enemies.
The Question is:
(a.) Do you believe that God would path the RED Sea in your life, for you to pass-over to your promised land?
Faith must be –Expressed, Acted, Said, so that you would get what you want.
Let’s begin to put FAITH in action, so that we can have the same blessings as our Fathers of Old. Amen!
