In this tumultuous time, as God's people, we are called to live by faith and not by fear. As we look into today's passage we will revisit the meaning of faith in today's context.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
We are called to live by faith not by fear for “the righteous shall live by faith.”
Major Problems against Faith
1. Uncontrolled Emotions
2. Culture of Instant Gratification.
3. Self-focused Faith
Faith Reloaded
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope forand assurance about what we do not see.
1. Faith must be built upon the promise of God.
"Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the promise of God's presence."
2 Cor 1:20 “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.”
2. Faith must be exercised in the present.
Faith must be exercised NOW.
Faith is lifestyle.
3. Faith must be shown through life.
James 2:18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds. ”Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.
4. Faith must be finished.
Our faith should
a. Start strong
b. Last long
c.Finish strong
5. Faith will be rewarded by God.
Hebrews 6:12
12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us runwith perseverancethe race marked out for us,2 fixing our eyes on Jesus,the pioneerand perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,scorning its shame,and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.