EXTRAORDINARY FAITH: FAITH CHANGES EVERYTHING

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

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Hebrews 11:6 (CSB) Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

1. What is faith?

Hebrews 11:1–3 (CSB) Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. 2For by this our ancestors were approved. 3By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

 Hebrews 11:1–3 (NLT) Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. 2Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. 3By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.

• FAITH – (1) Confident or unquestioning belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.[1](2) firm belief in something for which there is no proof.[2] (3) Belief and trust in God that is not founded on empirical proof but rather on acceptance of God’s trustworthiness to keep his promises.[3]
• “reality” – hypostasis = to stand under, a substructure, foundation
• Our faith is what gives us strength to stand under the pressures of life, it is our foundation
• That foundation is based on the truth of God’s Word
• Warren Weirsbe said, “True Bible faith is confident obedience to God’s Word in spite of circumstances and consequences,”[4]
• J. Oswald Sanders put it perfectly: “Faith enables the believing soul to treat the future as present and the invisible as seen.”[5]

John 20:29 (CSB) Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”

2. What’s the benefit of faith?

Hebrews 11:13–16 (CSB) These all died in faith, although they had not received the things that were promised. But they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth. 14Now those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15If they were thinking about where they came from, they would have had an opportunity to return. 16But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

• It is clear this passage is speaking of the patriarchs of the faith who died without seeing the fulfillment of God’s promise yet never stopped believing. Why? Because they knew God will fulfill His promise no matter what. They trusted Him, even in death.
• They could have tried to blend into the culture for comfort, acceptance or possessions. But they did not, they never swayed from walking with God. This is what faith does.
• Their faith gave them the hope of eternity with God and favor with Him.
• “Anyone can turn around and go back to the world if he is satisfied with the things of the world. However, a child of God, by faith, is going ever onward.”[6] – J. Vernon McGee
• What’s the benefit? Confidence that no matter what we may face here, God is with us and has promised to keep us forever.

3. How do I live by faith?

Hebrews 11:6 (CSB) Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him

• Realize the importance

vs 6a Now without faith it is impossible to please God…

• “God is pleased with faith because if he is trusted he is also loved, for trust in God cannot flourish without believing that he is good.”[7] – Thomas Schreiner
• The more you love God, the more you have faith. The more you have faith, the more you love God. The more you do both…you will understand the goodness of God.

• Recognize our responsibility 

Vs 6b … since the one who draws near to him…

• Faith cannot grow at a distance just as love cannot grow at a distance
• We must grow closer to Him daily if our faith is to grow stronger

• Resolve to believe…no matter what

Vs 6c … must believe that he exists…

• As our faith grows stronger, we are constantly reminded of His presence and power

• Revel in His reward

Vs 6d … and that he rewards those who seek him.

• As we are reminded of His presence and power, we will continue to see the benefit.
• He rewards those who run after Him

[1] American Heritage Dictionary. https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=faith

[2] Merriam Webster Dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/faith

[3] Mangum, Douglas. The Lexham Glossary of Theology. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014.

[4] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 317.

[5] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 318.

[6] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary: The Epistles (Hebrews 8-13), electronic ed., vol. 52 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), 88.

[7] Thomas R. Schreiner, Hebrews, ed. T. Desmond Alexander, Thomas R. Schreiner, and Andreas J. Köstenberger, Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2021), 345.