Faith: The Foundation of Hope and Endurance

Devotional

Day 1: Faith as the Bedrock of Hope

Faith is the foundation upon which our hope is built, providing us with confidence in God's promises and certainty in unseen realities. It is not merely a belief but a dynamic force that supports our spiritual journey. This assurance allows us to trust in God's promises, such as the return of Christ and our eternal dwelling with Him, even though we have not witnessed these realities physically. Faith gives us the strength to hold onto the hope of things unseen, anchoring us in the spiritual truths that God has revealed. [03:00]

Hebrews 11:1-3 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible."

Reflection: What is one promise of God that you find difficult to trust in fully? How can you actively remind yourself of this promise today and let it strengthen your faith?

---

Day 2: Obedience in the Face of Uncertainty

True faith often requires standing alone and obeying God's word, even when results are not immediately visible. Noah's perseverance in building the ark exemplifies this aspect of faith. Despite the absence of immediate results, Noah trusted in God's command and acted in obedience, demonstrating that faith is not passive but active. This obedience, even in the face of uncertainty, is a testament to the strength and conviction that faith provides, allowing us to follow God's guidance even when the path is unclear. [05:28]

Genesis 6:22 (ESV): "Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him."

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to act in faith, even though the outcome is uncertain? What steps can you take today to obey His call?

---

Day 3: Sacrificing the Present for Eternal Rewards

Faith involves enduring present uncertainties by focusing on God's future promises. Abraham's journey to an unknown land illustrates the willingness to sacrifice immediate comfort for eternal rewards. This journey of faith requires us to look beyond our current circumstances and trust in the greater plan that God has for us. By focusing on the eternal rewards promised by God, we can find the strength to endure and sacrifice in the present, knowing that our faith will be rewarded in the future. [06:52]

Hebrews 11:8-10 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God."

Reflection: What is one comfort or security you are holding onto that might be hindering your faith journey? How can you begin to let go of it today in pursuit of God's promises?

---

Day 4: Imperfect People in God's Perfect Plan

God uses imperfect individuals to fulfill His perfect plan. Figures like Rahab and Samson show that faith is not about perfection but about trusting God's purpose. Despite their flawed pasts, these individuals were used mightily by God because they submitted to His perfect plan. This reminds us that God empowers the weak and imperfect to accomplish His purposes, and that our faith is not diminished by our imperfections but strengthened by our reliance on God's grace. [09:05]

Judges 16:28-30 (ESV): "Then Samson called to the Lord and said, 'O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.' And Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and he leaned his weight against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other. And Samson said, 'Let me die with the Philistines.' Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life."

Reflection: In what ways do you feel inadequate or imperfect in your faith journey? How can you trust God to use you despite these imperfections?

---

Day 5: Enduring Hardship for Heavenly Rewards

A life of faith may involve suffering and loss, but it is lived for what matters most in heaven. The faithful endure hardships, knowing their ultimate reward is with God. This endurance is a testament to the strength of faith, allowing believers to persevere through trials and tribulations with the assurance that their suffering is not in vain. By focusing on the eternal rewards promised by God, we can find the strength to endure and remain faithful, even in the face of adversity. [10:12]

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: What is one hardship you are currently facing that challenges your faith? How can you shift your focus to the eternal rewards that God promises to those who endure?

---

Sermon Summary

In our journey through Hebrews 11, we explore the profound nature of faith as both a foundation and a conviction. Faith is not merely a belief but a functional force that underpins our hope and assures us of the unseen realities promised by God. This chapter serves as a gallery of faith, showcasing the lives of individuals who exemplified faith in action. These biblical figures, despite their imperfections, demonstrated unwavering trust in God's promises, often standing alone against the tide of their times.

The chapter begins by defining faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. This assurance is the foundation upon which our hope rests, giving us confidence in God's promises, such as the return of Christ and our eternal dwelling with Him. Faith also produces a certainty in us about the existence of unseen realities, like God and the spiritual realm, which we accept without having witnessed them physically.

The lives of Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others illustrate how faith manifests in obedience, endurance, and sacrifice. Noah's faith led him to build an ark despite the absence of immediate results, while Abraham's faith drove him to leave his homeland, trusting in God's promise of a heavenly city. Moses chose to forgo the pleasures of Pharaoh's palace to align with God's people, demonstrating that faith often requires sacrificing immediate benefits for eternal rewards.

Moreover, the chapter highlights that faith is not reserved for the perfect. Figures like Rahab and Samson, with their flawed pasts, were used mightily by God because they submitted to His perfect plan. This reminds us that God empowers the weak and imperfect to accomplish His purposes. Finally, the chapter acknowledges the suffering and persecution faced by many faithful individuals, emphasizing that true faith often involves enduring hardship for the sake of God's kingdom.

Key Takeaways

1. Faith as a Foundation and Conviction: Faith is the bedrock of our hope, providing confidence in God's promises and certainty in unseen realities. It is not just belief but a functional force that supports our spiritual journey. [03:00]
2. Obedience in Faith: True faith often requires standing alone and obeying God's word, even when results are not immediately visible. Noah's perseverance in building the ark exemplifies this aspect of faith. [05:28]
3. Endurance and Sacrifice: Faith involves enduring present uncertainties by focusing on God's future promises. Abraham's journey to an unknown land illustrates the willingness to sacrifice immediate comfort for eternal rewards. [06:52]
4. Imperfect People, Perfect Plan: God uses imperfect individuals to fulfill His perfect plan. Figures like Rahab and Samson show that faith is not about perfection but about trusting God's purpose. [09:05]
5. Faith Amidst Suffering: A life of faith may involve suffering and loss, but it is lived for what matters most in heaven. The faithful endure hardships, knowing their ultimate reward is with God. [10:12]
** [10:12]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:13] - Inspired Biographies of Faith
[03:00] - Faith as Assurance and Conviction
[04:15] - The Necessity of Faith
[05:28] - Noah's Obedience
[06:52] - Abraham's Journey
[07:49] - Sacrifices of Moses
[09:05] - Imperfect Yet Faithful
[10:12] - Faith Amidst Suffering
[11:42] - Closing Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Hebrews 11:1, how is faith described in terms of assurance and conviction? How does this relate to the unseen realities mentioned in the sermon? [03:00]
What actions did Noah take as a result of his faith, and what was the outcome of his obedience according to Hebrews 11:7? [05:28]
How did Abraham demonstrate his faith when he left his homeland, and what was he ultimately looking forward to, as described in Hebrews 11:8-10? [06:52]
In the sermon, how are imperfect individuals like Rahab and Samson used to illustrate God's perfect plan? [09:05]

Interpretation Questions

How does the functional definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1 challenge or expand the common understanding of faith as merely belief? [03:00]
What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between faith and obedience, especially when results are not immediately visible, as seen in the life of Noah? [05:28]
How does the example of Abraham's journey illustrate the concept of enduring present uncertainties by focusing on God's future promises? [06:52]
What does the inclusion of flawed individuals like Rahab and Samson in Hebrews 11 teach about God's ability to use imperfect people for His purposes? [09:05]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you had to trust in something you couldn't see. How did that experience shape your understanding of faith as described in Hebrews 11:1? [03:00]
Noah obeyed God despite not seeing immediate results. Is there an area in your life where you feel called to act in faith without seeing the outcome? How can you take a step of obedience this week? [05:28]
Abraham left his comfort zone to follow God's call. Is there a "comfort zone" in your life that God might be calling you to leave? What steps can you take to trust in His promises for your future? [06:52]
The sermon highlights that God uses imperfect people for His perfect plan. How can you embrace your imperfections and trust that God can still use you for His purposes? [09:05]
Hebrews 11:6 states that without faith, it is impossible to please God. What are some practical ways you can strengthen your faith and draw nearer to God this week?
The sermon mentions that faith often involves enduring hardship. How can you find encouragement and strength in your faith during difficult times? [10:12]
Consider the examples of faith in Hebrews 11. Which biblical figure's story resonates most with you, and how can their example inspire you to live out your faith more fully?

Sermon Clips

1) "Have you ever thought about the fact that the Bible is an inspired book of biographies? You know, God most often teaches us principles of truths through the lives of other people, but they're people just like us. They have strengths, and they have weaknesses. Sometimes they succeeded, sometimes they failed. Well, our wisdom journey now sails into the harbor of Hebrews chapter 11, and it's as if God's spirit just sort of condenses so many biographies as possible into the shortest amount of space. But his purpose is clear. God wants to inspire us to imitate these lives of faith." [01:13] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "The word here for assurance can be translated confidence or substance or reality. The original Greek term is hupostasis, which literally refers to something that stands under as a supporter. So, your faith is the foundation which supports your hope. Your hope rests upon your faith. And what's your hope? Well, we hope for things the Bible promises. Things like Christ's return for his church, a reunion of all the departed believers in heaven, of our eternal dwelling in the Father's house, and more. So, faith gives us the confidence in God's promises." [03:00] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "A person of faith obeys God's word, even if it means they stand alone. Verse 7 records, Noah being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, constructed an ark for the saving of his household. You may know his biography. For more than 120 years, Noah preached while he built the ark. But in the end, only Noah and his family were saved. That's another way of saying that nobody responded. I can't imagine preaching for 20 years with no response. Noah preached for 120 years without any so-called results. Noah did all of it by faith." [05:28] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "A person of faith endures the uncertainties of the present by focusing on God's promises for the future. Now, Abraham is our main example here. When he obeyed God's call to leave his homeland, he headed out there to a distant land. I love verse 8, which says he went out not knowing where he was going. How many of us would do that? Verse 10 tells us, though, that he was motivated by this city. He writes, he was looking forward to the city that has foundations. whose designer and builder is God." [06:52] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "A person of faith is willing to forfeit immediate benefits for the sake of following God's will. The writer says this in verse 24, By faith, Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. In other words, Moses gave up a royal palace to lead the children of Israel through a barren wilderness." [07:49] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "A person of faith is an imperfect person with an imperfect past. who submits to the perfect plan of God. Now, to make this point, the writer mentions people here in verse 31, like Rahab, Samson, Jephthah, verse 32. Rahab was a prostitute before God intervened in her life. Samson never conquered his immoral lust. Jephthah was somebody we would call today a gangster or an outlaw. But God used each one of them as they trusted God's plans for the nation Israel." [09:05] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "A person of faith is willing to walk with God even when their faith creates suffering and pain. and loss in life. Verse 36 tells us, but others suffered mocking and flogging, even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned. They were sawn in two. They were killed with a sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated, of whom the world was not worthy. Imagine that. Beloved, I can guarantee you that when we meet these people in eternity, we're not going to hear any words of regret." [10:12] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?