Living by Faith: Endurance, Community, and Divine Purpose
Summary
Today, I explored the profound concept of living by faith, drawing extensively from Hebrews 11 and 12. I began by emphasizing that faith is not merely a transient feeling but a substantial property, a tangible essence that underpins our existence. Faith, as described in Hebrews, is the "substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." This foundational property of faith is what allows us to perceive the invisible hand of God in the architecture of our lives and the universe.
I delved into the historical context provided by the Hebrew writer, who encourages us not to lose confidence, which has great reward. This exhortation is rooted in the understanding that our ancestors gained approval through faith, demonstrating that the worlds were framed by the word of God. This framing is not just a historical recount but a dynamic invitation to recognize that the visible is born from the invisible, through faith.
The sermon transitioned into a discussion on the practical outworking of faith in our lives. I stressed the importance of preparation and purging in our faith journey—laying aside every weight and sin that hinders us. This is not just about avoidance but about active engagement in the race set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Here, the metaphor of the race encapsulates the endurance and focus required to live a life of faith.
I also highlighted the diversity of life's races, noting that some may have a sprint while others a marathon, yet each is called to run their designated course with perseverance. This perspective is crucial as it acknowledges the individual paths we tread in our faith journey, tailored by divine design.
Towards the conclusion, I addressed the collective aspect of faith, emphasizing that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. This not only ties us to the legacy of past believers but also situates us within a community that looks to Jesus as the exemplar of faithfulness. In Him, we find the endurance to face trials and the joy that comes from fulfilling our divine calling.
In closing, I invited the congregation to respond to the message of faith by either committing their lives to Christ or deepening their walk with Him. This call to action is about making faith a lived experience, one that continuously transforms us from the inside out.
### Key Takeaways:
1. Faith as Substance and Evidence:
Faith is not an abstract concept but a substantial reality that provides the foundation for our Christian lives. It is both the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of unseen realities. This dual nature of faith enables us to trust in God's promises and His invisible workings in our visible world. [15:58]
2. The Historical and Collective Dimension of Faith:
Our faith connects us to a long history of believers who have witnessed God's faithfulness. This historical perspective not only enriches our understanding of faith but also integrates us into a larger story, where we draw strength and inspiration from those who have run the race before us. [06:51]
3. The Practical Outworking of Faith in Daily Life:
Living by faith requires practical steps such as preparation and purging. We must actively lay aside sins and burdens that distract us from our divine purpose, focusing on Jesus who perfects our faith. This practical aspect ensures that our faith is not theoretical but lived out in everyday actions. [56:00]
4. Endurance in Faith:
Faith is not a sprint but a marathon that requires endurance. This endurance is cultivated by keeping our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. Our challenges and trials are to be faced with the same perseverance, knowing that our faith journey is long-term and oriented towards eternal rewards. [58:17]
5. Community and Witness in Faith:
We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, which means our faith journey is both personal and communal. Engaging with this community of faith encourages us and challenges us to live out our faith authentically and boldly. This communal aspect of faith is vital for personal growth and for the strengthening of the church. [07:36]
### Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [03:32] - Introduction to Faith
- [04:12] - Reading of Hebrews 11
- [08:11] - Explanation of Faith as Substance
- [14:04] - Living by Faith Daily
- [33:04] - Historical Context of Faith
- [44:29] - Practical Steps in Faith
- [57:38] - Endurance and Patience in Faith
- [01:00:14] - Conclusion and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 11:1-3 (NKJV): "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible."
2. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV): "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 11:1, how is faith described? What are the two key aspects of faith mentioned in this verse?
2. In Hebrews 11:3, what do we understand about the creation of the worlds? How does this relate to the concept of faith?
3. Hebrews 12:1-2 speaks about a "great cloud of witnesses." Who are these witnesses, and what is their significance in the context of faith? [06:51]
4. What practical steps are mentioned in Hebrews 12:1-2 for running the race of faith? How are we encouraged to focus during this race?
### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon emphasized that faith is a substantial reality, not just a feeling. How does this understanding of faith as "substance" and "evidence" impact the way we live our daily lives? [15:58]
2. The historical context of faith connects us to a long lineage of believers. How does knowing the stories of past believers strengthen our own faith journey? [06:51]
3. The sermon mentioned the importance of laying aside every weight and sin. What are some examples of "weights" that might hinder our faith journey, and how can we actively lay them aside? [56:00]
4. The metaphor of the race in Hebrews 12:1-2 suggests endurance and focus. How can we practically keep our eyes on Jesus, the "author and finisher of our faith," in the midst of life's challenges? [07:36]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt your faith was more of a feeling than a substantial reality. How can you shift your perspective to see faith as a tangible foundation in your life? [15:58]
2. The sermon highlighted the importance of preparation and purging in our faith journey. What specific steps can you take this week to prepare yourself spiritually and lay aside any weights or sins that are hindering you? [56:00]
3. Endurance in faith was compared to running a marathon. What are some practical ways you can build spiritual endurance in your daily routine? Consider setting small, achievable goals to help you stay focused on Jesus. [58:17]
4. The concept of a "great cloud of witnesses" suggests that we are part of a larger community of faith. How can you engage more deeply with your faith community to draw strength and encouragement from others? [06:51]
5. The sermon mentioned that our faith journey is unique and tailored by divine design. How can you embrace your individual path and avoid comparing your faith journey to others? [54:01]
6. The sermon concluded with a call to make faith a lived experience. What is one specific action you can take this week to deepen your walk with Christ and make your faith more evident in your daily life? [01:02:03]
7. Reflect on the idea that faith is both personal and communal. How can you contribute to the faith journey of someone else in your community this week? Consider reaching out to offer support, prayer, or encouragement. [07:36]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith as Tangible Reality
Faith is not an abstract concept but a substantial reality that provides the foundation for our Christian lives. It is both the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of unseen realities. This dual nature of faith enables us to trust in God's promises and His invisible workings in our visible world. Understanding faith as both substance and evidence allows believers to anchor their lives in something far greater than what can be seen or touched. This perspective transforms how we view challenges and opportunities, encouraging us to act with confidence in God's providence and promises.
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12 ESV)
Reflection: How can recognizing faith as a tangible reality change the way you approach your daily challenges and decisions?
Day 2: Connected Through the Ages
Our faith connects us to a long history of believers who have witnessed God's faithfulness. This historical perspective not only enriches our understanding of faith but also integrates us into a larger story, where we draw strength and inspiration from those who have run the race before us. By seeing ourselves as part of this great cloud of witnesses, we are reminded that we are not alone in our journey. This collective dimension of faith provides a sense of belonging and encouragement, as we consider the faithful examples of those who have persevered before us.
"And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions." (Hebrews 11:32-33 ESV)
Reflection: Who are the historical figures in the faith that inspire you, and how can their stories influence your faith journey today?
Day 3: Living Faith in Practical Steps
Living by faith requires practical steps such as preparation and purging. We must actively lay aside sins and burdens that distract us from our divine purpose, focusing on Jesus who perfects our faith. This practical aspect ensures that our faith is not theoretical but lived out in everyday actions. By engaging in these daily practices, believers cultivate a lifestyle that reflects their faith, making it visible and effective in the real world. This approach not only strengthens personal faith but also serves as a testimony to others about the power of living by faith.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1 ESV)
Reflection: What are the weights or sins you need to lay aside to run more effectively the race of faith?
Day 4: The Marathon of Faith
Faith is not a sprint but a marathon that requires endurance. This endurance is cultivated by keeping our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. Our challenges and trials are to be faced with the same perseverance, knowing that our faith journey is long-term and oriented towards eternal rewards. Embracing this mindset helps believers to not grow weary or lose heart, but to continue pressing forward, even when the path seems difficult or the progress slow.
"May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy." (Colossians 1:11 ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to develop more endurance, and how can focusing on Jesus help you in this process?
Day 5: Community and Witness in Faith
We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, which means our faith journey is both personal and communal. Engaging with this community of faith encourages us and challenges us to live out our faith authentically and boldly. This communal aspect of faith is vital for personal growth and for the strengthening of the church. By participating in the life of the community, believers find support and encouragement, as well as opportunities to encourage others, thereby fulfilling the law of Christ to bear one another's burdens.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)
Reflection: How can you more actively engage with your faith community to both give and receive encouragement?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Faith is acting like it is even when it doesn't look like it is because God says it is. By faith, the men of old gained approval. They gained something by having faith." [40:53]
2. "The whole universe was created by him. That what we see was created by what we can't see. The worlds made by the unseen world. He spoke in Genesis 1-1, the world into existence." [45:24]
3. "God uses the strategy of his word to create. That's it. He got, God's strategy, amen, was to bring Christ into the world for us to believe him. And by the word, the word, the word, amen, would create what we needed." [48:00]
4. "You too can live by faith. Tell your neighbor that you too can live by faith. Amen. Amen." [44:29]
5. "Every fourth Sunday, we like to give you a little health note, and then on the first Sunday when you come, we want to be able to have something to be able to help you with that." [01:09:04]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." [07:36]
2. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony." [06:00]
3. "Our faith requires patience. Run with endurance, run with patience. It takes time. You're not going to change overnight. Faith will change you, but over time." [57:38]
4. "Our faith is a person. He says, who are we looking to? Jesus. Looking unto Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith." [58:17]
5. "And every day, in every way, you're going to get stronger and stronger and stronger as you put your trust and your confidence in me, Jesus says." [01:00:52]
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