FAITH Hebrews 11.1, 6 Faith Heb. 11:1,6 Introduction: A. Faith is important. (v.6). ***Some important information is contained in verse 1…see next slide:

Hebrews 11 1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (NKJV) 1. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (NASB) Substance: g5287. ὑπόστασις hupostasis; from 5259 and 2476; a support, substance, steadiness, hence assurance:--assurance (2), CONFIDENCE (2), nature (1). Evidence: g1650. ἔλεγχος elegchos; from 1651; a proof, test:--conviction (1). g1651. ἐλέγχω elegchō; a prim. vb.; to expose, convict, reprove:--convict (2), convicted (2), convicts (1), expose (1), exposed (2), rebuke (1), refute (1), reprimanded (1), reprove (4), reproved (1), show... fault (1). ***Nothing wrong with this translation, but better understood in later (ASV, and NASB etc.)…

Hebrews 11 But not only is Faith defined… Faith is described…Verse 7 “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” B. Faith is described. (v.7) Hebrews 11.7

FAITH …has two basic connotations in the New Testament C. "Faith" has two basic connotations in the New Testament:

FAITH – Testimony/Teaching of NT Objectively: It is the Testimony and Teaching concerning Jesus Christ Jude 3 “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” I. Objectively: The New Testament Testimony and Teaching Concerning Jesus Christ. (Jude 3).

FAITH – Testimony/Teaching of NT “The faith," “The truth," and “The gospel” are the same. Col 1:23 Eph. 1:13 2 Tim. 3:8 cf. Eph. 4:5 A. “The faith," “The truth," and “the gospel” are the same. See following scriptures…

Colossians 1:23 “if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.”

Ephesians 1:13 “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,”

2 Timothy 3:8 “Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith;

Ephesians 4.5 “one Lord, one faith, one baptism;”

FAITH – Testimony/Teaching of NT The Inspired testimony supporting His deity - with all that goes with it. The Inspired testimony of his teachings and expectations. (cf. 1 Tim. 5:8) “The faith” (in Christ as object of Abrahamic promise) as opposed to the law of Moses. (Gal. 3). 1. The Inspired testimony supporting His deity - with all that goes with it. *** 2. The Inspired testimony of his teachings and expectations. 1 Tim. 5:8 “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” *** B. “The faith” (in Christ as object of Abrahamic promise) as opposed to the law of Moses. (Gal. 3). Gal. 3:24-25 “Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.”

FAITH – Response of Individuals to “The Faith” The acceptance of the evidence - belief. (Rom. 10:6-8,17). II. Subjectively: The Response of Individuals To “The Faith.” A. The acceptance of the evidence - belief. Rom. 10:6-8,17 “But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, "Do not say in your heart, ' Who will ascend into heaven? '" (that is, to bring Christ down from above) 7 or, " ' Who will descend into the abyss? '" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach.”) Verse 17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

FAITH – Response of Individuals to “The Faith” The response to the evidence - trust and obedience. (Rom. 1:5; James 2:14-18). B. The response to the evidence - trust and obedience. Rom. 1:5 “Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name” James 2:14-18) Next slide

James 2.14-18 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, " Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.18 But someone will say, " You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. James 2.14-18 “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, " Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.18 But someone will say, " You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

FAITH – Response of Individuals to “The Faith” One may be weak or strong in his faith – degree of trust: “Little faith” – Matt. 6.30 “Great faith” – Luke 7.9 “Increase our faith” – Luke 17.5 C. One may be weak or strong in his faith - degree of trust. 1. "Little faith" (Matt. 6:30). 2. "Great faith" (Luke7:9). 3. "Increase our faith" (Luke 17:5).

FAITH – Response of Individuals to “The Faith” One may be weak or strong in “the faith” – degree of understanding of “the faith” Rom 14.1; 15.1 1 Cor 8.1-13 D. One may be weak or strong in "the faith" – degree of understanding of “the faith." Rom. 14:1 “Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.” Rom. 15:1 “We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” 1. The weak strongly believe what they believe - understanding weak. 2. Parallel to those in 1 Cor. 8:1-13.

FAITH – Response of Individuals to “The Faith” Our faith is often tested – both degree and understanding James 1.2-3 E. One often as his faith tested - both the degree and understanding. Jas. 1:2,3 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” power of temptation lies in appeal to immediate and visible. 1. By troubles in general. 2. By temptation in general. 3. By exposure to human wisdom. 4. By the delay of results. 5. By the requirements of faith.

What About Your Faith? Conclusion: We need to honestly consider the evidence. B. We need believe the evidence and ground ourselves in it. C. We need continually refresh our minds, lest the appeal to here and now weaken our faith.