What Is Faith Series

#~1~ Heb.11:1-3 ~INTRODUCTION~ (HALL OF FAITH CHAPTER) SS 4-12-14

Today we’ll begin a new study of “Hebrews Chapter 11:” often referred to as the “hall of faith” chapter. --- Chapter 11: is also called by some “the catalog of the faithful”.

~We believe that Paul is probably the writer of Hebrews, but we can not be sure, we believe that mainly because of what Peter said too the Hebrews about Paul in;

2 Peter 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; --

As far as I know Paul had not written any epistles to the Hebrews, so we believe Peter is talking about the epistle of Hebrews, that Paul wrote this epistle to the Hebrews. --- Lets keep in mind that the epistles of “JAMES, PETER, AND HEBREWS” were written primarily too the Hebrew people. --- But all of us are to read them and glean all we can from them.

~~ Also the writer of Hebrews knew Timothy; apparently, Timothy was well known to both the author and the Hebrew readers.

>Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.

~It seems that what Paul means here is, that Timothy is released from prison, if he gets here in time, I will bring him with me when I come to visit you.

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LISTEN; in the close of chapter 10, Paul begins to put the spot light on faith, he said;

Heb.10: 38-39 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; [destruction] but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

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The word “faith” is found 24 times in this chapter, it carries the meaning of (believing and trusting in God,) believing that what ever He said was true. -- Faith is confidence that things yet future and unseen will happen as God has said that they will.

~ Faith is a human response to God's faithfulness and His promise’s. -- We trust His trustworthiness, not our own. --- God’s character is the key too our faith.

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~ Here in chapter 11: Paul was urging the Hebrew believers not to fall back into Judaism, their old way of religion, and to continue in the Christian faith.

In this 11th chapter, from verse 2-40, Paul points out the unshakeable faith of their ancestors in their times of troubles and trials, he wanted to show that there is power in faith to keep the mind and heart in the midst of turmoil.

As we read of these faithful individuals in chapter 11, we’ll see their behavior in their troubles and trials; and we’ll notice that God was well pleased.

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> Heb.11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

We’re told 4 times in the Bible, “the just shall live by faith”.

>Habakkuk 2: 4 -- but the just shall live by his faith.

>Rom. 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

~ When we read “it is written” that means that some where in the O.T. it had been written. – A reference too Hab.2:4.

>Gal. 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

> Heb. 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: ---

~~ The phrase “the just shall live by faith” reveals the only way that any one can rightly relate to, and please God.

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Listen as I read part of verse 1.

Hebrews 11: 1Now faith is the sub-stance of things hoped for,

~When we look at the word “sub-stance” we notice “sub” – “sub” is below, it’s underneath; the sub floor supports all else on top of it. --- So FAITH is the SUBSTANCE of our belief in God, FAITH is what supports our trusting in God. --- So our “believing and trusting” in God is the SUBSTANCE of our faith. -- God wants our faith to rest upon His Word.

~ Justification is the result of the believer’s faith in the grace of God and in His provision for salvation.

>Rom. 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. – Without any kind of works.

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~ Verse 1 goes on to say, -- Now faith is the sub-stance of things hoped for, ---the evidence of things not seen.