Faith Pleasing God - Updated

Hebrews 11:5-6 – Faith Pleasing God

5 By faith Enoch was translated so that he did not see death, and he was not found, because God had translated him; for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 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 diligent seek Him. [NKJ]

Opening Thot

1. Hebrews Chapter 11 is one of the most known passages found in the Bible.

2. Because it addresses the faith of many of God’s saints, it is often referred to as:

. God’s Great Hall of Faith

. The Faith Chapter

. The Great Chapter of Faith

. The Catalog of the Heroes of Faith

J. Vernon McGee – writes concerning this chapter | … [Chapter 11] from the viewpoint of faith – [represents] what faith has done in the lives of men and women in all ages, under all circumstances, from the very gate of the Garden of Eden down to the present moment. This chapter illustrates … these people are witnesses who encourage us to live by faith. [Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee: 1 Corinthians through Revelation, vol. v, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1983), 579 (adapted - emphasis mine)].

Faith Defined

1. Greek: PivstiV [pistis - (root)] – Strong 4102 – is a noun normally translated as: faith – means: trust, belief, confidence, faith, conviction or firm persuasion | Rom. 1:17, 10:17; Eph. 2:8; 1 Pt. 1:8-9. [Mounce’s Dict., 232; UBS Greek Dict., 142; and Vine’s Exp. Dict., 222]. | e.g.

. Romans 1:17 | For in it [gospel of Christ – v. 16] the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith [Hab. 2:4].

. Romans 10:17 | So faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

. Ephesians 2:8 | For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.

. 1 Peter 1:8-9 | Though you have not seen [Christ], you love him. Though you do not now see him you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

2. Scripture: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen | Hb. 11:1.

The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible – comments concerning this verse | What does faith mean? This is the only time the Bible ever defines faith. Time and time again, the Bible discusses faith and the great importance of faith. The Bible tells us that we must have faith – we must believe God – and it tells us the great things that happen to those who do believe God. … But nowhere does the Bible define faith except here. [Hebrews/James, vol. 11, 126]

NOTE: So What is Biblical Faith: it is trust or dependence on God based on the fact that we take Him at His word and believe what He said [Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 1241]. It is absolute and complete confidence in God concerning one’s salvation and one’s daily walk throughout one’s life no matter the consequence or aspect one will or may face – whether good or bad. Faith is simply trusting God!

. Hebrews 11:13-16 | These [cloud of witnesses] all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland … they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

Enoch – The Man

1. Name – Dedicated

2. History –

. A Man – just like us | Genesis 5:18, 21-24.

Genesis 5:18, 21-24 | v. 18 – son of Jared | v. 21 – at age 65 he fathered Methuselah (the oldest living human – 969 years) | v.22-23 – walked with God after fathering Methuselah for 300 years (during which he had other sons and daughters), thus all of Enoch’s days were 365 years | v. 24 – Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.

. The Genealogy – part of Christ’s lineage | Luke 3:23-38.

Luke 3:23-38 | Found in Christ (through Mary) | Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph [the husband of Mary of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Christ (Matt. 1:16)], the son of Heli, … the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared … the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.