Introduction

Good morning, folks! Can we all just take a moment to appreciate this beautiful day God has bestowed upon us? I'm so glad to see each and every one of you here today, ready to open your hearts and minds to the Word of God.

Today, we're going to chat about a topic that's near and dear to my heart - faith. But not just any faith, we're going to talk about that "Hebrews 11:1" kind of faith. You know the one I'm talking about, right? Let me remind you. It says,

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

That's some powerful stuff, isn't it? It's all about having confidence in our hopes and assurance in the unseen.

I want to share a quote with you from a man who knew a thing or two about faith, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He once said, "Faith is only real when there is obedience, never without it, and faith only becomes faith in the act of obedience." Now, that's something to chew on, isn't it? Our faith isn't just about believing, it's about doing. It's about living in obedience to God's Word and His commands.

So today, we're going to talk about understanding that Hebrews 11:1 faith, the role of hope in strengthening our faith, and seeing Christ as our ultimate hope in faith. We're going to get into the nitty-gritty of what it means to live a life of faith and obedience, and how our hope in Christ shapes and strengthens that faith.

But before we get into all of that, let's bow our heads and say a prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, we gather here today, eager to learn and grow in our faith. We ask that you open our hearts and minds to your Word. Help us to understand what it means to have faith, to live in obedience to you, and to place our hope in Christ. We ask that you guide our discussion today, that it may be fruitful and pleasing to you. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Alright, folks, let's get started. Buckle up, because we're in for a ride!

Understanding Faith

When we look at Hebrews 11:1, we find a profound definition of faith. It's described as the confidence in what we hope for and the assurance about what we do not see. This isn't a simple belief or a vague hope. It's a deep-seated conviction, a certainty that goes beyond what we can see or touch. It's a trust in God and His promises, even when we can't see the outcome.

Not easy: It's not a passive acceptance of what we're told. It requires us to actively trust in God, to place our hopes and fears in His hands. It requires us to let go of our need for control, to surrender our doubts and uncertainties. It's a leap into the unknown, a step into the unseen.

Not blind: It's not a leap into the dark. It's a leap into the light of God's promises. It's a trust in the One who is always faithful, who never fails to keep His promises. It's a trust in the One who sees the end from the beginning, who knows the plans He has for us.

Not a solitary journey: It's a communal experience, shared with fellow believers. It's strengthened by the testimonies of those who have walked this path before us, who have trusted in God and seen His faithfulness. It's encouraged by the stories of those who are walking this path with us, who are also trusting in God and seeing His faithfulness.

Not static: It's dynamic, constantly growing and changing. It's challenged by trials and tribulations, but it's also strengthened by them. It's deepened through prayer and study of God's Word. It's nurtured through fellowship with other believers.

Not without reward: It's the key to understanding God's Word, to seeing His hand at work in our lives. It's the key to experiencing His peace and joy, even in the midst of trials. It's the key to living a life that is pleasing to God, a life that is filled with purpose and meaning.

Not just for the here and now: It's for eternity. It's the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. It's the certainty of our salvation, the guarantee of our eternal life with God.

The Role of Hope

As we continue to unpack the richness of Hebrews 11:1, we find ourselves drawn to the role of hope in strengthening our faith ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO