Pursuing Faith: Transformed by Truth
Introduction:
Today, we embark on a journey into the transformative power of faith as revealed in Hebrews 11:6. This pivotal verse underscores the foundational role of faith in our relationship with God and highlights the profound impact of truth on our lives.
"And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." (Hebrews 11:6, NLT)
Point 1: The Necessity of Faith
Hebrews 11:6 begins with a powerful declaration: without faith, it is impossible to please God. Faith is not merely a passive acknowledgment but an active trust and confidence in the reality of God and His promises. To please God requires a genuine belief in His existence and His willingness to reward those who earnestly seek Him.
The author of Hebrews emphasises the indispensable nature of faith in our spiritual journey. Faith involves trusting in God's character and His faithfulness to His Word. As Christians, our entire relationship with God hinges on this foundational principle of faith.
"Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe." — Augustine of Hippo
Mark 11:24 (NLT): "I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours."
Mark 11:24 underscores the power of faith in prayer. Jesus encourages His disciples to approach God with unwavering belief. This verse highlights the connection between faith and answered prayer, emphasising the importance of trust and confidence in God's ability to act.
"Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance; it is laying hold of His willingness." — Martin Luther
Romans 10:17 (NLT): "So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ."
Romans 10:17 reveals the source of faith—the hearing of the Gospel. Faith is cultivated and strengthened through exposure to the Word of God. The proclamation of the Gospel ignites faith within the hearts of believers, leading to salvation and transformation.
"Faith is the acknowledgment of the entire absence of all goodness in us, and the recognition of the cross as the substitute for all the want on our part." — Horatius Bonar
Point 2: Believing in God's Existence
The verse also highlights the necessity of believing in the existence of God. Genuine faith begins with acknowledging God's reality and sovereignty over all creation. It involves embracing the truth that God is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, actively involved in the affairs of humanity.
Believing in God's existence requires a profound acceptance of His divine attributes and His presence in our lives. This foundational belief shapes our understanding of reality and informs our relationship with the Creator.
"Faith is the gaze of a soul upon a saving God." — A.W. Tozer
Psalm 14:1 (NLT): "Only fools say in their hearts, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good!"
Psalm 14:1 exposes the folly of denying God's existence. True wisdom acknowledges God as the Creator and Source of all goodness. Those who reject God's reality are led astray, demonstrating corrupt behaviour and moral decay.
Acts 17:27-28 (NLT): "His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist."
Acts 17:27-28 emphasises God's nearness to humanity. He desires that all people seek and find Him. The natural world bears witness to His existence, and in Him, we find our purpose and being.
Point 3: Sincerely Seeking God
The final aspect of Hebrews 11:6 is the call to sincerely seek God. True faith is demonstrated through earnest pursuit and desire for intimacy with the Creator. God rewards those who diligently seek Him with a genuine heart.
Sincere seeking involves a wholehearted devotion to God, pursuing Him in prayer, worship, and obedience. It requires humility, trust, and a willingness to align our lives with His will.
"Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right." — Max Lucado
Psalm 63:1 (NLT): "O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water."
Psalm 63:1 portrays a heartfelt longing for God. The psalmist's deep desire for communion with God reflects the essence of true faith—an earnest pursuit of divine intimacy even in challenging circumstances.
"The soul can do without everything except the word of God, without which none at all of its wants are provided for." — Martin Luther
Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT): "If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."
Jeremiah 29:13 underscores the promise of God's presence to those who seek Him wholeheartedly. Sincere pursuit of God leads to encounter and revelation. God responds to genuine seeking with intimacy and divine encounters.
"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." — John Piper
Application and Call to Action:
These verses collectively emphasise the centrality of faith in our relationship with God. They challenge us to:
Cultivate unwavering trust in God's promises.
Embrace the transformative power of the Gospel.
Pursue God wholeheartedly, knowing He is near to those who seek Him.
In conclusion, Hebrews 11:6 challenges us to cultivate a vibrant faith that transforms our lives. Let us:
Embrace faith as the foundation of our relationship with God.
Believe unwaveringly in the existence and sovereignty of God.
Sincerely seek God with all our hearts, trusting in His promises and provision.
Call to Action:
Reflect on your faith journey and identify areas where deeper trust in God is needed.
Engage daily in prayer and meditation on Scripture to strengthen your faith.
Commit to daily seeking God through prayer, Scripture reading, and worship.
Share the transformative power of faith with others, encouraging them to pursue a genuine relationship with God.
Share the Gospel with others, knowing that faith comes by hearing the Word.
Seek God wholeheartedly in all areas of life, trusting in His nearness and provision.
May these truths inspire us to deepen our faith and pursue God with passion and conviction. Through faith, may we experience the abundant life God offers to those who believe.
May our pursuit of faith lead us into deeper intimacy with our Heavenly Father and bring glory to His name. Through faith, may we experience the fullness of God's rewards and blessings as we seek Him wholeheartedly.
