Attitude of Faith in Challenging Times
By: Evangelist Tim HallPublish date: 10/13/2019
Foundation Scriptures:
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and 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 that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:1-6 KJV
1. Hold Fast.
a. The writer to Hebrews is writing to a people who have held strong in very challenging times but who need to continue to hold fast and strong.
b. Hebrews 10:22 KJV — Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
c. A challenge to draw close.
d. Season that demands intimacy with Jesus.
e. Hebrews 10:23 KJV — Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;).
f. Hold fast—strong profession (homologia) of faith.
g. Hebrews 10:35 KJV — Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
h. Hold fast to your confidence.
i. Hebrews 10:36 KJV — For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
j. Patient endurance brings fulfilment of the promises.
2. What Then Is the Understanding of Faith?
a. It is the “hupostasis”—standing with immovable commitment to the things hoped for (“elpis” confidently and certainly expected) (Hebrews 11:1).
b. Faith’s stance brings certainty in the unseen dimension.
c. The Bible constantly emphasizes the immovable stance of faith.
d. Unshakeable faith.
e. Ephesians 6:10-17 KJV — Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
3. Standing Immovable.
a. By standing immovable on a word from God, the patriarchs gained approval with God.
b. By standing immovable, we understand that worlds were framed.
c. The word for worlds in Greek is “aeons” translated ages and “formed” speaks of rebuilding and transforming the ages.
d. Our faith is changing our age.
e. Without the powerful, immovable stance of faith full of expectation, it is not possible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
f. Abraham standing on five words, shaped the ages.
g. Noah, moved with fear, stood immovable for 100 years of abuse, and ridicule, and shaped the ages.
h. The Father is looking for people who will come into a mighty, strong stance of faith with Him, that will transform every part of their age, family, etc.
i. God is waiting on you.