Hebrews 11 gives the account of people who were regarded as mighty men and women of faith.

God is repeatedly highlighting the importance for us as believers to live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11).

The Greek word for faith is ‘pistis’ (faithfulness). Faithfulness to God is not something we only exercise when in trouble or in need, we should live it daily. It is an ongoing relationship with God.

Without faith it is impossible to please God; for he who comes to God must believe that He exists (Hebrews 11:6). It is not how much money we have, our education, our good deeds, our church attendance that please God. If we do these without faith, God is not pleased.

Jesus saw their faith (Luke 5:20) and told them to have faith and not doubt in his heart (Mark 11:22).

God has deposited a measure of faith in us (Romans 12:3). Everyone has faith in their mind but every believer has faith in the heart. The kind of faith that pleases and moves God is faith in the heart; not in the mind. It is easier to live by faith than to live by works.

Faith is the fruit of the Spirit (worked in us) and it is also the gift of the Spirit (given to us). We should get to that place where we demonstrate both Christ’s character (the fruit) and Christ’s power (the gift).

Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).

Truths about faith:

1. Faith must have substance – faith is the foundation of what we hope for. God is the object and substance of faith. Faith with no substance accomplishes nothing. If we have little faith in the right substance, it will accomplish much.
2. Faith must be developed – In Colossians, Paul talks about how our faith grows. Our faith must be exercised and developed. If we remain infants we won’t display the character of Christ but we must seek to grow in faith.
3. Faith is not a feeling – we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). We don’t live by our five senses. As believers we don’t walk by our emotions, our circumstances or struggles, we are called to walk by faith.

Seek to grow in faith as you walk with the Lord!