8. JESUS WOULD HAVE FAITH LIVED FULLY (Hebrews 11:1-40)

We may view the words quoted from Habakkuk as the text for this chapter on faith.

Hebrews 10:38 "Now the just shall live by faith: ..." (KJV)

Farrar says: "It is introduced with the writer's usual skill to prepare for the next great section of the epistle."

8.1. FAITH DESCRIBED (Hebrews 11:1-3)

Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. " (KJV)

The meaning of the Greek word 'hyostasis' is substance - person - confidence (see Hebrews 1:3; 3:14 where hyostasis is translated as 'person' and 'confidence'). The New International Version follows the confidence meaning. The New King James Version that of substance. Westcott points out that the King James Version text reflects the unanimous usage of the Greek and Latin fathers. To say "faith is the substance of things hoped for" is to see faith as being able to enjoy in the present something intended largely for the future. So by faith the realities of the kingdom are experienced now. This has been earlier stated.

Hebrews 6:5 "and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come," (NKJV)

These realities though invisible, are personally appropriated by faith and we personally enjoy what we hope for. 'Elegchos' means evidence or certainty, bringing out that faith sees with certainty realities which we cannot see with our physical eyes. Included is the reality of heaven - God's throne - Christ Jesus our High Priest seated there. Our faith is evidence or proof of these invisible things. Faith holds on to the unseen - even God's sure promises are enjoyed as practical possessions before they are physically handled or seen.

Hebrews 11:2 "For by it the elders obtained a good report." (KJV)

The great theme that is to take up the rest of the chapter, is faith triumphant in the lives of God's people from earliest days. We are to see that faith is praised by God, and has a vital impact on our lives. Real faith produces awesome results.

Hebrews 11:3 "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. " (KJV)

Nine times in the account of creation in Genesis one, it is stated "God said..." Faith knows that everything that is seen has behind it the invisible command of God. Our faith is in God who created the entire universe by His word. His word acted upon believingly has awesome power, and produces startling results.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What unseen realities do you enjoy by faith (Hebrews 11:1 )?

2. Can you name some of the awesome results of faith (Hebrews 11:3 )?