Lessons From Faith

What a great portion of scripture we have in Hebrews chapter 11! It is often referred to as the "faith chapter" as it contains both a definition of faith and the names and examples of several people who lived by it.

The writer was inspired to begin the 11th chapter with the following definition of faith; "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." The writer then goes on to note many who "by faith" did various things in their lives. In this article I would like to consider just three of the examples given by the writer. Each represents an old testament account but it is what the Hebrew writer says about them that I want to focus on.

I will start with the one that often strikes me as being perhaps the greatest example of someone exercising their faith in God. In fact, it is so profound that I often find myself unable to grasp the level of faith that it speaks of. It is found in verses 17-19 and involves Abraham, the one described by the Apostle Paul in Galatians simply as "the believer". It says, "By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac; and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; it was he to whom it was said, "IN ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE CALLED." He considered that God is able to raise men even from the dead; from which he also received him back as a type."

Over the years I have heard people make various comments regarding this account of Abraham offering his son, Isaac. One of the most common thoughts was that Abraham trusted that God would intervene before he actually slayed his son. This thought takes the position that Abraham's faith was believing that God would stop him from sacrificing Isaac. I will grant you, that if that were so, it would still be a great demonstration of faith. But through the Hebrew writer I have come to believe that what happened was much greater than that. I will not go back and retell the whole story of the account but just take a closer look at what the Hebrew writer says regarding this act of faith.

Abraham had been given a promise from God that in Isaac, his descendants would be called. But when called upon to do so, we find Abraham prepared to sacrifice this son in whom the promise had been given. The Hebrew writer says that Abraham "considered that God is able to raise men even from the dead". No, Abraham's faith was not in a belief that God would prevent him from sacrificing his son. He believed that after he sacrificed Isaac that God would raise him from the dead and still fulfill His promise! Wow! That is faith. This will always remain a striking example of one who had "the assurance of things for, the conviction of things not seen".

The second example that I would like to consider is that involving Moses. The writer uses six verses to summarize his life of faith, but its verses 24-26 that I want to look at. It says, "By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward." What a lesson for the believer to learn. The "passing pleasures of sin". A lesson as applicable today as it was in the day that Moses lived it. How true it is. The pleasures of sin pass away. They are short lived. They are of limited duration.

But there is another lesson of great importance that joins with this truth that we must acknowledge and consider. Although the pleasures of sin pass away, their consequences can last a lifetime. What a contrast. The consequences of sin can last and last, effecting the lives of many. In fact, their impact can reach to the next generation. The law of sowing and reaping must be acknowledged and considered sober mindedly. I fear members of the body of Christ have ignored or taken lightly this truth. The passing pleasures of sin are not being forsaken and our churches and the families that attend them are suffering for it. As members of the body of Christ, members one of another, may we consider our actions more carefully, remembering that our sins are against Him and that they impact not only our own lives but the lives of others.

The last example that I would like to consider is actually the first one given by the writer to the Hebrews. In the 4th verse we read, "By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous. God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks." In this reference to Able, we find a lesson that demands our attention and consideration. I will summarize it this way. We have the privilege and opportunity to speak of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ after we have left this earth and are home with Him! This is truly amazing. I really believe that what is said of Able is true for each of us. We will all "speak" after we are dead. But what we speak after we are dead will be determined by the lives that we live. Each member of the body of Christ can be assured that a life lived by faith now, will continue to speak of the "author and finisher of our faith" long after we are dead and gone. Praise the Lord for such a blessing and privilege.

The 11th chapter of the Book of Hebrews has been written and I will never be named amongst those listed within it's content. I will not be mentioned alongside of Luther, Tyndale, Calvin, Edwards, Spurgeon or Wesley. But I would like to look at a verse of scripture we find in Paul's second letter to Timothy. In this pastoral letter of encouragement, instruction and exhortation, we find the following words in verse 5 of the first chapter. "For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well." I don't suppose that these two women were considered by most to be "greats of the faith". Neither held titles of consideration. "Mother" and "grandmother" were their titles but "sincere faith" was their way of life. By His strength and according to His will, may we live lives that are marked by sincere faith. To His glory and for His name's sake, might we be mentioned alongside of Lois and Eunice.

Lord, you are worthy to believe in and to trust. You are always faithful. We desire to be people who live by faith; who like Timothy, his mother and his grandmother, have sincere faith dwelling within us. We thank you for the men and women of faith you have raised up through the centuries to be vessels of honor to you. We ask that the author and finisher of our faith, the Lord Jesus Christ, might empower us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. How we desire and pray that we might be among those who speak of a life of faith in you even after we are dead.