0343. 337. Faith: Its Power, Heroes, and Phases

337. Faith: Its Power, Heroes, and Phases

In Heb_11:32; Heb_12:1-2

1. “By Means of Faith.” The sentence “through faith,” or “by faith,” occurs many times in Hebrews 11. It would be better rendered “by means of faith.” In thus translating we are reminded that faith is not a mere assent of the mind, but a working force in the life.

2. Heroes of Faith—Heb_11:32. There are seven heroes of faith, namely, Gideon the brave—Jdg_7:20; Barak the victorious—Jdg_4:16; Samson the strong—Jdg_15:14-20; Jephthah the devoted—Jdg_11:40; David the psalmist—2Sa_22:18; Samuel the consecrated—1Sa_7:9; and God’s messengers, the prophets.

3. Victories of Faith—Heb_11:33, Heb_11:34. Faith is always a victorious grace, for it brings everything to God by prayer, and thus brings God into everything.

4. Endurance of Faith—Heb_11:35-37, Heb_11:39. Faith grips the hand of the living Saviour, and is thus enabled to do things which are impossible otherwise.

5. Commendation of Faith—Heb_11:38. God takes note of faith’s reliance, and records His appreciation of its confidence.

6. Anticipation of Faith—Heb_11:39. Faith looks beyond the present, and knows that the faithful God will keep to the promises of the future.

7. Community of Faith—Heb_11:40; Heb_12:1. The “great cloud of witnesses” mentioned in chapter eleven were but the precursors of the whole host of the redeemed.

8. Example of Faith—Heb_12:2. Christ is the “Author and Finisher of faith,” that is, He is the Pattern and Producer of faith; hence we need to keep our eyes upon Him if we would have faith like to His.

By: DR. F. E. MARSH