Text: Hebrews 11:1-3 KJV
We live in times of uncertainty. Whether it's economic instability, political
unrest, or personal challenges, uncertainty often fills our lives with fear
and doubt. However, as believers, we are called to live by faith, not by
sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Hebrews 11:1-3 reminds us that faith is not
a vague hope or blind optimism—it is a confident trust in God's
promises, even when circumstances seem unclear. However, as people
of faith, we have a unique anchor in God's promises and His unchanging
nature.
Uncertainty may be unsettling, but it also provides an opportunity to
deepen our trust in God.
Hebrews 11:1 states, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the
evidence of things not seen."
I. THE DEFINITION OF FAITH (V. 1)
This verse defines faith as a confident assurance in what we hope for and a
conviction about things that we cannot see. It emphasizes that faith
involves trust in God's promises and His unseen reality, serving as a
foundation for believers as they navigate their spiritual journey.
Simply put, faith means relying completely on who Jesus is and what
he has done to be made right with God.
Faith is:
Confidence in what we hope for: It is not wishful thinking but a deep trust
in God's character and promises.
Assurance about what we do not see: Faith gives us spiritual vision,
helping us perceive God's hand even when it is invisible to the natural eye.
II. WHAT ARE THE 4 TYPES OF FAITH?
As we look to the Bible to understand faith, we can identify four distinct
types of faith that are covered within its teachings.
A. Dead Faith
James informs us that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). In
other words, if your faith is real, you will produce fruit. That is, good
works are evidence that your faith is genuine. I’ve observed that you
don’t have to motivate sincere Christians to do what the Holy Spirit is
already urging them to do. If your faith is dead, it will be obvious by a
lack of good fruit and an abundance of selfish thoughts, cruel words,
and immoral deeds.
B. Demonic Faith
James also teaches that even demons believe and shudder at the name
of Jesus (James 2:19). Their “faith” is intellectual. That is, the demons
have no doubt that Jesus is the Son of the living God, but they
rebelliously choose to serve a different master. And their master,
Satan, is crystal clear on the fact that Jesus died and rose from the
dead. As a matter of fact, Satan’s theology is probably better than
yours or mine. But knowing all the answers and possessing the right
theology doesn’t save you.
C. Vain Faith
Not everyone who says that Jesus is Lord of their lives will enter the
kingdom of heaven on the day of His return. Only those who actually
do the will of God will be permitted entry. Responding to an altar call,
saying the sinner’s prayer, or religiously and generously tithing—these
alone will not save you. Please don’t be the person who completes all
kinds of religious milestones and cries out on the final day “Lord! Lord!”
only to hear the dreadful words “I never knew you; depart from me”
(Matthew 7:21–23).
D. Saving Faith
The message of John 3:16 is so clear: God loves every one of us, He
sent His only begotten Son to live among us, and whoever believes on
Jesus will have eternal life. Ephesians 2:8–10 provides us with some
additional details: You are saved by grace through faith. Salvation is a
gift. You are not saved because of any good works you ever did. But
you were made to do good works and point people to Christ. God
prepared many good things for you to do. As you live by saving faith,
you will supernaturally produce good fruit, works, and evidence that
you are no longer a slave to sin.
Impact: Challenges the central tenet of Christian faith.
III. THE TESTIMONY OF THE FAITHFUL (v. 2)
"This is what the ancients were commended for."
Hebrews 11 is a hall of faith, filled with examples of people who trusted
God despite uncertainty:
A. NOAH
Noah demonstrated his faith in God by obeying His command to build an
ark in preparation for a flood that would destroy the earth, even though
such an event seemed improbable. Despite ridicule from others and the
immense challenge of constructing the ark, Noah remained steadfast,
trusting in God’s warning and instructions. He brought his family and pairs
of all living creatures into the ark, as God commanded, and they were
saved from the floodwaters. After the flood, Noah expressed his gratitude
and faith through worship, and God established a covenant with him,
symbolized by a rainbow, promising never to destroy the earth by flood
again. Noah’s unwavering obedience in the face of uncertainty marked him
as a righteous man and an example of faithfulness to God.
B. ABRAHAM
Abraham demonstrated his faith in God through a life marked by trust and
obedience. He heeded God’s call to leave his homeland and journey to an
unknown land that God promised to give to his descendants. Despite his
advanced age and Sarah's barrenness, Abraham believed God's promise
that he would become the father of a great nation. His faith was most
profoundly tested when God commanded him to sacrifice his son Isaac,
the child of promise. Abraham obeyed without hesitation, trusting in God’s
provision, and God intervened, sparing Isaac and reaffirming His covenant.
Throughout his life, Abraham’s unwavering faith earned him the title
“father of many nations” and established him as a model of faithfulness for
generations to come.
Overall, Abraham's faith was characterized by obedience, trust in God's
promises, and a willingness to act in faith, making him a model of faith in
the Bible.
C. MOSES
Moses demonstrated his faith in God throughout his life, beginning with his
acceptance of God’s call at the burning bush to lead the Israelites out of
Egyptian slavery. Despite his initial doubts, he trusted God to perform
miracles, including the ten plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, to
deliver His people. In the wilderness, Moses relied on God to provide for
the Israelites, interceded on their behalf when they sinned, and faithfully
delivered the Law from Mount Sinai to establish a covenant between God
and His people. Though he was not permitted to enter the Promised Land
due to an act of disobedience, Moses remained steadfast in his trust in
God’s plan, guiding the Israelites to its borders and leaving a legacy of
obedience, perseverance, and faith.
Their faith was not in their circumstances but in God's faithfulness.
Application:
We are surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1). Their
lives remind us that faith leads to God's commendation. In our own lives,
we should strive to live in a way that reflects this same trust.
IV. THE UNCERTAINTIES THAT WE FACE TODAY
From a biblical perspective, the idea of "uncertain times" often ties to
themes of instability, unpredictability, and a departure from God's
intended order. Here are some ways the Bible's principles can help us
understand the uncertainty of today's world:
A. Increase in Global Challenges
1. Wars and conflicts: Jesus mentioned in Matthew 24:6-7, "You will
hear of wars and rumors of wars... Nation will rise against nation, and
kingdom against kingdom." Modern times are marked by ongoing
conflicts and geopolitical tensions.
2. Natural disasters: Jesus also referred to famines, earthquakes,
and other calamities in the same passage. Today, climate change and
natural disasters bring unprecedented challenges.
B. Moral and Social Decline
2 Timothy 3:1-5 describes "terrible times in the last days," where people
become lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud,
abusive, disobedient, and without love. Many view the moral and ethical
shifts in society as signs of this prophecy being fulfilled.
C. Economic Instability
The Bible addresses economic challenges and their impact on society.
Proverbs 22:7 notes, "The borrower is servant to the lender," reflecting
financial struggles that have become more apparent in today's global
economy.
D. Uncertainty in Leadership and Governance
Psalm 146:3 advises, "Do not put your trust in princes, in human
beings, who cannot save." This reflects the uncertainty in human
leadership, often marked by corruption, instability, or ineffectiveness.
E. Spiritual Challenges and False Teachings
Matthew 24:11 warns of false prophets and teachings that can
mislead many. Today, the prevalence of misinformation and
conflicting ideologies often creates confusion about spiritual and moral
truth.
F. Global Fear and Anxiety
Luke 21:26 speaks of a time when "people will faint from terror,
apprehensive of what is coming on the world." The pervasive anxiety
caused by pandemics, economic uncertainty, and political instability
mirrors this warning.
A Call to Faith Amid Uncertainty
Despite the uncertainty, the Bible provides assurance. Isaiah 41:10
reminds believers: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed,
for I am your God." Faith in God's sovereignty becomes an anchor during
unpredictable times.
In summary, the Bible acknowledges that uncertainty is a recurring part
of human history, especially in times of spiritual, social, and natural
upheaval. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in faith, trust
God's plan, and seek wisdom to navigate challenges.
