Results of Faith
Sermon Summary: “Results of Faith” (Hebrews 11:1–3, 8–16, ESV)
This sermon explores Christian faith, drawing on Hebrews 11 to remind believers that true faith is not wishful thinking or self-belief but trust in the faithfulness of God revealed in Jesus Christ.
1. Indicative and Imperative: The Pattern of Promise and Command
Last week we explored how scripture follows a consistent pattern: indicatives (what God has done/promised) support imperatives (what we are called to do). These commands in Scripture are never arbitrary, they rest on the trustworthy nature of God and His promises.
Hebrews follows this pattern: Chapters 1–10 are the indicatives (Christ’s Character), and Chapter 11 begins the imperative, the call to respond with faith.
2. Context of Hebrews
Paul wrote to Jewish Christians facing persecution and drifting from their faith. The letter urges them to return to trusting in Jesus alone, reminding them of who He is and what He’s done.
3. Definition of Faith (Hebrews 11:1–3)
Faith = “assurance of things hoped for, conviction of things not seen.”
This sermon explores Christian faith, drawing on Hebrews 11 to remind believers that true faith is not wishful thinking or self-belief but trust in the faithfulness of God revealed in Jesus Christ.
1. Indicative and Imperative: The Pattern of Promise and Command
Last week we explored how scripture follows a consistent pattern: indicatives (what God has done/promised) support imperatives (what we are called to do). These commands in Scripture are never arbitrary, they rest on the trustworthy nature of God and His promises.
Hebrews follows this pattern: Chapters 1–10 are the indicatives (Christ’s Character), and Chapter 11 begins the imperative, the call to respond with faith.
2. Context of Hebrews
Paul wrote to Jewish Christians facing persecution and drifting from their faith. The letter urges them to return to trusting in Jesus alone, reminding them of who He is and what He’s done.
3. Definition of Faith (Hebrews 11:1–3)
Faith = “assurance of things hoped for, conviction of things not seen.”
Not blind optimism or belief in oneself, as popular culture suggests, but trust in a faithful, unseen God. Christian faith trusts God’s promises even when we don’t see the outcome yet.
4. Results of Faith (Hebrews 11:3, 8–16)
4. Results of Faith (Hebrews 11:3, 8–16)
a. Faith Leads to Understanding
“By faith we understand...” (v.3)
True understanding of God and His works comes after trusting Him—not before. Faith is required for understanding a relational, personal God—just like trust is needed in any relationship.
b. Faith Leads to Obedience
“By faith Abraham obeyed…” (v.8)
Trusting God leads us to obey Him, even when the path is uncertain. Abraham obeyed without knowing where he was going because he trusted God’s character.
c. Faith Leads to Movement
“By faith he went to live in the land of promise…” (v.9)
Faith is active—it compels us to go where God leads. Even if the "land" feels foreign or uncertain, faith moves us forward into God’s promises.
d. Faith Enables Us to Receive
“By faith Sarah received power to conceive…” (v.11)
Trusting God allows us to receive His blessings, even when they seem impossible. Faith opens our hands to gifts from God. Blessings not just for us, but for others too.
5. Faith with an Eternal Perspective (Hebrews 11:13–16)
These faithful figures “died in faith, not having received the things promised”—yet they trusted that God was preparing a better, heavenly home. Faith looks beyond immediate rewards, toward eternal ones.
Therefore, like those in Hebrews 11, we’re called to live by faith—trusting the God who never fails.
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