How Do We Live by Faith ~ Hebrews 11:8-19
Pastor John Opferman
6:00 PM
November 3, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction
Welcome everyone; reminder of Bible study, ladies' ministry, nursing home, and rescue mission ministries.
Preparation for the Lord’s Supper after the invitation – a time for self-examination.
Hebrews 11:8-19 as our text tonight, focusing on Abraham’s example of living by faith.
1. Faith as a Spiritual Organ
Faith functions as a spiritual sense beyond our physical organs.
Just as eyes see, ears hear, and taste allows us to savor, faith gives insight into spiritual truths unseen by physical senses.
Illustration: Jesus in John 6 discusses “eating His flesh and drinking His blood” as a metaphor for faith.
2. Faith Defined (Hebrews 11:1)
Faith is the “substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Substance: the foundation or confidence in God’s promises.
Evidence: proof through faith even without physical sight or experience.
3. Abraham’s Obedience by Faith (Verse 8)
Abraham obeyed God’s call to go to a land he had never seen.
Faith often means acting without seeing the full path ahead.
Analogy: Faith as a lamp to our feet, guiding step by step, even when much remains unseen.
4. Faith Requires Patience (Verse 9)
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob waited by faith, living as strangers in the promised land.
True faith involves waiting on God’s timing.
Challenge: Waiting can be the greatest test of faith, especially when promises seem distant.
5. Faith in a Better Future (Verses 10-14)
Abraham looked forward to a city with foundations built by God, anticipating a heavenly home.
Faith continues looking forward, trusting God’s promises even when fulfillment is far off.
Reflection: Faith requires a constant reminder of God’s calling and promises.
6. Faith Produces Power (Verse 11)
By faith, Sarah received the strength to conceive in her old age.
The power of faith doesn’t rest on our strength but on God’s ability.
Key Point: Even “mustard seed” faith can bring miraculous outcomes because it trusts in God, not in our abilities.
7. Faith Confessed and Declared (Verses 13-14)
Faith isn’t private; it is declared openly.
Abraham’s faith was evident in his public confession of God’s promises.
Application: Confessing faith not only strengthens personal belief but builds others’ faith as well.
8. Protecting the Mind in Faith (Verse 15)
The danger of looking back: “If they had been mindful of that country…” they might have returned.
Guarding our minds against doubt and longing for the past strengthens faith in God’s promises.
Illustration: Keep focus on faith rather than relying on physical senses.
9. Faith Transforms Desires (Verse 16)
Faith shifts desires from worldly things to heavenly promises.
Set our affections on things above, allowing faith to shape our longing for God’s kingdom.
Encouragement: Let faith build desires for what God promises, not temporary worldly satisfactions.
10. The Testing of Faith (Verses 17-19)
Abraham’s faith was tested when asked to offer Isaac.
True faith undergoes trials; it trusts God’s character even when understanding is limited.
Illustration: Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness showed the strength of relying on faith over physical desires.
Conclusion
Abraham’s life demonstrates the hallmarks of faith: obedience, patience, anticipation, confession, and endurance through trials.
Faith begins with God’s call through His Word; it grows through obedience and perseverance.
Final Reflection: Living by faith means using this spiritual organ, rather than relying on physical senses.
Invitation: Encouragement for those who haven’t trusted Christ – take the step of faith.
Biblical References
Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
Hebrews 11:8 - "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went."
Hebrews 11:10 - "For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."
Hebrews 11:13 - "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth."
Hebrews 11:17-19 - "By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, that in Isaac shall thy seed be called: accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure."
Romans 10:17 - "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Psalm (allusion) - "Cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee."
Colossians 3:1-2 - "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
Job 19:25 (allusion) - "For I know that my Redeemer liveth."
Reflection Questions
How does the idea of faith as a “spiritual organ” challenge the way you experience and understand God in your daily life?
Abraham obeyed God’s call without knowing where he was going. Are there areas in your life where you feel called to step out in faith despite uncertainty? What is holding you back, if anything?
In what ways can you actively “protect your mind” and remain focused on God’s promises, as Abraham did when he resisted longing for his former life?
The sermon mentions that faith often involves waiting on God. How do you typically respond to waiting periods in your spiritual journey, and what might help you trust God more during those times?
The Lord’s Supper serves as a reminder of God’s promises. What specific promises of God do you need to keep “seeing by faith” in your current season of life?
Daily Activities
Faith Journal Challenge
Activity: Each day for a week, write down one step you took that required you to trust God without seeing the full outcome.
Application: Reflect on how it felt to rely on faith and note any insights God showed you through the experience.
Scripture Meditation and Memory
Activity: Choose a verse from Hebrews 11 (such as Hebrews 11:1) to memorize this week.
Application: Spend a few minutes each day meditating on the verse, asking God to deepen your understanding of faith and its role in your life.
Weekly Faith “Check-In”
Activity: Set aside 15 minutes every Sunday to examine your faith.
Application: Reflect on areas where you are actively trusting God and areas where doubt may be creeping in. Pray over these areas, asking God to strengthen your faith.
Faith-Focused Service
Activity: Volunteer for a ministry that aligns with your church’s mission, such as visiting a nursing home or helping at a rescue mission.
Application: Serve in faith, trusting God to work through you and to touch the lives of others.
Vision Casting Exercise
Activity: Write down a “faith vision” for your future, inspired by Abraham’s journey to an unseen promise.
Application: Pray over this vision daily, asking God for guidance and patience as you walk by faith toward it.
