Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:1, 6
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1)
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him…” (Heb. 11:6)
Introduction
Every believer has heard the word faith. We pray with faith, walk by faith, live by faith, endure trials by faith, and even face death in faith. But many Christians—even long-time believers—still struggle to answer one simple but profound question:
“What is faith?”
Some define faith as positive thinking.
Others see it as optimism.
Some think faith is believing without evidence.
Still others believe faith is something mystical or hard to understand.
But the Bible gives us a clear, solid, and practical definition that any believer can grasp. Hebrews 11:1 is not an abstract concept—it is a spiritual reality meant to strengthen our daily walk with God.
Today, we will explore what faith truly is, why it is essential, and how it works in the life of a believer.
This sermon is designed to strengthen your trust in God, anchor your soul during trials, and awaken a deeper walk with Christ.
I. Faith Defined: What Faith Is
(Hebrews 11:1)
The writer of Hebrews gives us the clearest definition in Scripture:
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
This definition has two key parts.
1. Faith Is the Substance
The word substance (Greek: hypostasis) means:
- foundation
- assurance
- confidence
- something real beneath the surface
Faith is not imagination or wishful thinking.
Faith is not a spiritual fantasy.
Faith is the solid confidence that God will do what He promised.
Faith gives substance to hope.
Hope looks forward—but faith stands firm now.
Faith says:
- God said it.
- God promised it.
- God cannot lie.
- Therefore, I trust Him.
This confidence becomes the foundation upon which the believer stands.
2. Faith Is the Evidence
Faith is also the “evidence” or “proof” of things we cannot yet see.
In the natural world, we rely on sight.
In the spiritual world, we rely on faith.
Faith is the spiritual eyesight of the soul.
It sees the invisible.
It trusts the eternal.
It rests in the promises of God even when circumstances do not yet reflect them.
Faith stands on the invisible reality of God’s Word.
II. Faith Is Essential: Why Faith Matters
(Hebrews 11:6)
Verse 6 follows with a powerful truth:
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him…”
The word impossible is absolute.
Not “difficult,” not “unlikely,” but impossible.
Why?
Because faith acknowledges two essential truths:
1. God exists
—“He that comes to God must believe that He is…”
Faith begins with believing God is real.
2. God rewards the seeker
—“…and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Faith believes not only that God exists, but that His heart is good and generous toward His children.
It is impossible to please God if you do not trust Him.
Faith is the foundation of:
- prayer
- worship
- obedience
- salvation
- perseverance
- discipleship
Everything in the Christian life flows from faith.
III. The Source of Faith: Where Faith Comes From
Scripture teaches that faith is not something we create by our own strength.
1. Faith is given by God
(Romans 12:3 — “God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”)
2. Faith grows from the Word
(Romans 10:17 — “Faith comes by hearing… the word of God.”)
3. Faith is empowered by Christ
(Galatians 2:20 — “I live by the faith of the Son of God.” KJV)
Faith is a gift from God, strengthened by Scripture, and sustained by Christ living in us.
This means:
- You don’t need to force faith.
- You don’t need to pretend faith.
- You don’t need to fake faith.
You need to seek God, hear His Word, and walk with Christ—and faith will grow naturally.
IV. Faith Illustrated: Examples From Hebrews 11
The rest of Hebrews 11 shows how faith works in real people.
This is not theory—it’s testimony.
1. Abel — Faith in Worship
He offered a better sacrifice because his heart trusted God.
2. Enoch — Faith in Walking With God
He walked so closely with God that he did not see death.
3. Noah — Faith in Obedience
He built an ark in a world that had never seen rain.
4. Abraham — Faith in God’s Promises
He went out not knowing where he was going.
5. Sarah — Faith in God’s Power
She believed God could do what seemed impossible.
6. Moses — Faith in God’s Calling
He chose eternal reward over earthly treasures.
These people show us that faith is not passive.
Faith moves. Faith obeys. Faith endures. Faith sacrifices. Faith sees what others cannot see.
V. The Nature of True Saving Faith
1. Saving Faith Looks to Christ Alone
(John 3:16)
“Whoever believes in Him… shall have everlasting life.”
2. Saving Faith Transforms the Heart
(Luke 7:50 — “Your faith has saved you.”)
3. Saving Faith Works Through Love
(Galatians 5:6 — “faith working through love.”)
4. Saving Faith Produces Obedience
(James 2:23 — Abraham’s faith led to action.)
True biblical faith is not:
- belief without transformation
- empty profession
- intellectual agreement
Faith is a living trust that produces a changed life.
VI. Faith that Works: The Evidence of Genuine Faith
James makes this absolutely clear:
“Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:20, 26)
This does NOT mean:
- we are saved by works
- works earn salvation
It means:
- works reveal salvation
- works demonstrate genuine faith
- obedience proves the heart truly knows God
Jesus Himself said:
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)
Obedience is not the root of salvation—it is the fruit of salvation. (See Galatians 5:22-23)
Good works do not create faith—they express faith.
VII. The Marks of Someone Who Has Faith in Christ
Someone who truly believes will show it in at least five ways:
1. A Changed Heart
Faith brings new desires.
2. Growing Obedience
Not perfection, but direction.
3. Love for God’s Word
Faith craves truth.
4. Perseverance in Trials
Faith never quits—even when wounded.
5. Love for Christ
The greatest evidence of genuine faith.
Faith doesn’t just talk—it walks.
VIII. Faith Empowered by Christ Himself
(Revelation 14:12)
“…the faith of Jesus.”
This is one of the most beautiful truths in Scripture:
The faith that saves you is the same faith that sustains you.
We live not by our strength but by Christ’s faithfulness working in us.
He gives:
- His courage
- His endurance
- His obedience
- His trust
- His righteousness
The Christian life is not about holding tightly to God—
it is about God holding tightly to you.
IX. Faith Tested: Trials That Strengthen Us
James 1:3 says:
“The testing of your faith produces patience.”
God uses trials to:
- refine our trust
- purify our motives
- loosen our grip on the world
- deepen our dependence on Him
- prepare us for greater things
Faith grows best in the soil of hardship.
X. Faith That Endures Until the End
(Revelation 2:10)
“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Faith is not a moment—it is a journey.
A Christian may stumble, cry, or grow weary,
but a true believer keeps holding on to Jesus.
Why?
Because Jesus keeps holding on to them.
Faith is not the absence of weakness—it is trusting God in weakness.
Conclusion: What Is Faith?
Faith is simple, yet powerful.
Faith is:
- trusting God in the darkness
- believing His promises when you don’t see the answer
- obeying His word even when it’s difficult
- resting in the finished work of Christ
- walking forward even when the path is unclear
- holding on to Jesus because Jesus holds you
Faith begins with God, grows through His Word, is sustained by Christ, and shines through our obedience.
Faith is not just what we believe—
faith is who we believe in.
The call today is simple:
Trust Him.
Walk with Him.
Rest in Him.
Hold fast to Him.
Live by faith—until the day you see Him face to face.
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2 KJV
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