Gospel Outreach International

What does it mean to live by faith rather than just believe intellectually? Hebrews 11 showcases numerous examples of Old Testament figures who demonstrated genuine faith through their actions and obedience to God. As we study these examples, we’ll discover that faith isn’t passive but requires us to “take God at His word and act on it.”

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

• Faith is defined as “taking God at His word and acting on it” - not just belief but active trust
• Faith involves complete trust in God’s word and promises even when we cannot see the outcome
• By faith, we understand that God created the world through His word
• Without faith, it is impossible to please God
• Obedience is a crucial demonstration of faith
• Noah demonstrated faith by building the ark despite never having experienced rain
• Abraham showed faith by leaving his home for an unknown land God promised
• Sarah received ability to conceive beyond normal childbearing age through faith
• Moses chose suffering with God’s people over the “passing pleasures of sin”
• Faith allowed the Israelites to cross the Red Sea and conquer Jericho
• Many Old Testament figures gained God’s approval through active faith
• Believers are “strangers and exiles” in this world, looking forward to a heavenly city
• The world is “not worthy” of people who live by genuine faith
• All Christians are called to live by faith, not just those with special spiritual gifts
• God has prepared “something better” for New Testament believers

since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Hebrews 11:40

Jesus stands as the ultimate example of faith, perfectly trusting and obeying the Father’s will. What’s remarkable about this passage is how it connects us modern believers with these ancient heroes of faith. They were looking forward to what we now experience! They gained God’s approval through faith, yet the text tells us “God has provided something better for us.” Through Jesus, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and power to live by faith in an even more intimate relationship with God. The challenge for us today is to follow their example by actively trusting God’s promises and obeying His word in our daily lives. Are we demonstrating our faith through our actions like Noah, Abraham, and Moses did?

Bible References

• Hebrews 11:
• Hebrews 11