Do you have that conviction and certainty?

(TEXT: Hebrew 11:1-3)

Faith defined (v1). We all know that faith is characterized as something that is believed especially with strong conviction. It is also the belief and trust in and loyalty to God. The Bible defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for.” This is surely the giving of one’s word where we, the believer are guaranteed for sure. The next sense tells us about “the conviction of things not seen.” This one is a principle—an attitude wherein no matter what others says, this is what I believe. If you have the faith just described, you surely have that confidence and in no doubt of your idea. The Greek word for faith describes it as truthfulness in God, reliance upon Christ for salvation, the truth itself and fidelity. Faith is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and it comes from the heart (Romans 10:9-10).

FAITH COMMENDED (v2) . The people of old were commended for their faith. These are the ones called by God and responded. Thirteen people were listed as the ones called by God in the Old Testament including from the ones listed in the book of Hebrew. The second one is those who are enlightened and understood God’s power. Eighteen of them are listed in the New Testament. All this is the work of God alone (John 6:29). In our time today, it is Jesus' preference on whom the knowledge of God's kingdom is given (Luke 8:10) 

FAITH DISPLAYED (v3). A lot of people disagree on a lot of things and one of these is how one’s faith is to be put on show. Nobody lights a candle and hide it under his bed (Matthew 5:14-15). An example of one’s faith put into full view is through preaching the word of God (2 Timothy 4:2). Have you tried doing this as a Christian? After all, we are commanded to do so, as a show of our faith (Matthew 28:19-20). The next one unquestionably will not deceive everybody. One’s faith must be coupled with works (James 1:22). Such demonstration is easily visible. One’s word, for example, is evident enough from the believer how full of meaning his faith is. Besides, we are known by our fruits (Matthew 12:33).  

REVIEW. When you live in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ and is strongly convinced about it you have to carry on as Paul says, “Fight the good fight of faith, finish the race and keep the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). The fighting does not mean you are to brawl pugnaciously with someone but by guarding the pledge (this means the assurance) entrusted to you. To discharge this is by avoiding derisive talks of nonsense and inconsistency of what is falsely called “knowledge.” (1Timothy 6:28) Sometimes, our own knowledge (the knowledge of the world) makes us look like an expert on something especially when we squeal about our faith. But then it only sends us in conflict with God’s wisdom and soon gets us challenged. Just continue in faith (Acts 14:22), be strong (Romans 4:24) and be grounded in it (Colossians 1:23).