From Hebrews 11:6 we have looked at the necessity of faith and the great blessing that is faith. Today, I would like for us to look at the final aspect of this necessary faith that is dealt with in verse 6, “The Work of Faith.”
Faith is not one of those things that some have and some do not. It is something that can be developed as we follow the Bible plan for growing in this area.
What is the work that leads to a productive faith life?
I. The faith life requires diligence and focus
1. Diligence
Anything of value requires hard work. We understand this in every area of life but somehow think that our Christian life is different.
To be a person of faith and therefore a person that pleases God requires faith.
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
You cannot hear the Word of God without diligence. We think that simply knowing people of faith or being in a place where faith is talked about is good enough. We must hear the Word of God if we are going to grow in our ability to trust God for who He is.
2Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Proverbs 2:3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
2. Focus-Everything in life must fall under your pursuit of God
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
We dabble. We play at Christianity and we play at having a life of faith. We exercise only small amounts of faith and call that good. We often use the excuse that there are just so many other things to be involved in that we cannot be entirely focused on our faith life. While faith and Christianity are intended to be practical, we must understand that when our relationship with God is right, and our lives are being lived by faith, having entire confidence and hope in Him, than every other area in our lives will be right as well.
-Family will be right
-Work/Other relationships will be right
-Finances will be right
Because a good Christian follows the Word of God and is a good spouse, parent, financial manager and employee.
II. Ultimate victory is the pursuit of God
It is the pursuit of God supremely that brings ultimate victory and success in our lives.
Success for a Christian is not in the final destination at which our life on this earth arrives, it is in living the journey of life investing in God’s work and His daily plan for our lives.
We will not be perfect. We will not be without sin. Life will not be without it’s ups and downs, it’s mountains and valleys, but the pursuit of God guarantees the victory.
Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
Habakkuk 3:17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
1Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.58 ¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
1John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
The life of faith is a life that we must live if we are going to please God. The question really is this: Are we willing to do the hard work of growing in faith so that we can be what He wants us to be?