Hebrews 11:1 - Developing Strong Convictions.
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) Now faith is confidence
in what we hope for and assurance about what we
do not see.
Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) Faith is the confidence
that what we hope for will actually happen; it
gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV) Now faith is the
assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of
things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 (GNT) To have faith is to be
sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of
the things we cannot see.
COMMENTARY PEARL
Dictionaries usually define
conviction as a fixed or strong belief - but conviction
is much more than that. In addition to your
beliefs, your convictions include your values,
commitments, and motivations.
I like the definition of conviction I
once heard from the great Bible teacher Howard
Hendricks. He said, A belief is something you will
argue about. A conviction is something you will
die for.
Your convictions determine your conduct.
They motivate you to take a stand and act
according to your values.
When you first become a Christian, you
often do things simply because Christians around
you suggest or model them. You may pray, read
the Bible, and attend church services because of
their example.
This is fine for a new Christian; little
children learn the same way. However, as you grow,
you must eventually develop your own reasons for
doing what you do. Those reasons become
convictions.
Biblical convictions are essential for
spiritual growth and maturity. Ironically, many people
today have strong convictions about minor issues,
like football or fashion. At the same time, they
have weak convictions about major issues - like
what is right and what is wrong.
Hebrews 11:1 says, Now faith is the
assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of
things not seen (NRSV).
Developing strong, biblical convictions
takes time and commitment. But its worth it. In
the long run, theyll help you live a
consistent, faith-driven life. [Daily Devotional by Rick
Warren: https://pastorrick.com/devotional/]
COMMENTARY
What Is Faith?
The thought that the righteousness of
Christ is imputed to us, not because of any merit
on our part, but as a free gift from God, is a
precious thought. The enemy of God and humanity is
not willing that this truth should be clearly
presented, for he knows that if the people receive it
fully, his power will be broken. If he can control
minds, so that doubt and unbelief and darkness
shall compose the experience of those who claim to
be the children of God, he can overcome them
with temptation. The simple faith that takes God
at His word should be encouraged. God's people
must have that faith which will lay hold of
divine power; for by grace are ye saved through
faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift
of God. Those who believe that God for
Christ's sake has forgiven their sins should not,
through temptation, fail to press on to fight the
good fight of faith. Their faith should grow
stronger until their Christian life, as well as their
words, shall declare, The blood of Jesus Christ
his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Faith is trusting God"believing that He
loves us and knows best what is for our good. Thus
instead of our own way, it leads us to choose His
way. In place of our ignorance, it accepts His
wisdom; in place of our weakness, His strength; in
place of our sinfulness, His righteousness. Our
lives, ourselves, are already His; faith
acknowledges His ownership and accepts its blessing.
Truth, uprightness, purity, have been pointed out
as secrets of life's success.... Every good
impulse or aspiration is the gift of God; faith
receives from God the life that alone can produce
true growth and efficiency.
How to exercise faith should be made very
plain. To every promise of God there are
conditions. If we are willing to do His will, all His
strength is ours. Whatever gift He promises is in the
promise itself.... As surely as the oak is in the
acorn, so surely is the gift of God in His
promise....
Faith that enables us to receive God's
gifts is itself a gift.... It grows as it is
exercised in appropriating the Word of God. In order
to strengthen faith, we must often bring it in
contact with the Word.
How often those who trusted the Word of
God, though in themselves utterly helpless, have
withstood the power of the whole world.... These are
the world's true noblemen. They are its royal
line. {FH 63}
Faith is not feeling. Faith is the
substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things
not seen. [Hebrews 11:1.] True faith is in no
sense allied to presumption. Only he who has true
faith is secure against presumption, for
presumption is Satans counterfeit of faith.
Faith claims Gods promises and brings
forth fruit in obedience. Presumption also claims
the promises, but uses them as Satan did, to
excuse transgression. Faith would have led our
first parents to trust the love of God and to obey
His commands. Presumption led them to transgress
His law, believing that His great love would
save them from the consequences of their sin. It
is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven
without complying with the conditions on which mercy
is to be granted. Genuine faith has its
foundation in the promises and provisions of the
Scriptures. GW260
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE
Hebrews 11:1 - FAITH.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210618-1018.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Steps to Peace by Billy Graham:
https://stepstopeace.org/
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Voice of Prophecy Discover Bible Study
Guides:
https://www.voiceofprophecy.com/study/discover
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible
Panorama of Prophecy with Pastor Doug
Batchelor: https://www.panoramaofprophecy.com/
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
Islam and Christianity in Prophecy, The
Third and Final Conflict by Tim Roosenberg:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHSJB-fuHLU&list=PLWhQIHGTHlkaGg5Cwe3NDzWtFX8vNSpsE
