The Heroes of Faith - Devotional

GracetoYou.org ^ | 1993 | John MacArthur, Grace Community Church

[metmom]

"Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval" (Heb. 11:1-2).

Christian faith produces righteous deeds.

Hebrews 11 has been called "The Heroes of Faith," "The Faith Chapter," "The Saints' Hall of Fame," "The Honor Roll of the Old Testament Saints," and "The Westminster Abbey of Scripture." Those are appropriate titles because this chapter highlights the virtues of faith as demonstrated in the lives of great Old Testament saints. It also reminds us that without faith, it is impossible to please God.

Such a reminder was necessary for the first-century Hebrew people because Judaism had abandoned true faith in God for a legalistic system of works righteousness. Its message is valid today since our devotion to Christ can easily degenerate into a religion of rules and regulations.

While affirming the primacy of faith, the writer of Hebrews doesn't undermine the importance of righteous works. Quite the contrary. He exhorts us "to stimulate one another to love and good deeds" (10:24) and to pursue holiness so others will see Christ in us and be drawn to Him (12:14).

Yet righteous works are the by-product of true salvation, not its means. As the apostle Paul wrote, "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:10). Apart from faith, all attempts to please God through good works alone are as useless and offensive to Him as filthy rags (Isa. 64:6). That's why Paul gladly set all his Jewish legalistic practices aside, counting them as rubbish. He wanted only "the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith" (Phil. 3:9).

This month we'll study the heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11. As we do, remember they weren't perfect people. But their faith was exemplary and by it they gained God's approval. I pray that's true of you as well.

Suggestions for Prayer

Thank God for the gift of faith. Undoubtedly you know people who are trying to please God by their own efforts. Pray for them and take every opportunity to tell them of true salvation through faith in Christ

For Further Study

Select one of the individuals mentioned in Hebrews 11 and read the Old Testament account of his or her life.

[metmom]

Studying God’s Word ping

[Gamecock]

Amen!

[Ken Regis]

SPOILER ALERT!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

These are troubling times and I need to keep reminding myself Whose I am.

[boatbums]

Amen! I read about all the rioting, looting, killing and mayhem going on now in many of our major cities and the threats that they will surely increase when President Trump wins reelection. It's hard sometimes to not be dismayed and fearful. But...we do know that God is in control and that He has a plan that will not be thwarted - EVER.

When I read about the end times spoken of in the book of Revelation men curse God, shake their fists and gnash their teeth because of the calamities befalling the world, I couldn't imagine that people would be that depraved. Yet, it's not so hard to see that reality today. Some seem to have totally lost their minds! We are to be salt and light to the world as long as the Lord allows. One day - maybe very soon - we will be taken out and God's righteous judgment will be passed upon all creation. I pray that my life is a testimony to the value of knowing God.