Hebrews 11:1-7 The Passion Translation (TPT)
How important is it to use faith in seeking God? According to Scripture, it is essential and the only way to please God. The Lord has extended a measure of faith to every person, so that he or she will use it for righteousness. Faith moves the hand of God to manifest righteous things in the natural realm that actually begin in the heavenly realm. Our faith opens our spiritual eyes to see the provision and revelation of Almighty God; all things brought forward by the power of God’s word. That is an exciting promise!
In our passage today, Paul lists some of the great heroes of the faith. May their faith inspire us to use our faith more and more.
Hebrews 11:1-7 The Power of Bold Faith
11 Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen. 2 This testimony of faith is what previous generations were commended for. 3 Faith empowers us to see that the universe was created and beautifully coordinated by the power of God’s words! He spoke and the invisible realm gave birth to all that is seen.
4 Faith moved Abel to choose a more acceptable sacrifice to offer God than his brother Cain, and God declared him righteous because of his offering of faith. By his faith, Abel still speaks instruction to us today, even though he is long dead.
5 Faith lifted Enoch from this life and he was taken up into heaven! He never had to experience death; he just disappeared from this world because God promoted him. For before he was translated to the heavenly realm his life had become a pleasure to God.
6 And without faith living within us it would be impossible to please God. For we come to God in faith knowing that he is real and that he rewards the faith of those who give all their passion and strength into seeking him.
7 Faith opened Noah’s heart to receive revelation and warnings from God about what was coming, even things that had never been seen. But he stepped out in reverent obedience to God and built an ark that would save him and his family. By his faith the world was condemned, but Noah received God’s gift of righteousness that comes by believing.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the faith you have deposited within me. I place my hope in your Spirit and ask you to help me use that faith in order to manifest your righteous provision. In Jesus’ name. Amen.