Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Emphasis Added).
If ever there were a time wherein “Faith” needs to be the driving force and fuel of hope, health, and happiness it would be today! We are in the eleventh month of the “Virus Pandemic,” our daily lifestyles have been interrupted so that what is “normal” is everything but, and our nation is in the beginning convulsions of a seeming “Constitutional Crisis” with the consequent chaos of the Presidential Election.
For many, “Faith” is all that encourages them. Thankfully, it is enough – IF it is founded upon the Man, Christ Jesus of Nazareth. Such “Faith” is “Credible” because it is alive – it is visible!
God is looking for individuals who will witness to the world by demonstrating a faith that is both the foundation of their living (life) and the force of their longing (love). For this kind of faith to be manifest to others, it must be the example by which we live, the expression of our confidence in God, and our earnest expectation of His faithfulness.
As we see in today’s Scripture, God is not impressed by our works or accomplishments, UNLESS they are a result of an example of living faith, an expression of belief in God, and an expectation based upon God’s faithfulness. That is the fullest understanding and teaching of the entire eleventh Chapter of Hebrews – “Credible” Faith.
I know some of you might be curling your lips, raising your eyebrows, or scratching your head saying within yourself, “I’m not quite following what you are saying.” Allow me to draw your attention to what Jesus said as recorded in Luke’s Gospel:
Luke 18:1-8 (KJV) “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Emphasis Added).
In the previous Chapter of Luke, Jesus taught the principle that it would require active faith to forgive anyone who offends, receive healing and victory, and to endure the distractions, disasters, diseases, and disturbances of life. Faith, truly “Credible” faith, is the only thing that will ensure victory!
Jesus taught that “Credible” faith is the “visible” …
- EXAMPLE by which we live
Luke 18:1 (KJV) “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” (Emphasis Added).
The principle of “praying always” is consistent throughout the New Testament.
Ephesians 6:18 (KJV) “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” (Emphasis Added).
1 Timothy 2:8 (KJV) “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” (Emphasis Added).
Jesus taught that praying always and everywhere is a lifestyle of worship. It is to be an example (model) to the unbelieving world that our faith is rooted in the Living God Who is ALWAYS and EVERYWHERE; therefore, as believers, we – the church – are always “in church” and actively in the process of worship. “Credible” faith acknowledges the sovereignty of God everywhere and in all things.
Jesus taught that “Credible” faith is the “visible” …
- EXPRESSION of our confidence in God
Luke 18:2-5 (KJV) “… There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me” (Emphasis Added).
Jesus was NOT advocating that anyone should go before lawful authority with an impertinent, impolite, or insolent manner. However, He was teaching that a true believer that lives with a “Credible” faith will appear before any lawful authority with a confidence founded on a measure parallel with their trust in God.
Notice this same teaching being taught by the writer of Hebrews…
Hebrews 4:14-16 (KJV) “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Emphasis Added).
“Boldly” means – with confidence or assurance. There is a holy boldness that is evident in the believer’s heart when his/her faith is grounded in the Truth of Christ’s Power and Preeminence!
Jesus was teaching that this widow had confidence in the authority that God had placed. Her confidence was not in the judge, her confidence was in the One Who placed the judge in his position. She evidenced “Credible” Faith by expressing it in a manner that was both seen and heard. Hers was a living faith. Ours should be also.
Jesus taught that “Credible” faith is the “visible” …
- EXPECTATION of God’s faithfulness
Luke 18:6-8 (KJV) “And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Emphasis Added).
Jesus was teaching that “Credible” faith is persistent. It knows what God says and expects God to be faithful to His Word. It does not settle for less than what God says and asks nothing more. Just as certainly as Peter walked on the water because Jesus said, “Come,” we are to walk according to God’s Word.
The widow Jesus used as an example would not cease asking until the judge answered. “Credible” faith recognizes that the enemy will always attempt to thwart God’s will and Word. However, “Credible” faith persists until God’s answer comes.
Jesus asks a probing question – “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Is Jesus able to find “Credible” faith in us? Is our faith visible? The word – “find” – in this question means “See.” Jesus was asking, “Will the Son of man see faith?” Will He see “Credible” faith?
That really is a poignant question. One thing is for certain – our faith is visible. It is seen by everyone around us. We are, after all, living our faith – and it shows.
