A Faith that Works
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him (God), for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder
of those who diligently seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6
The 11th chapter of the book of Hebrews is known as the “Faith Chapter” and for good reason. The author of this letter leads us through an account of past saints all sharing a common oneness—their faith. The faith discussed here is not a mere belief system. Rather, this is a godly faith that originates and ends with the author and perfector of our faith, Jesus Christ.
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2
It is faith that defines a man, and ultimately it is faith that defines who that man is as well as what a man does with his life. Like the warrior clenching his sword as he enters the battle field, people of a God-driven faith are unwilling to yield their heavenly treasure for any earthly prize. Would you swap an eternal trophy for a fleeting thrill? As men and women that walk by faith, we must passionately pursue the goal that Christ has called us to…Himself. The book of Hebrews speaks to such a man and woman willing to say no to the “best” of what the world offers and yes to the only thing that really matters.
“By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he look to the reward.”
Hebrews 11:24-26
As expressed, the origin of this faith is found and delivered through God Himself. It is not something that can be man-made or man-
achieved. Rather, it is a gift from God that reveals His splendor and His glory.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:8-10
Within the meaning of “faith,” it is critical that we understand what the word faith meant to the author during the time he wrote this message. It is only then, that we will fully grasp what he was attempting to communicate to his brothers and sisters in Christ. As shared earlier, it is impossible to please God without faith. Yet, what exactly does faith mean?
In Hebrews 11:6 it is clear that faith mandates belief… “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is…” Here we see that faith in God requires one to believe in Him. The Greek word (believe) used here carries a significant and profound association with our understanding of the words trust and commitment. As important, the Hebrew readers of this time would have understood the one-to-one relationship between trust and action. As such, when the Hebrews of this day read this letter they realized that faith meant…
It is only through total trust and commitment in God, that one can serve God and truly please God. The inward faith or belief of Christ will compel an outward manifestation of Christ. Simply stated, a genuine faith is God at work.
What can we learn from this? Most importantly, genuine faith in Jesus Christ is not something that one can compartmentalize or tuck away in a Sunday schedule. It is a 24/7 life-long commitment that is most revealed by the inner character or heart condition of one’s being. It is here, in the heart of one’s soul that his or her motives and desires are born. The man or woman who has genuinely places his faith in Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior will bear fruit showing himself or herself to be God’s disciple (John 15:8).
“You see then that a man is justified by works, and not be faith only.”
James 2:24
Here we see that James is not speaking of salvation by works. Rather, James is communicating the same message found in Hebrews…faith in God will produce works by God. The Greek word for works implies tasks, much like those associated with an occupation. For Christians, it speaks to the heart of our biggest job…to serve Christ in everything we do (Colossians 3:17). Our faith needs to define who we are on the inside and the outside—not our jobs, our hobbies, or even our earthly relationships. Christ alone is our full-time pursuit that needs to be connected to everything we do. Our lives should orbit around Christ and not vice versa. It is in losing ourselves in the equation of life that Christ is most revealed in all we do. Our motives, desires, and end goal are to see and live life through a God-orientation—not a me/man-orientation. Only then, do we see our lives as an altar being constructed for the worship of God. In doing so, everything and everyone we connect with see our lives as an act of worship in honor of the God we serve. This is the faith that Christ has called us to live.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
Romans 12:1
The faith chapter in Hebrews tells a story of how God used people to display His glory. Do you know something? God’s story is still being told through the lives of His people—His plan of salvation is still unfolding before us. By faith, what is God calling you to do? What relationship needs to be more about Him and less about you? Even as I write this, I wonder what relationships in my life need to be more about Him and less about me. What about you?
Know this, when God grips a man's heart through His gift of faith- He will work until the job is done (Phil. 1:6).