Faith's Endurance: Unveiling the Hall of Faith - Part 1

Pastor Martin Saine begins Hebrews Chapter 11 - Part 1

The passage begins with a reminder to the readers to recall their past struggles and sufferings, encouraging them not to lose confidence but to endure, as those who draw back are not favored by God. The concept of living by faith is emphasized, citing passages from Habakkuk, Romans, and Galatians, highlighting that righteousness comes through faith rather than adherence to the law.

Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

The chapter then transitions into what is known as "The Hall of Faith," showcasing examples from the Old Testament of those who persevered in faith. It starts with defining faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. By faith, the elders obtained a good testimony, and by faith, the worlds were framed by the word of God.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.
By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:1-6

The first example is Abel, whose faith led him to offer a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, resulting in God testifying to his righteousness. Next is Enoch, who pleased God so much that he was taken away without experiencing death, with a reference to his prophecy about the Second Coming of the Lord.

The passage concludes with the assertion that without faith, it is impossible to please God, emphasizing the necessity of believing in His existence and His rewarding nature for those who diligently seek Him.